HEALTH AND FINANCES are urgent matters that can't be ignored in one's older years.

In a study by the Demographic Research and Development Foundation, Inc.,* Dr. Josefina Natividad's paper show that most old people felt that they got sicklier as they got older. While a higher percentage in their 60s report good or fair health, more of those in their 70s and 80s felt their health was poor. More rural folks report poor health than city dwellers. The most common reported illness by the elderly was arthritis and rheumatism. Other common health problems are hypertension, lung diseases (e.g. asthma, emphysema, tuberculosis), cataracts and heart problems. The elderly also mentioned diabetes, stomach and kidney problems. Arthritis and cataracts are clearly age-related.

These illnesses come with financial worry. Natividad says, "Growing old brings greater health risks that can mean more expenses for older people whose earning capacity is no longer at its peak."

In some cases, according to research by the National Defense College**, this can even push the elderly to commit suicide. "Medical concerns, among others, become unbearably costly that this precipitates suicide among the elderly."

The NDC's study also shows that persons with higher socio-economic status have, on the whole, better physical and mental health, higher intelligence, greater happiness, and more social activities in old age. Poverty is the greatest obstacle to a secured old age. Poverty clearly decreases the elderly's chances of quality life because it enhances exposure to undesirable living conditions like unhealthy living arrangements and inadequate diet.

According to Professor Grace Cruz* in the year 2030, the elderly numbers in the Philippines will rise to a significant 13.5% of the whole population. Latest census pegs their number at 3.7 million old people. This is expected to swell to 11.3 million by the year 2020.

The increase in the elderly poses a burden to the productive age groups. In 1970, there were eleven working people supporting every old person. By 2020, there will only be six people of productive age for every elderly. This pattern has significant implications due to the low social security coverage of old people in the Philippines and care of the elderly is left mainly in the hands of the younger sectors of society.

All this information and research amounts to one thing: the crucial need to prepare. No one wants to get sick penniless. No one wants to grow old miserable. No one wants to be a burden on other people. With preparation, Family First assists you with financial prosperity, independence, and happiness in old age.

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* "Rapid Demographic Change and the Welfare of the Elderly Project: The 1996 Philippine Elderly and Near Elderly Survey." University of the Philippines Population Institute 1996

**"The Filipino Elderly: Issues and Concerns."pp. 6,24 The National Defense College