Ageing and Health in the Philippines: Wave 2

Grace T. CruzChristian Joy P. CruzYasuhiko SaitoEdited by Copyright © 2025 by Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia and Demographic Research andDevelopment Foundation, Inc. Published byEconomic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)Sentral Senayan II 6thFloorJalan Asia Afrika No. 8,Central Jakarta 10270Indonesia and Demographic Research and Development Foundation, Inc.PH1200, 2/F Palma Hall, University of the Philippines, Roxas Ave., Diliman, Quezon City 1101 Philippines All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmittedin any form by any means electronic or mechanical without prior written notice to and permission from thepublishers. Layout by ERIA teamCover design by ERIA teamPhoto Credit by Eman Lacuesta (from Dumaguete City, Philippines) Full series ISBN no.978-602-5460-59-3Wave 2 ISBN no. 978-602-5460-61-6 Suggested citation:Cruz, G.T., Cruz, C.J.P., and Saito, Y. (eds.) (2025),Ageing and Health in The Philippines Wave 2. Jakarta: ERIA(Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia). ERIA Foreword As global populations continue to age, understanding the uniquechallenges and opportunities of ageing in various socioculturalcontexts has never been more crucial. By 2030, the Philippineswill become an ageing society, with individuals aged 60 andover accounting for more than 10% of the population. Thisresearch, the Wave 2 survey of the Longitudinal Study of Ageingand Health in the Philippines (LSAHP), aims to identify olderFilipinos’ health, economic status, gender differences, theeffect of household environment, and major challenges in thepost-COVID-19 situation. This longitudinal study is particularlymeaningful for comparing and analysing changes in olderFilipinos’ health and social conditions before and after thepandemic through the Wave 1 and Wave 2 surveys. The Wave 2 survey was conducted by ERIA and the Demographic Research and DevelopmentFoundation (DRDF) from January to April 2023. Building upon the findings of Wave 1 from December2018 to March 2019, this second survey comprehensively explores the ageing phenomenon within thePhilippines and sheds light on the changing demographic landscape contributing to the Philippines’transition to an ageing society. We hope this research can provide an invaluable scientific data resource for policymakers, healthcareprofessionals, social workers, and academics committed to enhancing the quality of life for olderindividuals. It fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of the ageing process, advocating for amore inclusive and supportive society for individuals of all ages. I am confident that readers will findthe research on LSAHP to be an enlightening and impactful contribution to gerontology and publichealth. Lastly, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the LSAHP project team. Despite significantchallenges during data collection, including respondent relocation, health conditions, and thepostponement of the survey due to the pandemic, the teams successfully accomplished the research.The data and insights obtained from this research will provide support to policymakers with aninformed decision on how to promote a healthy and active ageing experience for Filipinos in the future.policies and programmes to promote a healthy and active ageing experience for Filipinos in the future. Yours sincerely, Tetsuya WatanabePresident of ERIA (Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia) Republic of the PhilippinesNATIONAL ECONOMIC AND DEVELOPMENTAUTHORITY Message The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)commends the collaborative efforts of the DemographicResearch and Development Foundation Inc. (DRDF) and theEconomic Research Institute for the ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)in completing the 2nd Wave Report on Ageing and Health in thePhilippines. This study, a continuation of the Longitudinal Surveyon Health and Ageing in the Philippines (LSHAP) first publishedin 2019, is a significant step towards advancing the goals ofactive and healthy aging in the country—an indispensableaspect of development to ensure that no Filipino is left behind. By 2028, as outlined in the Philippine Development Plan2023-2028, we envision Filipinos enjoying long and healthy lives in livable communities with strengthened health systems and an environment that enableshealthy choices and behavior. This report is invaluable as we work toward this goal, as it provides acomprehensive examination and analysis of the health, socioeconomic status, living conditions, andother pertinent data regarding our elderly population. These insights will empower us to implement evidence-based policies and programs that cansignificantly improve human and social development. This, in turn, increases the likelihood that ourcitizens, particularly our senior citizens, will live longer, healthier, and more active lives. By focusingon programs that better serve and assist our older and vuln