Saturday, February 20, 2010

Health Related Beliefs and Practices Among the Elderly

Health Related Beliefs and Practices Among the Elderly
in the Selected Towns of Aklan, Panay Island, Philippines









A Research Report Presented to the Center for West Visayan Studies (CWVS) and UP-Center for Integrative and Development Studies (UP-CIDS)



by




Melchor F. Cichon
Project Leader






Joan C. Dumadag
Scientific Aide



February 2001
Revised
April 26, 2008
February 22, 2010


ABSTRACT

Health Related Beliefs and Practices Among the Elderly in the Selected Towns of Aklan, Panay Island, Philippines. A Research Report Presented to the Center for West Visayan Studies (CWVS) and UP-Center for Integrative and Development Studies (UP-CIDS). By Melchor F. Cichon* and Joan C. Dumadag, 2008.

Abstract: This descriptive study was undertaken: 1) to describe the profile of the healthy and strong 70-year old and above, and natural born Aklanons who are living in the municipalities of Lezo and Malinao, Aklan; 2) to find out their health beliefs and practices on foods and food habits, rest and exercise and medicine; 3) to find out what community activities these elderly natural born Aklanons are doing in their respective localities; 4) to find out their aspirations and their general attitudes towards life; and 5) to present the factors that made them stood still given the tests of time.
These towns were selected not only because the places are familiar to the researcher, but also because it has been noted that there are a number of men and women are still living in these towns.
The elderly in these towns are still very much active in participating to various community activities. They extend their help not only because they are elected into office but also because they consider themselves as concerned citizens. The elders wish to prolong their lives – not only to live life to the fullest but to help those who are less fortunate. They wanted to pass their health secrets to the younger generations because they also want them to experience what they have enjoyed. As noted, the younger generation of this century ignored the beliefs and practices of the elders. This could be attributed to the massive assimilation of western practices and the advancement of science and technology. Our elders who lived beyond 70 years old have adhered to these beliefs and practices. Unlike the younger generation, our elders do not take a bath immediately after ironing clothes. They do not smoke cigar or cigarettes. They also do not drink liquor. But some of them drink tuba or coconut wine. The women do not take a bath on the on-sit of their menstruation and it was proven that that the old aged women did not find it hard to adjust during their menopausal period. The elders as noted do not use preservatives and other chemical flavorings in cooking unlike today’s generation. The elders believed that chemical flavouring causes harm to the human body. They are eating a lot of vegetables.

Implications. This study does not deal so much on the veracity or falsehood of the elderly’s health beliefs rather as part of cultural practices. This study deals with the phenomenology of the elderly’s beliefs. What this study is trying to construct is the elderly’s notion of health/long-life versus ill-health or short-span of life; the notion of good food for the health (remedies) versus food bad for the health (poison) and other related notions.

Recommendations. This study is not conclusive because experimentation was not made. It is essentially an ethnographic study and just a recording of cultural beliefs and practices. It is not the role of the researcher to interpret the results as they were only based on the response of the respondents. Findings of the study are debatable and are subject to further investigation, but we can deduce that the younger generation should not ignore the beliefs and practices of the elders because there is no harm in trying anyway. This research also encourages the concerned government agencies to work harder to uplift today and tomorrow’s elders’ lives. Massive information dissemination on the privileges of the elderlies should be conducted. The implementation of the Senior Citizen’s Law should be given more teeth and that an assessment should be made whether appropriate services were delivered to them. Legislators, program implementers, and other policy makers should look much deeper into the current status, needs, and indications of the elderly to provide better services to the elderly. Lastly, if we have to further lengthen Filipinos’ lifespan, our government should sincerely focus on the intrinsic and extrinsic approaches to prevent and reduce disability by persuading them to adopt healthier lifestyles.


*The author is a multi-awarded Aklanon poet, and a librarian. He presently heads the Readers Services Section, U.P. in the Visayas,Miag-ao, Iloilo. He has written two books on Aklanon poems, and two reference books: Philippine Oddities and Philippines First Facts. He co-authored a book on Katipunan in Aklan and has published a number of articles on Aklan cultures. He finished his Master in Management and Master in Library Science both from the University of the Philippines System.


Table of Contents

Page No.

Chapter I

Introduction 1

I. Chapter II Setting, History and Conditions

A. Overview of the Province of Aklan
1. Geographic Location 13
2. Political Conditions 14
3. Economic Conditions 15
4.Socio-cultural Conditions 16
5.Demographic Profile 17

A. B. Lezo
1. Geographic Location 17
2. Political subdivisions 18
.. 3. Economic conditions 19
4.Socio-cultural conditions 19
5. Demographic Profile 20

Malinao
1. Geographic Location 20
2. Political subdivisions 20
3. Economic conditions 21
4.Socio-cultural conditions 21
5. Demographic Profile 22

B. Chapter III Health Beliefs and Practices

A. The Elderly: A Profile 23

B. Health Beliefs and Practices 27

Nutritional Beliefs and Practices of the Elderly 28
Pagpanigarilyo (Smoking Practices) 33
Pagmama (Chewing Practices) 34
Pasma 36
Pagbasa (Reading Practices) 37
Sexual Practices 39
Pag-Exercise (Exercising Practices) 41
Kalingawan (Hobbies) 42
Pagtueog (Sleeping Practices) 43
Kontribusyon sa Sosyudad (Contributions to the Society) 45
Handum sa Mayad nga Pangaeawasan (Health Aspirations) 47
Panan-aw sa Pangabuhi (Attitude towards Life) 48

Chapter IV Analysis, Conclusion, Implications and Recommendations 50

References 54

Appendices 56



Chapter I

INTRODUCTION


Studies on Philippine elderly is very limited.
The most comprehensive study of Filipino elderly conducted by Domingo (1994) cited only ten studies. These include the following: Abaya, Adel G. 1981. “The elderly in the Philippine population”. Unitas 55(182); Domingo, Lita J. 1985. A Study on the role of Filipino elderly in population matters. Final report. Demographic Research and Development Foundation. Quezon City; MOrada, Marietta P., Hector Morad B and Estela T. de Guzman. 1986 the elderly population of the Philippines, 1980: characteristics concerns. Philippine Population Journal, vol 2.
Worldwide, Mattson (2002) said that “a search in Medline database using keywords ‘aging’ and ‘neurons’ revealed that in 1989 there were a total of 379 articles published, of which 1 to 40 was in a high impact journal such as Nature, Science, Neuron and PNAS. In 1999, there were 599 articles published, of which nearly 1 in 15 were in high impact journals.”
In 2002, the journal Ageing Research Reviews came out. Published by Elsevier, this will surely generate more studies on the subject. So far, no article from the Philippines has been published in this journal.
Mattson (2002) said that “aging is a process involving evolutionarily conserved changes at the molecular, biochemical and cellular levels that increase the risk of dying.
He further noted that “Aging facilitates a variety of diseases and, accordingly, is the major risk factor for the most prevalent cause of mortality in all types of organisms. Studies of the basic mechanisms of cellular aging provide clues to the pathologenesis of age-related diseases and, conversely, the study of inherited and acquired disease can provide a window for viewing the molecules and biochemical cascades that underlie aging.”
The growing existence of the elderly was revealed by the National Statistics Office (NSO) and was backed-up by a study conducted by the University of the Philippines (Domingo, 1994). It is said to have a consistent increase in the last few years. Ages 50 years and above were said to have numbered to 5, 045,950 in 1980 and was estimated to have reached 6,750,115 in 1990. It was also expected to increase to 9, 379,307 in year 2000. (Isidro, 1989).
Based on the 2000 Philippine Census of Population and Housing, the total number of senior citizens (60 years and above) was 4.6 million, accounting for 5.97 percent of the Philippine population. This number registered a 22.18 percent increase from 1995 (3.7 million persons). In terms of the average annual population growth rate, the elderly population grew at 4.39 percent during the 1995 to 2000 period, higher when compared to the 1990 to 1995 growth rate of 3.06 percent. If the growth rate of senior citizen continues, this will reach 10 million in 2010. (Anon, 2005). The 2001 Philippine Yearbook presents the increasing number of senior citizens from 4,857,000 in 2001 to 5,960,000 in 2005.
Of the total number of population (6,211,038) in Western Visayas in 2000, there were 473,752 senior citizens, accounting to 10.38% of the total Philippine senior citizens and 7.63% of the total population in Western Visayas. (Anon, 2005)
Worldwide, populations are likewise ageing. (Evans, 2000; Haub, 2007).
In 2007, average highest life expectancy of the world was 68 in both sexes with Japan getting the highest at 82, and Swaziland the lowest at 33.
The average lifespan of the Filipinos has increased from 59.93 years in 1970 to 69 in 2007. (NEDA. Philippine Yearbook, various issues, and PRB’s World Population Data Sheet, 2007). Despite their expanding number, many environmental scientists ignored them. (Adler 2003).
Filipinos growing existence as a phenomenon should not only be taken as a biological problem but as an economic and social problem. Many countries worldwide experience the above-mentioned problems on the elders because they were the ones who are more affected by the economic condition of a country given their physical condition. (Anon., 1999b)
In the Philippines, the problem on the elders is more serious considering that a large percentage of the population is living below the poverty line (Anon. 1999b; Gomez, 2006).
On the other hand, biases in prioritizing patients and the choice of the medicine prescribed to the patients are considered moral problems. Some of the health personnel prefer to prescribe cheap medicine, which are affordable to their patients though it gives temporary comfort instead of an expensive medicine, which their patients could not afford, but has better results.
Two reasons were advanced by Evans (2000) on the cause of population ageing: the change in the balance between fertility and mortality rates, and the declining death rates in middle and old age. The advance in health care must have contributed to this phenomenon.
Isidro presents (1989) several theories on population ageing.
The biological theory points out that heredity lengthen life span. Because of hereditary traits, individuals whose ancestors have lived longer are expected to live about the same length of time their ancestor had, so long as the environmental conditions are controlled, favorable for that matter.
The cellular theory viewed the aging process as the inability of the cells to replicate them. Relative to this theory is the free radical theory. This theory proposes that ageing is the cumulative result of oxidative damage to the cells and tissues of the body that arises primarily as a result of aerobic metabolism. To support this theory is a hypothesis that (1) variation in species life span is correlated with metabolic rate and protective antioxidant activity; (2) enhanced expression of antioxidant enzymes in experimental animals can produce a significant increase in longevity; (3) cellular levels of free radical damage increases with age; and (4) reduced calories intake leads to a decline in the production of reactive oxygen species and increase in life span. It should be noted however that this theory is still inconclusive. (Wickens, 2001)
This theory is also known as Disposable Soma theory of Kirkwood and Rose which states that “ageing is due to the accumulation of damage and that rate of sageing will be determined by the effectiveness of systems of damge control through prevention, detection and repair or replacement.” (cited by Evans, 2000)
Isidro further discusses that the delay of the aging process can also be attributed to Nutrition Theory, which states that aging process can be controlled through proper nutrition. Eating nutritious food and on time are the simple ways of applying the Nutrition Theory. Food with nutritive value should always be taken into consideration because it helps an individual to maintain a strong and healthy body.
Moreover, Hormonal Theory claims that hormones injected or taken regulate the normal functioning of the tissues and of the organs of the body and therefore their increase or decrease will affect the aging process of an individual. (Isidro, 1989)
Furthermore, Exercise theory has said to have definite effects upon the functioning of the body organs. It is the one responsible for the regulation of the bowel movement, removes the toxic products from the body, and it may contribute to the delay in the degeneration of the cells. (Isidro, 1989)
On the other hand, stress and tension greatly affect the aging process of an individual. There was an observation that an individual who has more worries usually appears older and seems to age more rapidly than one who worries less.
Moreover, Dr. De Vera noted that when some people are “at the peak of their powers and careers they got sick and die.” He assumed that it may be due to their health negligence – drinking alcohol, smoking cancer-provoking cigarettes, eating salty and fatty foods and devouring calories and sugar-rich pastries and chocolates and forgetting exercise. Thus when they reach their late 30s, they are facing health problems and realizes their wrong acts. (De Vera, 2001)
In short, ageing is a universal phenomenon that affects all animal species. It is related to three basic factors: genetics, environment and lifestyle.
Lifestyle may include the following: exercise, eating habits, sleeping habits, and attitudes towards life.
Worthwhile aging must be planned and undertaken with specific goals and objectives. This is to avoid pressures and tensions while heading towards the remaining days of an older person.
The process of aging in the Philippines is difficult because as an emerging industrialized country, a growing increase in the pollution of the environment is very alarming. Though the biological processes are very much the same as they were many years ago, but since the environment has changed it is necessary to study the effects of all these environmental changes on man.
The process of aging in the Philippines is difficult because as an emerging industrialized country, a growing increase in the pollution of the environment is very alarming. Though the biological processes are very much the same as they were many years ago, but since the environment has changed it is necessary to study the effects of all these environmental changes on man.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
This study specifically answered the following objectives: 1) to describe the profile of the healthy and strong 70-year old and above, and natural born Aklanons who are living in the municipalities of Lezo and Malinao, Aklan; 2) to find out their health beliefs and practices on foods and food habits, rest and exercise and medicine; 3) to find out what activities these elderly natural born Aklanons are doing; 4) to find out their aspirations and their general attitudes towards life; and 5) to present the factors that made them stood still given the tests of time.


SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
This study is descriptive in nature. The area of the study is only limited in the municipalities of Lezo and Malinao, Aklan, Panay Island. Reluctance on the part of the respondents in giving information which they considered confidential is another limitation of the study. The researcher tapped natural-born Aklanons who are 70 years old and above and are permanently residing in the above-mentioned municipalities to highlight the impact of their health beliefs and practices.

METHODOLOGY OF THE STUDY
Apart from library research at the U. P. in the Visayas and at the Center for West Visayas Studies libraries, a guide questions (See Appendix B) were prepared to get the responses from the respondents.
A tape recorder was used during the conduct of field interviews. Aside from employing the 3-person veracity test, interview with the elders’ neighbors and children were also conducted to confirm the veracity of the respondents’ answers.
A pre-test in the towns of Miag-ao and Guimbal, Iloilo was conducted to test the interview guide and the validity of the study.
This study conducted in 2001 uses the phenological method hence only 36 respondents were used.


CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

With the discussion provided above, this study adopted the Systems Approach. It will be used as a guide in framing and discussing this study. As defined by Koontz (1984) Systems Approach is a set or assembly of things interconnected or interdependent so as to form a complete unity. External variables in here are considered as factors towards the building/attainment of a certain goal. Example, the human body is composed of many vital parts, and they work as a system. If one part malfunctions, the other parts are affected. Thus, if the human body is well-attended to, that is, if it is fed with nutritional foods, and free from hazards both from sports and social discrimination and has proper exercise, there is a great possibility that an individual will become healthy and strong.
Though various theories were mentioned in the above-discussion, specific factors were determined to simplify the framework of the study. This study is guided by a conceptual diagram illustrated below:

















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The diagram clearly shows on how an individual achieves maximum life span. Physical environment, adequate nutritional foods, regular exercises, no vices, proper clothing and shelter and attitude towards life are some of the external variables that are attributed towards the achievement of a desired goal of every individual – that is, long life or maximum life span.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
Elders should be treated as an asset rather than a liability because they are preservers of good values and models of virtous lives. To them avoiding vices can lengthen their lives.
They should also be treated as transmitters of culture and as carriers of health related health related beliefs and practices handed down to them by their ancestors. Thus, they have the duty to transmit them to younger generations because they also want them to experience the joy and comfort of life.
This study can be used as a building block or a stepping stone in the conduct of future researches on the health related belief and practices of the elderly in other areas. This study is also an eye-opener to all concerns who are supposed to take care of the elderlies. Furthermore, this is a challenge to the younger generations appreciate traditions. The respondents of this study is a living proof that indeed, traditional it may be, these health related beliefs and practices were believed to be the factors on why the elders achieved longer lives.


Chapter II

SETTING, HISTORY AND CONDITIONS

The succeeding discussions are provided to serve as a backgrounder of the chosen area of the study. It was also found out that it had its contribution in the attainment of the maximum life span of the elderlies in the selected areas of the study.

A. Overview of the Province of Aklan
1. Geographic Location

Aklan is situated in Northwestern Panay. It is said that it looks like a half body of a duck with its base near the western portion of Antique, and the head towards the Tablas Strait. It is bounded in the west by Antique, in the south by Capiz and in the northeastern by Sibuyan Sea.
From Kalibo, the capital town of Aklan, it is approximately 160 road kilometers from Iloilo City, 90 road kilometers from Roxas City, and 175 road kilometers from San Jose, Antique.
Over 1/3 of the land area of Aklan consists of mountains with a mountain range covering the whole of the western side-bordering Antique.
Aklan is characterized by two areas of somewhat differing climate. The main difference is being the amount and the schedule of rainfall. The western portion of the province is wet in August and dries in March while the eastern is wet in November and dries in April.
The province is rich with minerals like gold, silver, and manganese, which are common in the municipalities like Nabas, Makato and Tangalan.
Aklan has five major rivers namely: Aklan Dumalaylay-Timbaban, the Ibajay, Tangalan, Jalo-Magadinan-Pulajan and the Talon. Its natural inland water resources include river streams and creeks, spring like the Hurom-Hurom Spring in the town of Nabas, and waterfalls like that of the Tindog Falls in the town of Madalag and Mampahon Falls at Barangay Tigpalas in the municipality of Malinao. Lake Lapu-lapu and the famous Boracay can also be found in Malay, Aklan.

2. Political Conditions
This section is provided because the researchers believe that it contributes to the attainment of a maximum life span of an individual. This is so because presentation of the political condition like good management and quality of life provided by the political conditions of a certain place, supplements the various reasons on why an individual lives life to the fullest.
Because of the political stability of the province, various social services like health are properly implemented.
Aklan, one of the oldest provinces in the country, was established as a province on April 25, 1956 under Republic Act No. 1414 authored by the then Congressman Godofredo P. Ramos. It was realized due to the implementation of the Proclamation No. 90 of the then President Ramon Magsaysay. It was originally one of the three rarawigans (provinces) of the island of Madyaas (now known as the island of Panay). Settlers from Borneo declared Akean (Aklan), Irong-irong (Iloilo), and Hantik (Antique) as provinces through the Confederation of Madyaas in 1213. It is said that Borneans settled in Aklan to avoid the oppression of the ruler of the Sultan of Borneo, Sultan Makatunaw. The first settlers in Aklan settled in places, which are known as Barangay Marianos and Barangay Laguinbanwa in Numancia.
3. Economic Conditions
Aklan is said to be rich in metallic minerals like gold, silver, copper, iron and manganese. Manganese is said to be common in the municipalities of Nabas, Makato and Tangalan. Total volume of mineral deposit was 21, 163, 000 metric tons as recorded by Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), Aklan under DENR (Mining Division). (The Aquino Administration, Major Development Programs and Projects 1986-1992. Aklan. Henceforth, The Aquino Administration)
In terms of its labor force, a survey in 1990 showed that 62.55% are gainful workers, 41% - employed fully and partially, 1.3% unemployed.
Raw materials are abundant for manufacture in the province of Aklan. (The Aquino Administration, )
Abaca and sea products are manufactured for small-scale business and for export. Privately owned manufacturing and processing establishment helped in the reduction of unemployment. These establishments produce handicrafts, metal crafts, furniture, dresses and fiber crafts, bamboo crafts, wood leather crafts, mats and hats, brisk and tins craft.
In the agriculture sector, coconut is the chief product of Aklan. Palay is the number one crop. Twenty nine percent (29%) of total agricultural land area is planted with rice. Due to Rice Production Enhancement Program of the DA, there was 49.47% increase rice production from 1988 to 1989.
The Socio-Economic Profile made by the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) of Aklan recorded a vast track of irrigable rice lands for rice and livestock production. The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) also reported 41,356.99 hectares of land, which were planted with coconut trees as of December 31, 1995. It made copra as the main product of the province of Aklan during those times. (Provincial Planning and Development Office. Province of Aklan:Socio-Economic Profile (1996-2001. Henceforth, Provincial Planning )
Fishing industry also contributed to the economy of Aklan. Sea products were gathered for domestic consumption and for export. Aquaculture products like prawn and bangus, also forest-based products like abaca fibers, piña cloth, sinamay, native baskets, and raffia products such as raffia fibers, raffia cloth and raffia rolls were just few of the products being exported.
Commercial centers like shopping malls and banks can also be found in Aklan, particularly in Kalibo. Going to the famous Boracay Island is no longer an agony because of the construction of an airport in Caticlan, Malay. Other facilities like the telephone also expanded to deliver satisfactory service to the people in Aklan. (The Aquino Administration ) The Philippine Airlines (PAL) has two flights from Kalibo to Manila in regular days except Wednesday. The airport can be found in Pook, Kalibo and in Caticlan, Malay Island, sixty-six (66) kilometers northwest of Kalibo. (Provincial Planning).
The above economic conditions of Aklan provide sufficient sources of income for Aklanons, including the elderly, to support their basic needs like food, shelter, clothes, etc.

4. Socio-Cultural Conditions

The dialect of the Aklanons is the hardest to learn. It is said to reflect their character because it is direct and sincere. It is also distinct because they use “e” as a vowel and not a consonant. (Roman dela Cruz ,ed., 1956, p. 7). It is hard to learn even to those who are living but not naturally born in Aklan.
In terms of social status, there were no tenancy problems during the early days because only few owned big lands. Most have small lots to farm and a space to build a house. ( dela Cruz , 1956)
At present, the province is still on its struggle for the betterment of life. Monitoring of an individual’s welfare is one of the many ways knowing the services they needed. Taking the health profile of the province, it was found out in the 1989-90 survey that respiratory diseases are the chief causes of mortality and morbidity. In 1991, there were 10 hospitals, seven of which public and the three, privately owned. There are clinics and government health personnel who are in-charged of the health services of the people of Aklan.
In terms of recreational activities, the province has recreational facilities, which caters the socialization activities of the people of Aklan. There is a gymnasium and a number of multi-purpose centers where ball games and other socialization activities are being held. There are movie and bowling houses, which are usually a venue for socialization not only for the young but also for the aged.
The 1990 survey conducted by the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), Aklan showed that one physician attends to 3, 923 persons, the nurse, 2, 718, dentist, 12, 683 and midwife has the ratio of 1:2, 950. However, malnutrition is widespread and prevalent among rural and urban poor children.
In terms of education, a survey in 1988-89 showed that there are 354 schools in Aklan, 332 of which is public and 22, privately owned. These institutions were established to cater to the educational needs of the people of the province of Aklan. (The Aquino Administration, Major Development Programs and Projects 1986-1992. Aklan)
The Socio-Economic Profile of the Province of Aklan also reported that subjects like Science and Health, Social Studies, Technology and Home Economics (THE) and Math in the secondary level were injected with Population Education to make the students aware of the effects of rapid population growth and other possible effects. (Provincial Planning, 2001).

5. Demographic Profile
A demographic profile is included in this study to show the population of the province and whether old aged persons have a significant number in the total population of the province of Aklan.
A survey of Census of Population and Housing last May 1990 recorded 380, 497 – males 189, 593, and females, 19, 904. This was claimed to have increased by 55, 934 or 17.2% from 1989-1990. The 1990 census showed a slight predominance of female to male population
Kalibo, is thickly populated because of its being the provincial seat of commercial and government activities. It comprises 13.51% of the total population.
The 1989-1990 survey by the National Statistics Office showed that the population density in Kalibo is 1, 538.53 persons per square kilometers; Lezo being the second with 771.87 persons per square kilometers. Malinao, on the other hand, has 105.27 persons per square kilometers.
Number of deaths registered 5.8% males, 42.9% females with age’s 80 years and over in 1986. Since Aklan is predominantly rural, more percentage of the people resided in rural areas than in the urban. In terms of the population movements outside the province, it was recorded that 41.4% males and 58.6% females moved out from the province. Those who moved out from the province went to Metro Manila and others in the nearby provinces. (The Aquino Administration, Major Development Programs and Projects 1986-1992. Aklan)

B. The Town of Lezo

1.Geographic location

Lezo, a fifth class municipality, is the smallest of the seventeen (17) municipalities of the Province of Aklan. It is bounded on the northeast by the town of Numancia, on the northwest by the municipality of Makato, on the southeast by the municipality of Banga and on the southwest by the municipality of Malinao. Lezo is approximately 9 kilometers away from Kalibo, Aklan and 168 kilometers away from Iloilo City. (Lezo Municipal Planning and Development Office. Municipal Profile of Lezo (1998).)
The municipality of Lezo has a total land area of 2,178.32 hectares, mostly planted with palay and other agricultural products like coconut trees and other root crops. Lezo is characterized by two kinds of climate: dry - from January to May and wet – for the rest of the year.
It was observed during the actual filed interview that the elderlies had adopted to the weather conditions of their locality. It was supposed to have a hot temperature during the field interview but due to an unexpected storm, it was cold. It was observed that the elderlies did not find it hard to adjust to the temperature because they were not suffering from illnesses like cough, influeza or even arthritis, illnesses which commonly attack specially if there is a sudden change in climate. It only shows that they are healthy enough to adopt to a sudden change of temperature.
Lezo is known for its clay products with designs and other decorative materials like jars, pots and bricks. It is also one of the sources of Piña, Abaca and Sinamay clothes. Most of the women in the town of Lezo were engaged in weaving. (Municipal Planning and Development Office. Brief Description of the Municipality of Lezo.)

2. Political subdivisions

Lezo, the smallest of the seventeen (17) municipalities of the Province of Aklan was once a part of the municipality of Kalibo. It was once a barrio and was known as “Guicod,” a term derived from the word “Guicab,” which means a cavern in a creek where eels were abundant. The said creek can still be found at the back of Lezo Elementary School. It was also once called “Tierra Alta,” meaning high land, because its center was the only spot, which was not covered with great floods during the early days.
It was only during the time of Don Juan Legaspi and Benedicta Geronimo when the drive for its independence as a municipality was realized. With some of the prominent people in Lezo, they organized themselves in 1865 and petitioned to the Spanish authorities to grant their request of making Lezo an independent municipality from Kalibo.
Upon the granting of their request, many possible names were suggested for the newly created town but was later on decided to be named after a Spanish naval officer named Lezo who was present during that said negotiation. As per decree of March 21, 1865, the town was inaugurated on July 6, 1865.
The town was handled by various leaders and was said to have encountered hard times due to the decrease of their revenues in 1904. Because of this, Lezo, together with the municipalities of Numancia and Banga, was again annexed to the Municipality of Kalibo. It only revived its independence as a municipality in 1910 having Patricio Motus as the appointed Presidente Municipal. Its independence was made stronger by an Executive Order No. 364 dated August 28, 1941, which was signed by President Manuel L. Quezon.
Another inauguration of the town was held in 1942. A guerilla named Capt. Prudencio Fernandez from Sta. Cruz, Lezo, together with Atty. Moises F. Morado from Poblacion, Lezo, young, and the only lawyer of the town led the said inauguration at that time. Atty. Morado was then appointed as mayor of the town and served from 1942 to 1943.
The source of income of the municipality came from the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA), being an inland municipality. It is also dependent in the income of the agricultural sector since ½ of its population are engaged in farming. (Lezo Municipal Planning and Develeopment Office. Brief Description of the Municipality of Lezo.)

3. Economic Conditions
The municipality of Lezo is a rich source of fibers such as piña, abaca and sinamay. Most of the women in the town are engaged in weaving since fibers are abundant in the town.
Half of the population works in the farm and have their own rice fields, thus, greatly contributes to the income of the town.
Lezo is a 6th class municipality. Its sources of livelihood are rice farming, livestock and poultry raising, coconut farming, employment, weaving and pottery.
The total land area devoted to agriculture is 924 hectares; 76 of which is irrigated and 158 hectares are unirrigated. The PPDO recorded 529 hectares of land planted with coconut trees in Lezo.
Multicabs and tricycles are the mode of transportation in the town. It has also its own market and has several private stalls in some strategic places in the town. (Aklan Provincial Planning and Development Office. Socio-Economic Profile (1996-2001).

4. Socio-cultural conditions
Tenancy is not a problem in the town of Lezo because almost all of the farmers in the town owned the fields they till.
In terms of educational conditions, it can cater an elementary and secondary education since it has elementary schools and one private high school – the Lezo Institute.
The people of Lezo had undergone various rulers/leaders and have also encountered hardships since their town was inaugurated twice. They found hard establishing their economic condition because of the political conditions during the early days.
Nowadays, they can socialize freely not only because of their independence as a municipality but also because of the existing recreational facilities in the town.
The town has its own sports and cultural center, the Saturnino Gomez Fernandez Memorial Sports and Cultural Center. Ball games and other socializations are sometimes being held in the said center.
Playground, parks, historical landmarks are also venues for recreation since it is usually populated by those who wanted to relax and take a rest. (Municipal Planning and Development Office. Municipal Profile of Lezo. 1998.)
The town has one private clinic, one rural health unit and four barangay health units. In 1989-1990, PPDO reported two doctors, two nurses, two dentists, and four midwives who are assigned as health personnel in Lezo. (The Aquino Administration, Major Development Programs and Projects 1986-1992. Aklan)
The primary causes of mortality in all ages are pneumonia and coronary artery disease as of 1998. On the other hand, the causes of morbidity in all ages are Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) and hypertension. (Municipal Planning and Development Office. Municipal Profile of Lezo. 1998.)
At present, the town is very much peaceful and conducive for living and the present situation is a living manifestation of the good ambiance of the town.

5. Demographic Profile
A demographic profile of the municipality of Lezo is presented to know whether old aged has a significant number in the total population of the town.
A survey of the MPDO in 1995 recorded a total population of 11,535; 5,821 of which are male, and 5,714 are female. The old aged numbered 775; 332 being the male and 443 being the female. (Municipal Planning and Development Office. Municipal Profile of Lezo. 1998.)
Moreover, the 1989-1990 survey by the NSO showed that the population density in Kalibo is 771.87 persons per square kilometer. There are no available records on the number of deaths in the town. (Municipal Planning and Development Office. Municipal Profile of Lezo. 1998.)

C. The Town Malinao

1. Geographical Location
Malinao is one of the seventeen municipalities of the Province of Aklan. It is bounded on the north by the town of Lezo and Makato, on the south by the town of Madalag, on the east by the town of Banga and on the west by the town of Ibajay. It is approximately 13.5 kilometers away from Kalibo, Aklan. (Malinao Municipal Planning and Development Office. Municipal Profile of the Municipality of Malinao.) Malinao got its name from a river traversing the settlement of those who have undergone population pressures and limited sources on their old site. It was named Malinao because the water has placid, cool and crystal water.
Malinao is characterized by two kinds of climate; dry - from January to May and wet – for the rest of the year. The people predominantly adhere to Roman Catholicism.

2. Political Subdivisions
Malinao in the early 18th century was part of the vast territory of the municipality of Banga. Its original name was Banga; a term derived from a big Banga tree, which grew in abundance on the western side of Aklan River.
It was only separated from the town of Banga when a formal resolution was filed to the Governor of the province under the leadership of Don Juan Nepumoceno. For three times however, the request failed due to avowed stand of local municipal officials in Banga against the cessation. This did not hinder Don Juan Nepumoceno and his colleagues, for when he was elected Gobernadorcillo of Banga, he did all his best to push the said request. He used his political power in persuading those who hinder them. They made them sign and later brought it to a Spanish priest in Kalibo and convinced to draft formal desire of Malinaonons to separate from Banga. The Spanish Governor in Manila having noted the favorable endorsement of majority of the influential men and women promptly ratified the document thus, ending the years of struggle for independence.
Several leaders administered the town of Malinao and it was in 1893 when the title “Gobernadorcillo” as head of the town was changed to “Capitan” but the appointment was still done by the local Parish priest. From 1899, the title “Capitan” was changed to “Presidente” and this was the year when the people for the first time were given the liberty to choose their town officials. Up to November 15, 1935 (the birth of the Commonwealth Government), the “presidents” were elected for a term of three years. Under the Commonwealth government, the head of the town was named “Mayor” who was elected for a term of three years. From 1941 to 1948, the term of office for the Municipal Mayor was made 4 years. It was then on that the town of Malinao survived the hardships of political subdivisions. (Malinao Municipal Planning and Development Office. Brief History of the Municipality of Malinao)

3. Economic Conditions
Malinao is one of the sources of rice and coconut of the Province of Aklan. The Municipal Planning and Development Office recorded 2,895 individuals who are engaged in farming. As of December 1993, they recorded 4,323.56 tons in rice production and 8,815.03 tons of coconut. Malinao’s major sources of livelihood are farming, employment, business, and practice of profession. However, there was no available record as to how vast is the land area devoted to agriculture.
Multicabs and tricycles are the mode of transportation in the said municipality. Areas, which can hardly be reached by multicabs and tricycles, can be visited via a single motorcycle. Others just walk because they prefer to stretch their muscles rather than taking a risk of riding on a reckless driver.

4. Socio-cultural Condition
Though the town recorded farming as the major source of livelihood of the Malinaonons, tenancy is not a problem to them because they own the lands they till.
In terms of their educational condition, it also caters the educational needs of the people because there are public and private schools established in the town.
The town also underwent various leaders and there was a time when population pressures and limited natural resources forced the inhabitants to seek expansion. A notable number of people transferred in 1792 and their settlement located at the eastern side of the Aklan River or what is then the municipality of Banga, was named Malinao because the river traversing it had placid, cool and crystal water. Nevertheless, it enjoyed its reputation as seat of government and local leaders exercised political, social and economic jurisdiction over the entire area. Residents of the area were devout Catholics.
Traditionally, appointment to the high office was based on being faithful follower of the Catholic Church and an elite member of the society.
Malinao has also its share of history because of a revolutionary Malinaonon. It is known in history books that Gen. Candido Iban had an active role in the revolutionary movement based in Aklan. He was the one who organized “El Levantamiento de 82 Lilo-an,” together with two closed aides Gavino Yonsal and Benito Iban. To commemorate their heroic deeds, a monument now stands in Kalibo where the names of three native Malinaonons are properly inscribed and were acclaimed as three of the 19 martyrs of Aklan. In Malinao, the memories and exploits of General Candido Iban and his followers are perpetuated in a monument erected during the administration of then Mayor Sancho Y. Inserto. Its commemoration falls every 3rd day of May.
The town was not spared from the damages of the World War II but upon Liberation, they started the reconstruction of the town, which was left stagnant and ravaged. (Malinao Municipal Planning and Development Office. Brief History of the Municipality of Malinao.)
In terms of health needs, the town has one rural health unit and six barangay health units. In 1989-1990, PPDO reported one doctor, one nurse, six midwives and one additional health personnel to attend to the health needs of the Malinaonons. (The Aquino Administration, Major Development Programs and Projects 1986-1992. Aklan)
At present, the town is very much peaceful and conducive for living and the present situation is a living manifestation of the good ambiance of the town.

5. Demographic Profile
As of 1993, the Municipal Planning and Development Office (MPDO) of the town of Malinao recorded a population of 21,605 with an area of about 18,500 hectares. However, there were no available records on the sex distribution of the population and on the mortality and morbidity rate of the town. (Malinao Municipal Planning and Development Office. Brief History of the Municipality of Malinao)











Chapter III

HEALTH RELATED BELIEFS AND PRACTICES OF ELDERLIES

A. The Elderly: A Profile

It is believed that an unhealthy diet like that of eating limited rice, refined foods, too much caffeine and lack of regular exercise can make people old before their time.
Productive social activities are said to be pushing back the aging process. Exercise, proper diet, earlier attention to health problems and advances in modern technology can attribute towards longevity. With the advent of modern technology and invented drugs to push back aging, people can now stay physically and mentally fit even up to their 80’s and 90’s. An optimistic attitude towards life is also said to boosts an individual’s immune mechanism. (Ludington and Diehl, 1999)
Old age is not given its just in the light of the discussion on aging. Medically, it is said to be a disease. On the other hand, it is treated socially as an “absence of youth.” This phenomenon is true in America. The young and the professionals are considered to be powerful because of they are always “on the run.” The elders on the other hand were faced with mandatory retirement when they reached their age of retiring. To go on with their lives, the elders find their own ways to achieve a peaceful and comfortable life. At their age, though they hardly cope with their age, some wanted to have convenient live, hence they decided to retire from the working force. (Romulo, 1994)
Moreover, others view aging as the process of growing old. It has three different ways, chronologically (age measured by the number of years, by the calendar), biologically (age by the state of the human body) and psychologically (age by the condition of the soul and as perceived by the individual person). (Pedro, et.al, 1989).
A study conducted by the UST Social Research Center reveals that, the elders find it difficult to cope with their status not because of their age but because of tangible factors like the lack of medical facilities for their health needs, and lack of recreational materials for their leisure activities.
The population of old aged people though not growing rapidly as compared to other countries, should be given attention in the sense that they are the most affected ones to the economic condition of the country. Their physical condition is vulnerable to the inadequate services being offered by the government and the society.
Nowadays, living in a country with inadequate services and facilities is very difficult. An editorial article by the Philippine Star entitled, “Make Health Care More Affordable,” showed that people in some areas continue to consult traditional or herbal doctors because hospitalization and medicine can exhaust a monthly income of a family. One might be saved from his/her physical illness but financial constraints can still make one sick. Confinement in a private hospital somehow assures an individual of an extra health care but the hospital bills is too expensive that the majority of the Filipino people cannot afford to. On the other hand, government health personnel could not render their services well because they lack qualified personnel, equipment and supplies of medicine. (Anon., 1999b). Putting up a clinic for health services is not enough. Lack of health personnel, equipment and supplies of medicine, due to some heart-squeezing factors, can also attribute to the poor health services in the country. Poverty, malnutrition and pollution are some of the factors on why an individual finds it hard to cope with aging. One hardly reached the age of 60 because of the said problems. If the statistics is reliable, F. Sionil Jose, a famous novelist, who turned 75 last December 3, 1999, is lucky enough for he is still coping with the difficulties of aging. (Ruckstuhl, 1999).
The existence of the elders was found to be limited to their houses. Lately they can be felt more because of their growing existence. (Pedro , et.al.,1989). The study of the UST Social Research Center about the elders revealed that there is more female old than males especially those who belong to the age of 75 and above.
Domingo and Casterline (1992) found out that “a small fraction of Filipino elderly live alone and a large portion live with kin, a spouse and/or children in particular.”
It was also found out that elderly in the rural areas have a lower level of education. This was said to be the reason on why they resorted to farming and handicrafts that are only minor work in urban areas. (Pedro , et.al.,1989.) Except for the pensioners, the income of the elders is irregular. The rate of partial and full dependency to children is high. This is especially true to the elders who have irregular incomes and who have children who have stable jobs.
Except for the weak and the bed-ridden, the elders still perform household chores, do gardening, raising fowls and do small-scale businesses.
Leisure is spent by resting, socializing with their neighbors and children. They also watch TV and listen to radio to update them of what is going on around them.
They also aspire for peaceful and long life. Economic difficulties pushed them to aspire for more comfortable life for them and for their children.
The study of UST Social Research Center also found out that coping with age is not difficult especially to the urban elders because they have activities like going shopping and taking fresh air in the parks as those who are in the rural areas.
Though the elders are less active, they are aware and familiar with their local officials and with the activities in the community. Some said that they could not fully involve in the activities because of their age.( Pedro , et.al.,1989) Rural respondents on the other hand, spend their time in visiting their friends and children. They just go to town to buy necessities, sell products and for religious activities. Urban elders have many leisure activities like movie houses, department stores, TV, radio and parks. They have less membership in religious and other organization. (Pedro , et.al.,1989)
Social gatherings is said to be important for the elders especially those who are in the rural areas because they act as “transmitters of and advisers on customs and traditions.” (Pedro , et.al.,1989)
Nowadays, medical practitioners in some places encourage the aging men and women to remain independent and active. They were advised to be independent from drugs and are encouraged to be treated at home for psychological purposes. To enjoy the last segment of their lives, they should courageously face the consequences of aging.
Moreover, a book by Rosenblatt and Moscovice (1982) claimed that, “in a culture that treats aging as a stigma and often relegates the elderly to institutions to live out their days safely separated from the rest of society, relatively few resources have been invested in maintaining the autonomy and functional independence of the aged”. (Rosenblatt and Moscovice, 1982)
Furthermore, they suggested that those interested in care for the aged should build programs on other existing local and regional resources. The use of extension service, cooperative arrangements with regional hospitals and other agencies should be maximized. Everybody in a rural community has a stake in the success of the above-mentioned programs because aging should be treated not as a disease but as an inevitability. (Rosenblatt and Moscovice, 1982)
In Lezo, Aklan, the elderly is unique in the sense that almost all of them have good memory. Aside from their being educated, they are approachable and fun to be with because they share all their health secrets openly. They believe that they can share their blessings to the younger generation by narrating what they had undergone.
The elders did not realize that they were given that much priority until this study was conducted. They thought all the while that one of these days, they will just be part of their family’s memories. Upon explaining the purpose of this study, all of them are willing to give what they think are helpful tips to younger generations to attain the maximum life span.
As far as the research has gone, the youngest respondent is 70 years old, the oldest, 94 years old. Almost all of them are still tending and working on their farms. They can still walk for few kilometers without feeling tired. Almost all of them have good sense of hearing since the researcher did not find it hard to ask questions regarding the study. However, a few of them did not personally write on the data sheet provided because some are already impaired.
Generally, the elders did not hesitate to answer all the questions being raised because they wanted to share their secrets to everyone who wanted to prolong their lives.

The Respondents


Sex No. %
Female 20 76.92
Male 6 23.08
Total 26 100

A great majority (76.92%) of the respondents were female, while only 6 or 23.08% were male.

Age No. %
70-74 9 34.61
75-79 8 30.77
80-84 3 11.54
85-89 4 15.38
90-94 2 7.69
Total 26 100
Majority (65.38%) of the respondents were below 80 years old, while 26.92% were between 80-89 years old. Two or 7.69% were between 90-94 years old.

Highest Educational Attainment No. %
Elementary undergraduate 20 76.92
Elementary graduate 1 3.85
High school undergraduate 1 3.85
High school graduate 1 3.85
College undergraduate 0 0
College graduate 3 11.54
Total 26 100
A great majority (76.92%) of the respondents did not finish the elementary grade, but there were three (11.54%) did finish a college degree.

Civil Status No. %
Single 4 15.38
Married 12 46.15
Widow/Widower 9 34.61
Separated 1 3.85
Total 26 100

A great majority (84.61%) of the respondents were married, while the rest were singles (15.38%)

Number of Children No. %
0-2 8 30.77
3-5 12 46.15
6-8 3 11.54
9-10 3 11.54
Total 26 100
Many (46.15%) of the respondents had 3-5 children, while three (11.54) had children between 9-10.
Previous Employment No. %
White collar job 4 15.38
Blue collar job 22 84.61
Total 26 100

A great majority (84.61%) of the respondents had blue collar job (handicraft, farming, housekeeping, seamanship, seamstress, tailoring, and factory work), while very few (15.38%) of them used to work as teacher, dentist, and government employee.

B. Health Beliefs and Practices

Though there is no scientific evidence that three meals a day is nutritionally the ideal, many authorities hold that eating oftener but eating less each time promotes the highest level of health. This is said to be particularly true for older people whose digestive processes are not highly responsive to demands. Furthermore, a study by Anderson and Langton, said that since the output of digestive secretions of older people of somehow low, smaller meals, which permit the digestive process to function most of the time appear to be the best practice. ( Anderson and Langton, 1961),
Moreover, they advised that an individual should take regular meal because regularity in the dietary practice is essential to vigorous and effective living. (Isidro, 1989
1989)

Many chemicals and pesticides are now being applied to agricultural products to avert plant diseases. Farmers’ produce if not carefully washed or eaten raw can possibly damage an individual’s health. Processing, preserving and refrigeration of food also lessen the nutritive value of the food we take.
It is a common knowledge that food preserves our health. It is a major factor, which prevents diseases to attack one’s body.( Isidro, 1989)
It is on these grounds that nutritional beliefs and practices of the elders should be studied because it is assumed that it is one if not the main reason why the elders in Aklan enjoy a maximum life span.

Nutritional Beliefs and Practices of the Elderly

The elders in Lezo were asked first on how many times they eat in a day. Almost all of the respondents claimed that “ …tatlo man ron ka adlaw…” (three times a day). Ang iba ay lima ka beses ay may snacks man ron (Others eat five times a day including their snacks). One of the respondents claimed that “…ako ay makatlo lang magkaon ay gadula ro akon gana ag kis-a ay gasakit ro akon nga busong…”(I eat three times a day because I loss my appetite; at times I experience stomachache). (Ureta, 2000, 87 years old ) Others do not take snacks because “… wa man sa ugali ang merienda ay ay wa man ginapangita…” (It is not a habit to take snacks because it is not longed for). (Molas, 2000; De Tomas, 2000.) Some eat regularly because “… gasakit ro akon nga busong kung indi kumpleto ro akon nga kaon…” (My stomach aches if I miss my meals). (Pamati-an, 2000.) One of the respondents just eat twice a day because “…ako ay twice lang magkaon ay indi ko man ugali ang mag-agahan…” (I eat only twice because I’m not used to eating breakfast). (Eruelas, 2000.)
They were asked of what they prepare for breakfast. Pirmi lang may humay, isda nga sweet and sour, ibis ag hipon, adobong manok ag itlog (always with cooked rice, fish in sweet and sour, small fishes and shrimps, chicken and egg). Kung minsan ay half-cooked nga itlog, humay ag maluto lang it isda para sa aga (Sometimes, half-cooked egg, rice and cooked fish for breakfast). (Francisco, P., 2000.)
Kami gusto namon sa agahon ay tinapay lang ron ag gatas o bisan ano basta mainit lang ron (We prefer bread and milk or anyhting hot for breakfast). (Escuella, 2000; Revestir, 2000 ) Eruelas on the other hand, “…ako ay kape lang para sa agahan okey na…” (I prefer coffee for breakfast).
For their lunch, “…gaeoto man kami it tinola nga may isda ag baboy…” (we also cook vegetable, mixed with fish and pork). Ginabutangan guid namon it gulay ro amon nga suea sa ilabas (we generally add green leafy vegetables for our viand). Ginsiguro guid ang namon nga mag tinola sa ilabas ag may green nga utanon ron (We make sure that we cook green leafy vegetable for lunch).
Kami ay minsan lang man kumaon it puro baboy ay para wa’t high blood (We seldom eat pure pork to avoid high blood pressure). Ginabawal ka doktor ang baboy kakon ay may sakit man ako sa corazon (The doctor advised me not to eat pork because I also have heart ailment). (Pamati-an, 2000.) Ureta on the other hand,… “gapatay it baboy ro akon bana amo nga di guid kalikaw sa pagkaon it baboy…amo ron nga napatay siguro it temprano ay gakaon pirmi it baboy…” (my husband butchers pig so it is not impossible that I could eat pork). (Ureta, 2000)
Evening meal is prepared easily because almost all of them no longer cook for supper. They just heat their left over food during lunch. (Fernandez,.T., 2000.)
Others just cooked simple cuisine for their supper like sweet and sour fish or fried dried fish. (Fernandez,I, 2000.)
Boiled bananas and bread were the common snacks being prepared by the elders. It is usually paired with milk or softdrinks like Coca-cola or Mountain Dew. (Aguirre, 2000.)
Naga-inom ako it gatas ay masustansiya… bisan pobre kinahanglan para kumpleto ro kaon… ang gatas daw suplemento sa amon nga kaon para daw mabusog man ron(I drink milk because it is nutritious…though financially hard up, I see to it that I can drink milk because it serves as a supplementary food and makes me full though I intake a small amount of food). Almost all of them drink milk because they believe that milk is nutritious and it strengthens ones resistance against illnesses. They sometimes mixed milk with coffee. (Fernandez,I, 2000.) (. Even if they don’t have money, they find means to buy milk because their meal is not complete without milk. Milk for them serves as supplement to food. (Eruelas, C, 2000.)
They also use ingredients like onions, garlic, tomatoes and ginger in cooking their cuisine. “Gabutang man kami it sangkurot nga vetsin para malasa ro pagkaon ag para malikawan ro kasamaran sa eawas ay kuno gapa-ulcer ag high blood tapos kidney trouble ang abu nga vetsin” (We also add little vetsin to taste the food and to avoid possible bad effects to health because it is said that it causes high blood pressure and kidney ttrouble if we intake too much of it). They just use a little amount of vetsin to avoid possible hazardous effect. They believed that too much use of Monosodium Glutamate (vetsin) causes ulcer, high blood and kidney trouble).( Fernandez,.T., 2000.) “Ang pagkaon it mayad ay makapahaba sa buhay ng tao… kung hindi makakaon ay makasamad sa lawas ag basi magka-ulcer pa ag mag-cancer sa bituka” (Good food extends the life of every individual…if you don’t eat, it will possible cause ulcer and worst, cancer in the stomach). Eating well as claimed by almost all of the respondents can contribute to the longevity of ones life. If an individual misses one of his/her meal, it can cause hazardous effect to the body. It might lead to ulcer, the worst cancer of the intestine.(Ureta, 2000, 87 years old.)
Scientific findings showed that water constitutes about two thirds of man’s weight. Regulation of body temperature is dependent upon water. Excess of water intake is not harmful, instead beneficial. Fluids drunk before or with a meal may dilute the acid of the stomach, which may delay digestion. Furthermore, it is said that water helps convert food to a semi-liquid state and thus tends to hasten the passage of food from the stomach to the intestine. ( Anderson and Langton, 1961), p.151.)
“Ay may beses nga anum o walo ka baso nga tubig ron sa isa ka adlaw.. dispes tumulog ay gainom gid ako.” (At times, I drink six to eight glasses of water…before sleeping I usually drink water). ( Ureta, 2000, 87 years old.) “Gainom guid ako it tubi ay para ma-discharge ro’y atong bodily waste ay sige man ang ihi” (I usually drink water to discharge body waste because I observed that I always urinate whenever I drink a lot of water). They drink water every after meal. They believe that drinking water discharges bodily waste and cleanses ones body. (Escuella, 2000; Pamati-an, 2000.)
Wa ron ako kasayod kung ano ka abu ro akon nga ginainom ay may softdrinks pa ag tuba ako nga ginainom bag-o makatueog sa gab-i (I can no longer determine the amount of liquid I intake because I also drinks softdrinks and coconut wine before sleeping).(Francisco, L 2000, 76 years old.) Ako ay wa man ron kasayod sa akon nga ginainom ay basta ron ginauhaw ako sa bukid namon ay sige man lang ron ang akon nga inom it tubi (I can no longer count the liquid I intake because whenever I am in the farm, I constantly drink when I feel thirsty). Drinking a lot of water happens especially to those who are still attending their farm. When they arrived from their rice fields, they are so thirsty that they cannot recall the number of glasses of water they drunk. (Molas, 2000, De Tomas, 2000 and Molas, 2000.) Ga-inom ako it abu nga tubi ay para matinlo-an ro akon nga eawas ay naoperahan man ako (I drink a lot of water to cleanse my body because I have undergone an internal operation). One woman claimed that she was advised to drink much water to cleanse her body because she underwent surgical operation a long time ago. She still drinks a lot of water up to now that is why drinking much water becomes her habit. (Fernandez,I, 2000.) Mga dose ka baso ro’y akon nga ginainom ay pirmi ako nauhaw (I usually drink about 12 glasses of water because I always feel thirsty). ( Eruelas, C, 2000). Medical findings said that an individual should consume six to eight glasses of water daily. It is said that the kidney can function efficiently and can eliminate waste solid if there are sufficient fluids. Water also helps in combating/preventing constipation. (Isidro, 1989, p.23.)
Almost all of the respondents in the municipality of Malinao eat thrice a day. Others eat five times a day since they are taking their snacks in between their meals. “Kape lang ag tinapay tapos gatas, itlog ag ibis para sa agahon okey na” (coffee and bread, then milk, egg and small fish for breakfast).( Tabing, 2000; Equiña, 2000) “Sa agahon ay saging, kamote ag humay kung kis-a ay lugaw…kung ano lang ang una ay inidi man kami mapili sa kaon” (In the morning, banana, sweet potato and rice porridge…anyhting that is available to eat, anyway we are not choosy when it comes to food intake).( De Manuel, 2000, Iledan, 2000, Sanchez, 2000 and Yetyet, 2000.) “Ako bisan una lang ang makaon okey lang” (Me, just anything that is available…I just content myself with what is being prepared) (Iledan, 2000).
For lunch, rice is paired with cooked vegetables mixed with fried fishes or watery soup fishes. “Wa guid ako maila sang iban ay gamala sa baba ko ang mala man nga suea” (I don’t like dried viand because it dries up my mouth whenever I eat dried viand).( Perfecta Iguiiña ) Equiña, 2000 likes meat cooked with vegetables for lunch. “sa ihapon ay galuto ako ag humay tapos ibis ag ang bilin sa ilabas” (for dinner, I prepare cooked rice and small fish and those leftover food during lunch).( Equiña,F. 2000, Conrado and Juana Tabing. 2000, Yetyet, 2000; Sanchez, 2000.) “Hindi man kami masyado sa mamantika kasi hindi namin din gusto” (We are not fond of eating oily food because we don’t like it).( Equiña,F. 2000, De Manuel, 2000; Iguiña, 2000.) “Kis-a lang ang mamantika para indi ma-high blood ag indi mag-yellow ro ihi…wa pa guid kami gakaon ay nag-advice ro among doctor nga iwasan para malikaw sa uric acid” (Oily foods are as much as possible being avoided to secure ourselves from high blood pressure and so as to avoid having yellow urine… we have not eaten oily foods because the doctor advised us to avoid it to free ourselves from possible sickness it may cause).( Conrado and Juana Tabing. 2000 )
“Sa merienda ay kape, tinapay, saging ag kamote lang okey na bisan kis-a tubig pa” (For snacks, coffee and bread, banana and sweet potato is what we have).( Equiña,F. 2000, De Manuel, 2000, Yetyet, 2000 and Sanchez, 2000 ) “Wa ako gainom it gatas ay wa ko kuarta nga ibakal” (I don’t drink milk because I don’t have money to buy it).( Equiña,F. 2000, De Manuel, 2000, Yetyet, 2000 and Sanchez, 2000 ) “Gadasig ang lawas basta makainom…ugali ko ang mag-inom it gatas” (the body becomes strong once youdrink milk…it’s my habit to drink milk). Some drink milk because they believe that it helps the bones to become stronger and they feel alert and energetic if they drink it habitually.( Equiña, 2000 and Juana Tabing.) “Mayad man…wa guid ako gamasakit” (It’s good… I never got sick since I started drinking milk).
“Bihira lang kami nagagamit vetsin tapos konti lang kasi sabi, masama daw sa katawan ang sobrang vetsin” (We occassionally use vetsin because they say that it is bad to the body if you use so much of it). In terms of the ingredients they use when they cook, they are particular with the amount of sodium glutamate they mix. Most of them use a little amount of vetsin (sodium glutamate) because they believe that too much use of it is bad to the health.( De Manuel, 2000, Sanchez, 2000 and Yetyet, 2000.)
Most of them also believe that eating well makes them physically fit. “Ang masustansiya nga pagkaon ay gapabaskug it lawas…pag indi kumpleto ang kain ay matamlay pero pag kumpleto, masigla at malakas lalo na pag masustansiya ang pagkain” (Nutritious foods make one alert and energetic…otherwise, one becomes weak, but if the food being intake is nutritious, one becomes energetic and strong). ( Iledan, 2000, Equiña,F. 2000, De Manuel, 2000, Yetyet, 2000 and Sanchez, 2000.)
With drinking practices, most of the respondents drink a lot of water. “Mga tatlo ka baso sa isa ka adlaw asta sampu ka baso nga tubig ang maubos namon” (We consume three to ten glasses of water a day) (Juana and Tabing, 2000, Equiña, 2000, De Manuel, 2000, Iledan, 2000.). “Madami ako mag-inom kasi palagi ako naga-ihi tapos nauuhaw ako kaagad” (I drink much water because I always urinate and always feels thirsty).(Equiña, 2000 ) Juana Tabing just intakes four glasses of water a day because she balanced it with her milk intake.
“Sa artesian lang kami kumukuha ng tubig pang-inom” (We get water from artesian well). Most of them get their drinking water from what they call artesian well, commonly known as water pump, locally known as “bomba”. (Equiña,F. 2000, Sanchez, 2000, Yetyet, 2000, Iguiña, 2000 and Beinvenida Iledan.) “Hindi kami kumukuha sa bubon kasi may bomba na kami dito sa amin” (We no longer fetch water from the well because we already have pump). They do not get from a deep well because of the installation of a water pump in their community.( Equiña,F. 2000)

“Wa na ginapabukalan ro tubig ay tinlo man ang halin sa bomba…kung sa kape ay kinahanglan mainit ang tubig …kis-a lang kami gapabukal pero kis-a basta indi man mainit guid ang sa thermos, ay ginainom man namon” (We do not boil water because our water from the pump is clean…if we use it for coffee, we boil it… we occasionally boil water, but at times, we drink boiled water when the water from the container is no longer very hot). Most of them no longer boil their drinking water because they believe that it is safe to drink water from a water pump. (De Manuel, 2000, Equiña, 2000, Conrado and Juana Tabing. 2000.) Others boil water if they drink coffee but not for regular drinking, but, if thirsty, they drink it right away. ( Sanchez,2000; Yetyet,2000; Iguiña,2000) Iledan, (2000) gets their drinking water from a waterfall near them.
As to alcohol intake, a few tried drinking coconut wine, locally known as ‘tuba’ just for the sake of drinking. Others tried drinking ‘tuba’ when they were still young because their fathers were once coconut wine gatherers or ‘mananggiti’. “Kalahating baso lang ang nasubukan namin na inumin noon kasi mananggiti ang tatay namin noong maliit pa kami” (We tried half a glass of coconut wine because our father was once a coconut wine gatherer). Those who tried drinking coconut wine consumes at least half a glass; others one glass of it.( Equiña,F. 2000, De Manuel, 2000 and Iledan, 2000.) “Kun amat ron…taw-an kami ay ga-inom para makatulog” (Sometimes, we are given a small amount of alcohol for sleeping). Others tried to drink half a glass of alcoholic beverages to sleep but in most cases, they only drink if there is available liquor.( Sanchez, 2000 and Yetyet, 2000.) “Tatlo ka bote nga beer ang mainom ko kung may barkada pero kung ako lang ay isa lang – pampatulog” (I can take three bottles of beer when I drink with my friends…only one when alone… for sleeping). “Wa ron ako pag-inom ay may ulcer ako pero kato ay gainom ako it tuba” (I don’t drink anymore because I have an ulcer, but is used to drink coconut wine). “Diyes anyos pa lang ako naga-inom na ako kasi ang tatay ko mananggiti, …abu man ang akon gina-inom klase-klase lang…gabaskug ro imong dugo ag ro imong lawas” (I started drinking when I was ten years old because my ftaher was one a coconut wine gatherer… I drink variety of liquor … I feel that my blood circulates better and my body becomes stronger whenever I drink liquor).( Iledan, 2000.) “Gabuyong ro akong ulo basta gainom amo nga nag-stop ako” (I feel dizzy whenever I drink liquor, so I stopped it). (De Manuel, 2000.)
A study by Langton and Anderson found out that most people who drink alcohol regularly do so not for its taste, but for the mental and emotional state it creates.
Furthermore prevention of alcoholism is the ideal, but according to present knowledge, total abstinence is the only certain healthy preventive measures. Anderson and Langton, 1961)
From the above statements, it is noticeable that the elders in this study claim that they ate vegetables. This must have contributed in their long life because of the presence of micronutients in their foods. These micronutients include Vitamin B12, folic acid, B6, niacin, Vitamin C or Vitamin E, or iron, or zinc, which when the body is deficient of them may cause cancer and may hasten ageing. (Ames,1998).

Pagpanigarilyo (Smoking Practices)
It is a common knowledge that excessive smoking, too much alcohol intake and addiction to drugs have bad effects on an individual’s physical condition. Lam et al (2007) said that in old age, smoking continues to be a major cause of death, and quitting is beneficial. It is also said that these are some of the factors, which accelerate aging. Anderson and Langton, 1961) Alberg (2002) claims that “on average, active smokers have greater than 25% lower circulating concentrations of ascorbic acid, alpha-carotene, Beta-carotene, and cryptoxanhin. The main oxidative mutagen in cigarette smoke is NOx. (Block et., 1992, Steinmertz and Potter, 1996 as cited by Ames (1998)..This mutagen depletes the antioxidants ascorbic and alpha-tocopherol in smokers. (Ames, 1998).
Wa ako ga-sigarilyo…kay wa man ako ga-crave nga mag-sigarilyo.. buko’t mayad ra sa lawas…gabuyog ang ulo masamad ang isip.. ang akon nabal-an ay ang nicotine ga-cause sa lung cancer (I don’t smoke…because I don’t crave for it…this is not good to the health…I feel dizzy, my mind is affected…what I know is that nicotine causes lung cancer). Most of the respondents did not try smoking with the belief that cigarette smoking is dangerous to health. Those who are craving for smoke can experience dizziness because it can affect one’s brain. Smoking can also result to lung cancer because of the nicotine content of a cigarette. ( Eruelas, C, 2000.)
On the other hand Policarpio Fernandez, 75 years old, tried smoking but did not continue to do so because he losses his appetite if he smokes and it also causes lung cancer.
“Nong bata pa ako ay mga isa ka kaha sa tatlo at kalahating araw…kun amat ay nawawalan ako ng gana sa kain basta nagasigarilyo ako amo nga nag-stop ako..makaginhawa na ako mayad basta wa it tabako” (When I was still young, I used to smoke one pack of cigarettes in three and a half days…at times I lost my appetite, so I decided to stop smoking…I can freely breathe now).( Eruelas, 2000.)
Two of the male respondents tried smoking but have stopped because of its side effects. “Nagsigarilyo ako kauna pero ginbawalan na ako sang doctor ay nagniwang ako sa sigarilyo” (I used to smoke but my doctor advised me to stop because I became thin when I engaged into smoking). “Kun amat at tatlo…kung may okasyon ay mga pulo lallo na pag naga-inom…wa man it malain nga epekto sa makaron ang bisyo ko sa akon nga lawas” (Sometimes three sticks a day …when there is an occasion, about ten sticks especially when I am drinking…so far there is no bad effect on my health).
However, a study by Anderson and Langton found out that one cigar or six cigarettes contain enough nicotine to kill two people if injected directly into the blood stream, only that it is never ingested in this manner.
Moreover, the smoke of a cigarette contains only 14 to 33 per cent of the nicotine contained in the tobacco, whereas the smoke of a cigar or pipe contains a higher percentage this is because the nicotine volatilizes more easily.
The shorter the cigarette, the greater will be the nicotine content and tar content of the smoke reaching the smoker. They further discussed that the amount of nicotine absorbed by the body depends upon whether the smoke is inhaled and whether saliva is swallowed. ( Anderson and Langton, 1961), p.226.)
“Wa guid kami pagpanabako ay indi namon ugali ag magastos tapos makasamad pa sa lawas” (We never smoke because it’s not our habit and it’s costly; besides, it is known to be dangerous to the health). Generally, all of the female respondents did not try smoking simply because they do not want to and felt sorry to those who waste their money to a dangerous luxury. ( Iguiña, 2000, De Manuel, 2000, Cresenciana Yetyet,Beinvenida Iledan, and Gaudiosa Intatana)

Pagmama (Betel Nut Chewing Practices)
There are a few researches conducted on betel nut chewing not only in the Philippines but also in countries like Taiwan. Chewing is said to produce a “stimulating effect and gives a general sensation of well-being.” However, it is found to be habit-forming like that of cigarette smoking. In other parts of Southeast Asia, having black teeth and red lips was a sign of beauty few years ago. ( Ditas P. Bermudez, “The Art of the Chew,” Phil.Post, August 9, 1999, p. 24.) Although many consider chewing as a stimulant, it was proven that its component brings hazard to the chewer. Yen et al (1996) reported that “Betel quid chewing was positively associated with the risk of oral cancer with an adjusted odds ratio of 58.4 (95% CI: 7.6-447.6). The greater the number of years of chewing betel quid, the higher the risk of oral cancer; the adjusted odds rations were 12.9, 93.7 and 397.5 for <21, 21-40, and >40 years of betel chewing as compared with the non-users. The risk also increased with the quantity chewed per day; the odds ratios for those chewing <10, 10-20 and >20 quids/day were 26.4, 51.2 and 275.6, respectively. These odds ratio estimates were all statistically significantly different from the null value of unity.”
The Taiwanese consider betel to be a national symbol and a harmless natural stimulant but recently, the olive-size nuts, one of the ingredients in betel chewing, are the target of a new campaign that it is the cause of the deaths of Taiwan’s people and damages the country’s environment. Betel nut also referred to as “Taiwanese chewing gum” is commonly sold along the drive-up stalls in Taiwan.
Habitual chewers in Taiwan can be spotted because of their teeth and lips stained red by betel juice. The chewers believed that betel chewing stimulates their gums without knowing that it also causes cancer. Because of its growing popularity, there were also a growing number of deaths from mouth cancer. Taiwan had recorded 549 deaths in 1991, and in 1997 – the most recent statistics available – 1,163 people died from the disease, according to Taiwanese’s government figures. Moreover, nearly 90% of Taiwanese with mouth cancer have chewed betel nut and most also smoke. Although such cancers were detected to be starting on the tongue, most Taiwanese patients have cancerous growths on the inside of their cheeks, the spot where betel nuts are chewed. ( “Betel Nuts Killing Taiwanese, environment,” Philippine Daily Inquirer, Feb. 24, 2000, p.12.) Similar study was conducted by Amarasena et al (2003) in Sri Lanka. The study shows that ”betel chewers had a significantly higher mean number of sites with gingival bleeding (22.6+/-21.8) than smokers (10.8+/-11.2) and nontobacco users (8.7+/-6.8) (p <0.0001). A higher proportion of betel chewers (55.1%) showed greater than or equal to12 bleeding sites compared to smokers (27.6%). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the association between betel chewing and gingival bleeding was positive (OR=2.41; p <0.0001) whereas that of smoking and gingival bleeding was negative (OR=0.75; p <0.05). Oral hygiene had the strongest relationship with gingival bleeding (OR=18.11).”
Some researches prove that betel chewing has been a constant practice of some of the elders in the Philippines. In some places betel chewing became a part of their belief and custom since other people believed on the physical importance of the chew as a drug. It is also said to be beneficial because of the following reasons; it sweetens the breath, it removes particles between the teeth, it acts as a prophylactic in keeping the gums strong, chewers also feels good after physical exertion, it keeps the chewer warm in cold or wet weather, and it keep the mouth from drying out and ease hunger for sometime. The Hanunuo’ tribe in Mindoro is one of the classic examples of a group of people who believed in the wonders of mastication. Constant spitting so that a little amount of the particles will be taken into their system minimizes the toxic principles. (Conklin, 1980)
This so-called warming of the body was proven by Chu (1995). He says: “Betel chewing produced a mean temperature increase of 2 degrees C and 0.5 degrees C, respectively, for the ear and forehead. This hyperthermic response was almost completely abolished by atropine and partially inhibited by propranolol. The present data suggest that both sympathetic and parasympathetic mechanisms are involved in the skin thermal response to betel chewing.”
It is on this light that the elders were asked whether they also practice betel chewing to determine whether it has something to do with their longevity.
Betel nut chewing has been a part of the tradition of some of the communities found in the Philippines. In Lezo, Aklan, only few of the elders practiced betel chewing because of its bad smell. “Indi ko man ugali ro pagmama ay buko’t mayad ro ana nga baho” (It is not my attitude to chew because of its bad smell). (Francisco, 2000.)
“Gatu-o man kami nga makamayad man sa sakit ro buyo nga ron… sang gamay pa kami ay pirmi lang kami gasakit ag ro buyo ngani ang nakakuha ro kasamaran…kag wa kami gabatyag it kagutom kung gamama kami” (We believe that betel pepper leaf can cure sickness… when we were still young, betel pepper leaf helped us cure our ailments. Sometimes we don’t feel hungry whenever we chew). Betel chewers believed that some of the ingredients served as medicine for them. Since childhood, they were sickly and as far as they can remember, “buyo” (betel pepper leaf – Piper betle), helped them feel well. It has always a physical significance for them as a drug because when they chew, they do not feel hungry.( De Tomas, 2000 and Molas, 2000) “Nag-umpisa ako it pag-nganga katong pagbata ko it akon nga kamagueangan…mga 1948… gapamayad man ron it sakit sa busong ag gapabaskug sa ngipon” (I started chewing when I gave birth to my eldest in 1948. I believe that it can cure stomachaches and it makes our teeth strong).( Fernandez, T., 2000)
“Makasamad ang apog sa lawas…bisan ginadupla ay gadala sa laway ang iban nga bilin… abu ang epekto sa mama ay gadukot ro sustansiya it mama nga ra… gatipon ro higko sa puno it ngipon ti gaguba ro ngipon…sang kurot lang nga apog ay makabulig baskog sa ngipon…ang iban ay ga-mama kay daw kasukaon.” (Lime is hazardous to health…even if we spit it out, there are still some that stick to the saliva…chewing has many effects because nutrients stick to it… dirts accumulate to the teeth…little amount of lime strengthens the teeth… others chew to avoid vomiting).
With their statements, it can be inferred that they believed that powdered lime or “apog” could bring hazardous effect because of its chemical content. Although users spit what they chew, few particles are left in the mouth that causes hazards. Some of its ingredients and its color sticks to the teeth, which cause tooth decay if, remain unattended. A little amount of lime is good to the teeth but excessive use deposits a lot of germs to the teeth. Others just chew because of hyperacidity and they keep on vomiting but for her, the only cure for vomiting is chocolate or anything that is sweet).( Eruelas, C, 2000.)
In Malinao, Aklan, few practiced betel chewing because of various reasons; they feel dizzy, they do not like the smell and they simply do not like it.
“Noon naganganga pero nag-stop kasi nahihilo ako sa amoy tapos ayaw ko na sinubukan ko lang naman yon eh” (I tried it before but I stopped because I feel dizzy because of its bad smell). (Equiña, 2000) “Gamama ako ay kung may butbutan ay ginamam-an ko…ganganga ako it buyo, bunga ag apog” (I chew because I need it whenever or evertime I practice my profession… I chew betel pepper leaf, betel nut and lime). This practice is also true in some of the places in the province of Iloilo. ( Ma. Leanie B. Ituriaga, Beliefs and Health Practices of 70 Years Old, n.p.)

Pasma
Several occupational health and anthropological studies have been conducted on pasma (Jara, 2008.
The 2006 Occupational Safety and Health Center study found out that tremors and sweaty palms and soles were symptoms experienced by the participants. A book by Tan divulges that the concept of ‘Pasma’ is formed on the basis of the hot/cold syndrome. Adams and Rubel in their book, “Sickness and Social Relations,” as cited by Tan, define ‘Pasma’ as “an attack of cold on someone who is ‘too hot’ or vice versa. (Tan,1987) Thus, Tan summed up that, “someone who becomes ‘hot’ from strenuous physical activity would be advised against bathing in cold water, lest he or she be affected by ‘Pasma’.” The same is true for menstruating women who are advised not to get wet or take a bath because their condition is “one of heat.” (Tan, 1987)
The concepts of allopathy and homeopathy are the common reason of the hot/cold theory of illness. Allopathy as the mixing of hot and cold is dangerous and so is homeopathy, the mixing of hot with more hot. This is said to be true in the case of women who have just delivered a child since they were believed to be “in a dangerous hot condition.” (Tan, 1987)

Furthermore, Murdock in his book, “Theories of Illness, A World Survey,” as cited by Tan, defines stress as “exposure of the victim to either physical or psychic strain such as overexertion, prolonged hunger or thirst, debilitating extreme of heat or cold, worry, fear, or the emotional disturbances which constitute the province of modern psychiatry.”(Tan, 1987) Thus, a person who is under physical stress should always take a rest to ensure his/her health against possible occurrence of pasma.

According to Jara,et al (2008), pasma is characterized as any of the following symptoms--numbness, pain, and hyperhidrosis. It is considered as an illness rather than a disease.(Kotak, 2000 as cited by Jara, et al (2008).

This item is included so that the readers will fully understand the succeeding discussions on health beliefs and practices. Though the concept of pasma is commonly used, others do not fully understand the true causes and effects of pasma. Thus, a brief discussion is provided.

Pagbasa (Reading Practices)
The sense of sight is helpful in everything an individual does. It is always given an extra care so that one could not find it hard to accomplish things he/she wanted to do. “Wa ron kami gabasa ay makasamad sa mata dapat mag-iwas guid nga masamad ang atong mata” (We do not read because it is hazardous to the eyes so take precautionary measures to avoid eye problem) (Escuella, 2000, 73 years old.). “Mayad pa ron nga sa baeay magbasa sang sa saeakyan” (They would rather read at home rather than on board a running vehicle). ( Revestir, 2000) “Wa ako gabasa ay makasamad sa mata…gadula ro akon nga focus” (I don’t read because it destroys my eyesight…it loses my focus).(Eruelas, C, 2000) “Wa guid ako gabasa ay ang tinun-an ay kapos bala” (I don’t read due to lack of education). (Ureta, 2000) “Ay mayad pa nga magtrabaho bisan ano lang basta bukon lang gid ang pagbasa nga ron” (It is better to work on other things than reading). (Francisco, L., 2000) “Kato ay gabasa ako sa saeakyan pero makaron ay wa ron ay indi naman ako makabasa it mayad ay labo ro akon nga mata” (I used to read while on board a vehicle but now, I stopped from doing so because I can no longer see clearly). (Pamati-an, 2000)
“During college days siyempre heavy work pero wa ako’t choice bisan gaoy ay maligo kag mahilam-os guid para makatrabaho pa sang iba tapos makaeskuwela… subong ay galuha ro’y akong mata lalo na pag mainit ro’y tiempo”(During college days, though I have a lot of things to do, I am washing my face so I could attend to my classes and to other undertakings). (Escuella, 2000) “Wa gid ako gahilam-os ay gasakit ro akon nga cataract” (I don’t wash my face after doing something because of the painful result in my cataract). (Francisco, L., 2000) “Wa ako ron gahilam-os ay gakatulog ako dayon tapos basa” (I do not wash my face face after reading because I immediately falls asleep). (Francisco, P., 2000) “Kung sa paligos ay dapat maka-relax ka ron ag wa it sakit para indi ma-pasma…ang pasma man ay gapabueug it ulo ag gapa-trangkaso” (When taking a bath one should take a rest first to avoid pasma.. pasma causes headaches and colds). (Fernandez, T., 2000) “Pagkabugtaw ko…tapos kape ay ga-rest ako it mga three hours tapos gapaligo para hindi masamad ang mata” (One of them said that he still takes his coffee and relaxes for about three hours before taking a bath to avoid eye irritation). (Eruelas, C, 2000) One of the respondents used to be a laundry woman and getting wet is inevitable, but with extra care she never experienced “pasma”.(Fernandez, T., 2000)
“Wa kami gapaligos dayon ay basaon lang ro towel ag amo ro ipahid indi nga mabubo ay mapasma ra imong mata… mapasma ro’y ugat sa mata…ang pasma nga ra ay amo ang sudden change sa temperature sa lawas pareho abi gabasa, siempre gaoy, butangan mo it malamig amo ro ginahalinan it sakit” (We don’t immediately take a bath. We wet the towel and wipe it on, not immediately pour water because it causes pasma on your eyes… eyes’ nerves will get pasma…pasma is a sudden change of temperature of the body like reading, of course tired and suddenly you put something cold…that’s the cause of sickness). Generally, they claim that getting wet after waking up can irritate eyes. “Ro mayad ang lawas ay rest anay mga trenta minutos bag-o maligos…ang oras sa amon tulog ay 9:00 tapos ang bugtaw ay 4:00 or 5:00 sa aga” (It is advisable to rest for at least thirty minutes before taking a bath. We sleep at 9:00 p.m. and wake up at 4:00 or 5:00 a.m.).( Cichon, 2000,)
In Malinao, Aklan, most of the respondents were found to be meticulous in taking good care of their health. Assessing their answers to questions raised on their reading practices, it can be generally said that they are very much careful in their sense of sight.
“Wa guid kami gabasa sa salakyan ay gadula ro focus ka imong mata tapos makasamad pa daw gabuyog ro imong ulo.” (We never read while on board a running vehicle because you can’t focus on what you are reading then you can feel dizziness). “Wa kami gabasa ay makasamad sa panulok” (We don’t read because it destroys your sense of sight). (Equiña,F. 2000, Yetyet, 2000, Tabing, 2000, Iguiña, 2000 and Iledan, 2000) One of the respondents said that he tried reading while on board a vehicle and he felt dizzy specially because he did not wear his eyeglasses. “Gabasa ako noon pero nag-stop ako kasi sakit sa mata tapos sa dahi pa..tapos indi ka kakita it mayad.. siguro ay mal-am ron ako” (I used to read on a running vehicle but I stopped because it is painfull to the eyes and causes headache…then you can no longer see clearly…perhaps because of old age). (Equiña, 2000 )
When asked whether they wash their face immediately after reading, “hindi kami nagbabasa sa salakyan kasi masakit sa mata, tapos hindi kami naghuhugas agad baka mapasma…masakit sa mata tapos hindi ka na rin makakita masyado…importante ay makapahuway anay” (we don’t read on board a running vehicle because it is painful to the eyes, and we don’t imediately wash our faces to avoid pasma…it is painful to the eyes and you can’t clearly see…it is important to take a rest first). (Equiña, 2000; De Manuel, 2000; Sanchez, 2000; Yetyet,2000 )
They were asked whether they take a bath immediately after getting up from bed, “wa gid kami gapaligos dayon ay liban sa pasma, hapon ron kami gapaligos…gapahuway anay kami bag-o maligo…malamig pa guid sa aga basi magtukar ro’y asthma” (we really don’t take a bath immediately after waking up because aside from avoiding possible occurrence of pasma, we take a bath in the afternoon…we first take a rest before taking a bath…the water is cold and it might trigger our asthma). (Iguiña, 2000; Yetyet, 2000; Tabing, C., 2000; Tabing, J., 2000;Intatana,2000 )
“Wa kami gapaligos kon kulang sa tulog ay galuya ro’y lawas ag gabuyong ang ulo…hindi kami naliligo pag puyat …kinukumpleto namin ang tulog bago maligo kasi naghihina kami pag nagbasa tapos kulang sa tulog…gapaangan-angan anay bala bag-o maligo” (We don’t take a bath when we lack sleep because it weakens our body and we feel dizzy. We take a rest first before taking a bath).( Equiña, 2000, Yetyet, 2000, Tabing, C.,2000; Tabing. J., 2000; Iguiña, 2000 and Iledan, 2000 )

Sexual (Menstrual) Practices

For the females, they were asked of their menstrual practices to know whether it also contributed to their longevity. Almost all of them claimed that they only took a bath on their first menstruation. This is to avoid possible sickness that will arrive the next time their menstruation comes.( delos Reyes, 2000 ) They were advised by their mothers not to take a bath because it causes “pasma”. “Ginasunod ko man lang ro advice kakon ni nanay ay 92 ro imaw sang mapatay…gasunod man kami sa iya naagyan ay mayad ato nga way” (I just follow the advise of my mother because she died at the age of 92…we follow her experiences because they were proven to be good to the health).( Ureta, 2000 ) “Wa guid ako gabasa kato bisan maglaba ay delikado kuno” (I did not even wash my laundry because it is said to be dangerous).( Placer, 2000 ) “Kang dalaga ako adlaw-adlaw ako gapaligos…bisan ano pa ang warning ni nanay ay ginaisip ko ay makadto pa ako sa eskuwelahan…amo ra nga may sakit ron imaw…umpisa lang sang menopausal nakon.” (When I was still a maiden I took a bath everyday…no matter what warning my mother would tell me because I was thinking that is still had to go to school…that’s the reason why I experienced various illnesses when I had my menopausal period). (Escuella, 2000 )
“Kami ay sa ika-apat nga adlaw matapos ro mesntruation…amo ro amon nga paligos…ang iba ay sa ika-anum nga adlaw ag sa ika-pito pa ay amo man ron ang hambae ka andang nanay…kung ano ro advise ka mga kamagueangan ay amo man ron ang mayad sa eawas.” (To some, the next time their menstrual period arrived, they would wait on the 4th day after their menstruation before taking a bath, (Fernandez, 2000 ) others would wait for the 6th or the 7th day because their mother told them to. (Pamati-an, 2000) Still others were told that the elder’s advises are for their own good). (Cichon, 2000 )
“Ginahambae man ron nga makasamad sa utak kung maligos nga una ang imo nga regla…bawae man ro aslum nga prutas.” (There was also a superstitious belief that if they took a bath, they would become insane. They were also prohibited from eating sour fruits to avoid dysmenorrhea). (De Tomas, 2000) “Wa ro ako mag-question kung anong kabangdanan nga-a basta ginasunod namon ro agi man ka mga magulang” (We did not ask for the reason why, we just followed the footsteps of our parents). (Ureta, 2000 )
Most of the female respondents did not find it hard during their menopausal period because they followed the advice of their mothers. (Placer, 2000 ) “Huli ko na ginsunod ang nanay ko amo nga budlay ro akon nga menopausal…abu ro akong sakit pareho sang pharingitis tapos indi ko gusto ang baho ka garlic ag gaubo ako basta may usok ng sigarilyo o tabako…amo man ang sobra nga agua…ang pharingitis ko gasumpong lalo na pag malamig…pero nadula man lang tapos ko menopausal ang mga sakit ko” (I followed the advise of my mother only lately, that’s the reason why I experienced hardships on my menopausal…I have many illnesses like pharingitis, then I do not like the smell of garlic and I cough whenever I smell cigarette smoke…also when there is too much perfume…my pharingitis attacks when the temperature is cold…but that disappeared after my menopausal period). (Escuella, 2000 )
Menstrual difficulties are said to be easily managed through healthy diet and self care. Healthy diet means eliminating sugar, caffeine, artificial sweeteners, cigarettes, alcohol, avoiding salty and smoked foods and dairy products one or two weeks before menstruation. (“What Women Should Know About Premenstrual Syndrome )
“Wa gid kami kaagi sakit sa kinatawo ay careful gid kami sa lawas ay basi magkasakit mahuya ka pa sa tao.” (We never experienced sexual diseases because we were very careful of our bodies for we might get sick and we will lose our face to the people). (Eruelas, 2000 )
“May vaccination man kami…ay indi puwede magsakay nga wa bakuna…indi man kami kapanaog kung wa kami health clearance… ginalikaw ko man ang ma-involve sexually sa iban nga bayi ay malisod magkasakit ka sa imo kinatawo” (We had vaccination…because we could not get on board without it…we could not also alight if we did not have a health clearance…I avoided being involved with other women because it is difficult to get sexual diseases). (Francisco , P., 2000)
When asked about their sexual practices, the female respondents in Malinao shared their menstrual beliefs and practices. Equiña,F. 2000 had her first menstruation when she was fifteen years old. She took a bath on its first arrival with the belief that she had to cleanse her body for her succeeding menstruation. During the succeeding months, she no longer took a bath because her mother told her so. She was told that taking a bath when menstruating causes ‘pasma’. She took a bath after her menstruation to avoid possible side effects on her body. De Manuel, 2000 also waited for the fourth up to the seventh day, the last days of her menstruation before taking a bath because she was also warned of the possible effects of ‘pasma’. “Ay ang katigulangan ay naghambal nga bawal ang maligo pag may regla ay makasamad sa lawas” (because the elders told us that it is bad to take a bath while having a mesntruation).( Sanchez, 2000; Yetyet, 2000; Iguiña, 2000; Iledan, 2000; Intatana,2000) These beliefs on menstrual period are also being practiced in some areas in the province of Iloilo. This only means that those beliefs are also part of the health practices of individuals outside the province of Aklan. Elders in some places in Iloilo did not find it hard to cope with their menopausal period because they followed their elders’ advice regarding menstruation. (Ituriaga, 2000 )
On the other hand, “wa guid kami ka-experience it sexual diseases ay indi namon ugali ang mag-entra sa amo ina nga trabaho” (we never experienced such sexual diseases because we never engaged in such kind of practices ). (Equiña, 2000, Tabing, 2000 and Iledan, 2000)

Pag-Exercise (Exercising Practices)

A book on aging said that exercise has said to have “definite effects upon body metabolic rates, lung function, increase in body circulation, and prevention of obesity”. It regulates bowel movement, removes the toxic products from the body, and it may contribute to the delay in the wear and tear of the cells. (Isidro, 1989, p.14-15)
Furthermore, exercise is considered one of the factors that can slow down aging and maintain good physical and mental conditions. Exercise improves the heart and lung functions, preserves muscle elasticity, helps absorb food nutrients, keeps the strength of bones, and promotes activities needed by the elderly to make them feel and look young. (Isidro, 1989). Kujala et al.(1998) support the findings that increased physical activity (Paffenger et al 1993) and that increased physical fitness (Blair et al 1995) were associated with reduced mortality.

Enough exercise as we all know can strengthen one’s resistance. The elders were asked if they still exercise or if exercise had contributed to their longevity.

“Kato ay athlete ako…abu ro exercise namon ay kinahanglan sa athletic club” (I was an athlete…we exercise a lot because it was a must to the athletic club). (Cichon, 2000 ) “Ka’t bata pa ako ay abu ang exercise ay abu ang trabaho…pareho sang pag-obra sang puto ay pangita ko man abi…pinangutana it formula sa amiga ti ay gabalik-balikako…ay gaoy ang magluto ti amo ro’y exercise” (When I was young I have a lot of exercises because of so much work…like cooking rice cakes because that is my source of income…asking formula from friends, so I go back and forth…cooking is tiring…so that’s my form of exercise). (Ureta, 2000 )
Most of them claim that exercise strengthens their body and they need it to equip themselves with extra strength to perform some of their chores well. “Puro gani exercise ay up and down ang balay ti magtinlo adlaw-adlaw exercise na…okey lang tani pero gaoy…ang akon BP ay over 200 per wa ma’t choice ay lain man ang higko sang balay” (It is really pure exercise because the house is a two-storey building and to clean it every day is really an exercise…my blood pressure is over 200, but I have no choice because it is irritating to see the dirt in the house). (Escuella, 2000 )
“Sadto ang 200 kms. Ay ginalakat ko lang yan pero subong makalakat na lang ako mga 25 kms….lakat-lakat sa palibot balay kag sa palayan na lang ang pirmi ko nga exercise… naga-unat-unat man ang ugat ag gadugang ro resistensiya sa lawas” (Before I could walk up to 200 kilometers, but now I can only for 25 kilometers…this time, I first walk around the house and in the ricefield…it also strengthens the veins and it also adds my resistance).( Eruelas, C, 2000 )
“Mahina na nga ako ngayon kasi noon lakad lang ako ng lakad halos sampung beses isang araw galing dito hanggang sa bayan para magpunta sa anak kong babae…malapit sa simbahan…bisan magpahuway ako ay wa man ro it epekto” (I can feel that I am weak because of too much exercise. I used to walk ten times a day from their barangay to poblacion to visit my daughter who lives near the church in the poblacion. Though I take rest after a long journey, my body weakened because of over fatigue). (Francisco, 2000 ) On the other hand, a female respondent can still chop wood and takes a long walk at the age of 74. “Nagsisibak pa nga ako nga panggatong kahit 74 na ako eh” (I still chops firewood though I am already 74). (Revestir, 2000 )
Generally, elders from Lezo claim that exercise makes an individual strong in resistance. Exercise stretches the veins of an individual and it keeps the body always on the move.
Physical fitness is important because of the physiological effect on the human mechanism. It is one of the keys in the control and prevention of communicable diseases and the extension of the average length of life. ( Anderson and Langton, 1961), p.161)
Exercise makes an individual alert and energetic. Exercising practices of the elderly in the town of Malinao, Aklan is ascertained to know whether it has something to do with their longevity. Almost all of them have their own exercises. Equiña,F. 2000 makes a short walk around their house every morning. De Manuel, 2000 walks for a few minutes to look for firewood and chop it for their consumption. Sanchez, 2000 and Yetyet, 2000 used to fetch water far from their house daily. It was only nowadays that they stopped fetching because of the installation of an artesian well, a water pump, near their house. So, their exercise is done through their heavy household chores like chopping of firewood and feeding pigs.
Tabing, 2000 says,”ga-lifting ako” (does a little weight lifting) while Iguiña, 2000 “ga-exercise ay gina-unat-unat ko ro’y akon lawas pagkabugtaw ko” (I stretch my whole body after geeting up from bed).
Moreover, Iledan, 2000, Beinvenida Iledan and Gaudiosa Intatana, “tikang-tikang sa palibot balay ag makadto sa trabaho sa balay ag sa uma” (we take a short walk around our house and then attend to our household chores and then to our farm). Equiña, 2000 walks from their house to their farm and does the pulling of grasses in the rice fields. They all claimed that exercise is good to the body because they feel good after performing their short exercises. They do not feel numbness of sitting all day long because they are fond of stretching their bodies after attending to their household chores. Surely, exercise really feels them energetic and alert in performing their day to day activities.

Kalingawan (Hobbies)

One factor that contributes to the slow aging process of the elderly is to keep themselves busy with something they are inclined to do. This is so because those whose interests have narrowed down to routinely and habitual activities are said to have ended up being inactive. The usual interests that they had are given up, because they feel that they have had enough of those and that these are only repetitions or reenactments of what they used to enjoy before. This outlook is said to contribute to loss of energy and increasing weakness, as well as to the deterioration of their mental health. (Isidro, 1989)
It is on these grounds that hobbies of the elderly in Aklan should be determined whether they played a great role in their day to day living.
With their age now, almost all of the elders interviewed wanted to have leisure activities to make their remaining days meaningful. “Galingaw ako sa TV ag pamati sa radyo” (watching TV and listening to radio entertains me). (Placer, 2000 ) “Panood ng sine ng mga dalawang beses sa isang buwan ang aliw-aliw ko” (watching movie at least twice a month is my form of entertainment). (Eruelas, C, 2000 ) “Kung sa lingaw ay minsan lang ay abu ro trabaho...kung indi magluto ay sige man ang obra sa farm” (I have very limited leisure time because I have so much work to do…if not cooking, I continue my work in the farm). (Ureta, 2000 )
One of the female respondents likes breeding pigs, basically, for food consumption and for income augmentation. (Francisco, 2000 ) Fernandez, 2000 weaves abaca during her free time. “Gatanum ako it saging ay puwede i-agahon para substitute sa rice, gabisita ako kada aga sa akon saging ay para mabantayan ay ginakaon sa karbaw ang saging ay naganahan ag nalingaw ako katulok ag gadula ro akon nga problema kung makita ko ro’y akong tanum nga saging” (I plant bananas as substitute breakfast for rice, I visit my banana plants every morning because carabao would eat them if left unattended. I enjoy seeing my plants grow because it washes away my problems and makes me forget for the meantime, all my worries). (Cichon, 2000 )
An article by Cequiña on the elderly said that “growing plants or caring for pets is a real emotional therapy and can contribute greatly to physical healing.” It is said to have a delightful effect to the one who planted and cared of to something. Making crafts is also said to have a satisfying effect to the one who made it because it makes an individual proud of something which was created out of nothing. (Cequiña , 2000)
The elders from Malinao do a lot of things to keep themselves busy. De Manuel, 2000 and Equiña,F. 2000 plant vegetables and pull grasses in the front yard. They also enjoyed listening to radio, which they said, updates them of what is happening around. Sanchez, 2000 and Prisicilla Yetyet make abaca slippers after attending to their household chores. Equiña, 2000 finds contentment in visiting his farm and feeding his fowls. “Gatan-aw lang kami it TV para malingaw” (we just watch TV to entertain ourselves). All of them make themselves contented with their chosen hobbies because they said that they enjoy their day to day lives.

Pagtueog (Sleeping Practices)

“Gakatulog kami it mga 8:00 sa gab-i tapos trabaho ag tan-aw sa TV” (We sleep at 8:00 p.m. after watching TV). Almost all of the respondents usually sleep at 8:00 in the evening after their household chores and after watching their favorite evening television shows). “Sang maestra oa ako ay late na ako gakatulog ay gahimo pa ako’t lesson plan para sa klase… pag retire ko ay gapahuway-huway na lang ag mamati sa radyo asta makatulog” (When I was still teaching, I sleep late because I still have to prepare lesson plans for my class…after retirement, is just relax and listen to radio until I fall asleep…I see to it that I can take full relaxation whenever I have free time). (Placer, 2000 ) One of the respondents sleeps at 7:00 because she wanted to take a rest early. (Teodora Molas) “Gatueog ako it temprano ay para makapahuway man ron” (I sleep early so I can rest). (De Tomas, 2000 ) “Ginahambalan gid kami ka doctor nga indi magpa-ginabi-i ay makasamad sa eawas” (We were advised by the doctor not to stay latye at night because it is bad to our health). (Fernandez, E., 2000)
The elders wake up early in the morning to prepare breakfast and to attend to their household chores. Their usual time for waking up is 5:00 in the morning. One of them said that she has to prepare breakfast early because her son is having his lunch packed because he is teaching in the nearby town. (Fernandez, T., 2000 ) “May beses nga kun abu ang akon obra ay 1:00 ako gabugtaw para maluto puto…ang puto lang ang pangita ko makaron” (at times when there are a lot of things to do, I wake up at 1:00 a.m. to cook rice cakes…cooking rice cakes is my source of income). (Ureta, 2000 ) One of the respondents said that her earliest waking time is 3:00 in the morning because she could no longer sleep. She just takes a small walk around her house and prepares her breakfast. (Fernandez, E., 2000 ) “Gabugtaw ako it mga 4:00 para mag-bisita sa uma” (I wake up at 4:00 in the morning to visit and work on my farm). (Eruelas, C, 2000 ) “Abu ro among trabaho sa balay ag hindi man ugali ang matulog sa tapos ang ilabas” (We have a lot of work and it is not our habit to sleep after lunch). (Ureta, 2000, Fernandez, T., 2000, and De Tomas, 2000 ) “Wa kami gakatulog ay gakalingaw man sa TV ron” (Others simply enjoyed watching their noontime television show rather than taking a nap). (Escuella, 2000 ) One said that she does not take siesta simply because they are not fond of it. (Margarita Pamati-an ) Few of the respondents take a nap after lunch to relax and take a rest. (Francisco, L 2000, and Francisco, P., 2000 ) Almost all of the respondents said that sleeping on time is good to the health while staying late at night weakens one’s body. Only one of the respondents said that she only feels weak if she is under stress. (Fernandez, T., 2000 )
A book by Anderson and Langton on “Health Principles and Practice” said that many people in excellent health sleep but five hours a night. It further discussed that an individual could take a rest without actually sleeping. Lying down for several hours without sleeping produces recovery from fatigue. ( Anderson and Langton, 1961), Sleeping habits is considered as one of the determinants of the elders’ longevity. This is to know whether it also played a great role in their attainment of maximum life span.
When asked about their sleeping habits, the elders in Malinao replied, “gakatulog kami it mga 8:00 tapos tan-aw TV ag trabaho sa balay” (we sleep at 8:00 p.m. after watching TV and doing household chores).( Equiña, 2000, Bienvenida Iledan and Gaudiosa Intatana ) Sanchez, 2000 and Yetyet, 2000 sleep at 6:00 PM because they wanted to rest early. De Manuel, 2000 sleeps at around 11:00 PM because she has many things to do and sometimes she could not sleep early maybe, she said, because of her old age. Elders differ in their sleeping time because of the things they have to attend to and sometimes simply because they could not sleep early.
As to their waking time, Equiña,F. 2000 wakes up at 2:00 AM because she could no longer sleep. Though she’s already awake, she still lay down to bed because she wants to prepare her body for a long-day work. De Manuel, 2000 wakes up at around 5 to 5:30 AM to attend to her household chores. Though she stays late at night, she has to wake up early to cope with her undertakings.
“Mga alas-sais kami gabugtaw ay wa man guid it trabaho nga kinahanglan bugtawan it aga” (we wake up at 6:00 in the morning because there is really no work that needs early waking up). Equiña, 2000, Conrado and Juana Tabing. 2000 habitually wake up at 4:00. Most of the respondents take siesta after their lunch. “Gapahuway kami tapos it trabaho ay nasanay na nga gakatulog tapos trabaho” (we take a rest after work because we have been used to do it after work). (Equiña,F. 2000, Sanchez, 2000, Yetyet, 2000, Equiña, 2000, Bienvenida Iledan ) “Kung gakatulog kami sa udto ay indo kami katulog kung gab-i…gapahuway lang kami sa tumba-tumba pero wa guid ga tulog…gina-unat lang ro likod para maka-relax” (If we take siesta, we cannot sleep at night…we take a rest in our rocking chair, but we do not sleep at all. We just stretch our back). (Tabing, C.,2000; Tabing, J., 2000 )

Kontribusyon sa Sosyudad (Contributions to the Society)

One might assume that an old person could no longer help or can only be of little help in the community activities because they are too old to do so.
Domingo says that Filipino elders have two types of role:

1. Role in the Family,
a. As head of household
b. As decision maker
c. As providers of household
d. As adviser
2. Role in the Community.
a. as member or officer in social, religious and civic activities

Domingo (1992) further claims that:

“the major contribution of the elderly in the process of development in the country has been their sustained participation in agriculture. Improvement in education among younger cohorts may change the situation of the elderly in the future. Although cohort trends in female literacy and educational attainment are quite similar to those for males, the attainment of females has improved at a somewhat greater pace, leading to a reduction of gender differences in education for the more recent cohorts. Closely related to the increase in educational attainment of women is the changing nature of their economic activity. The NDS 1988 data show that in all occupation groups, the labor force participation rate for younger cohorts exceeds the rate for older women. The occupational distribution are very similar, except that the levels are higher for the younger group.”

The present study found out that old age is not a hindrance to old age to help in whatever activities that are being held.

Aklanon elders have this to say on their roles both in the family and in the community:
“Gabulig man ako sa asawa ko sa pagserbisyo sa mga tao…ang asawa ko ay kapitan for 20 years sa amon diri nga baryo…siyempre aktibo ako sa community ay gabulig ako sa bana ko kag gusto ko man ang magserbisyo sa tao” (I help my husband in serving the community…my husband was a barrio captain for 20 years in our barrio…so I am active in the community because I want to help my husband and I also like to serve my fellowmen).( Ureta, 2000 ) Most of them are members of the Senior Citizens Organization in their barangay.
“Maliban sa teacher ako ay presidente man ako sang senior citizens…sa veterans man ay ila man ako ginbotohan nga adjutant (Aside from being a teacher, I am also the president of the senior citizens…among the veterans, I was also elected Adjutant). (Placer,2000 )
Some are members of the religious organization in their community. “Ako ro gapabagting it campanilla kung fiesta”(I was the one ringing the bell during fiestas). “Gakolekta man ako it kontribusyon para sa Sagrada Familia ay collector man ako” (I am also collecting contributions for the Sagrada Familia because I am the collector). (Fernandez, T., 2000 ) “Kung may una nga trabaho ay gabulig man kami sa mga opisyales sang baryo…basta makaya lang” (We just answer to the call for help of the barangay officials if we are needed and as long as the undertakings do not exceed in our capacity and ability).( Eruelas, 2000, Molas, 2000, Molas, 2000 and De Tomas, 2000 )
“wa gid ako pagbulig it mayad sa baryo ay ginhambaean ako it doctor nga indi magpa-gaoe ay makasamad sa eawas (I do not help a lot into whatever community activities because I was advised by the doctor not to take part in strenuous activities).( Pamati-an, 2000 ) “Una man ang mga opisyales it barangay nga ga-obra kung may mga activities (The barangay officials are there to work whenever activities are being held). ( Francisco, L., 2000) “Gaagto man kami bisan sa sayawan indi lang magbulig…gusto man namon mag-sayaw (We also go to dance balls not only to help but also to dance).( Molas, T, and De Tomas, 2000 ) “Katong bata pa ako ginhimo nila ako nga kuwan…Brgy. Captain…doble ang akon trabaho sadto pero sige lang ay kaya man magserbisyo ag mag-tanum…nagsekretarya man ako sa religious organization” (When I was young they elected me as Brgy. Captain…I had two jobs but I can manage to serve my people and to plant…I was also a secretary of a religious organization). (Cichon, 2000 ) “Gahugod magtrabaho nga masarangan ag naga-attend man sa meeting ag naga-asistir sa mga fiesta kun ano man doon nga trabaho (Inspired to work that I can tackle and attend to meetings related to fiestas and perform other things to do). ( Francisco, P., 2000 )
Generally, the elders in Lezo claimed that their age did not hinder them to participate in the community activities. They said that their health somehow cooperated with them in performing community undertakings and their political functions.
On the other hand, the elders in the municipality of Malinao function not only in their houses but also in their communities. “Nagatao man kami it kinahanglan pareho sang kontribusyon tapos gatao man sa simbahan para sa ila nga proyekto” (We also give financial contributions to our barangay and to our church to whatever project they have). (Equiña, F. 2000, Sanchez, 2000, Yetyet, 2000, Equiña, 2000, Tabing, C. , 2000; Tabing, J., 2000, Iledan, 2000; Intatana, 2000 ) The elders also extend financial contributions to the barangay and to the church to whatever project they intend to do. Despite of the fact that the elders no longer earn much, they can still extend financial help to the community provided that it is for the betterment of their community and of their fellowmen.
“Gabulig man kami sa mga tao sa makaya lang namon bisan sa ispiritwal lang nga kinahanglan ukon may problema man” (We also help other people spiritually and in other matters).
“Gabulig man ako ay nag-opisyal man ako sa baryo mga apat ka tuig” (I also help because I was once a barrio official).( Equiña,F. 2000 ) He was once a member of the volunteer organization during WW II. On the other hand, Iledan, 2000, a traditional doctor, “kung may gamasakit ay akon man ron buligan bisan wa’t bayad” (if somebody gets sick I also help him even without pay). They also help in the preparations if activities are to be held not only in their barangay but also to places where help is needed.( Equiña, 2000 )
They said that their age did not hinder them to help their fellowmen and their community because they believe that they are still capable of helping. Furthermore, they see to it that they do not go beyond limits if they extend their help.

Handum sa Mayad nga Pangaeawasan (Health Aspirations)

It is said that aging is a very difficult process because those who are of age had experienced a variety of diseases, which are commonly associated with aging. Domingo (1994) and Isidro (1989) enumerated the list of diseases associated with aging: rheumatism/arthritis, high blood pressure, pulmonary tuberculosis, peptic ulcer, ashma, diabetes, epilepsy, heart trouble, mental illness, mental retardation, skin diseases, blindness, cripple, deafness, mute.
Nowadays, the advances in medical sciences and research in biochemistry have produced pharmaceutical preparations and medicine intended to contest the effects of aging and other ailments. These preparations can be found in the drug stores, where they may be acquired upon proper advice of the physician. (Isidro, 1989)
Health aspirations of the elderly in the selected towns of Aklan should be noted whether they still have plans of acquiring medicines, affordable or expensive, to prolong their lives. Moreover, this is one of the bases to determine whether their local health personnel extend/attend to their medical needs.
“Gusto lang namon ay malinong ag wa problema…ginapangamuyo lang nga tagaan pa kami’t malawig nga kabuhi” (We just want a peaceful life and without any problem… we wish that we be given longer life). It was observed during their responses that most of the respondents aspire for a peaceful and worry-free life. They always pray to God that they may be given few more years to live). “Gusto ko maglawig pa para madipara ko ro akon mga apo ag panimalay” (I wish that I would be given a longer life so I can take care of my grandchildren and our house). (Placer, 2000) “Gusto ko matuman ay ang maayo ang pangabuhi ag malawig bisan gani dyutay pa nga tuig” (I wish to have a good and a longer life even just for a few more years).( Eruelas, C, 2000 ) “Gusto ko ay matapos ang pagpa-obra it baeay para manami ro parahuwayan” (I hope that the construction of our house will be finished so that we can have good ambiance while taking a rest).( Francisco, L 2000 ) Fernandez, T., 2000, a 73-year old respondent said, “gapangamuyo lang ako nga mag-mayad ang eawas ag indi na magsakit ay para indi makahatag it problema sa akon nga pamilya” (I just pray to have good health so that I could not bring trouble to my family).
Moreover, a female respondent would really want her eyes cured. She narrated that a rubber in a rubber factory where she used to work accidentally struck her eyes.
“Gusto ko nga magmayad ro akon nga mata…nasamad man ron it goma didto sa paktorya it goma nga ginatrabahuhan ko…nagpuea ro akon nga mata ka una ag gin-trangkaso ako…ang akon ginakulbaan ay basi mag-complicate sa iban nga sakit amo nga gusto ko ma-check gid para masiguronga mayad ron ay gusto ko pa mabuhi it eawig” (I want my eyes to be cured…it was and became reddish and caused me fever but were later on treated…my worry is that, it might complicate to other illness that is why I wish it to be cured because I still want to live for few more years).( Fernandez, E., 2000 ) “Ginapasa-Diyos ko na lang ang kabuhi ko ay may sakit ako sa puso” (My life lies in the hands of the Lord because I have a heart disease). (Fernandez, E., 2000 )
In Malinao, the elders’ responses are almost the same with that of the responses of the elders in Lezo. “Wa nama’t ginahandum pa kami nga lain kundo magbaskug lang ag makabulig sa tao ag makaserbisyo sa diyos” (We have no other aspirations but to have more strength and to help others and to serve God).( Equiña,F. 2000, Beinvenida Iledan and Gaudiosa Intatana ) De Manuel, 2000 wishes to live for a few more years and pray for more blessings, which she did not attain in her early years. These include visiting other places, worry-and-sickness-free life.
Sanchez, 2000 and Yetyet, 2000 wish to reach the age of 110 because they wanted to follow the footsteps of their grandmother who died at the said age. Moreover, Equiña, 2000 wanted to live life for more years because he wanted to work harder in preparation for his grandchildren’s future.
Conrado and Juana Tabing. 2000 no longer aspire for something. They just want to make their day to day life happy, memorable and with contentment.

Panan-aw sa Pangabuhi (Attitude towards Life)

A study by the UST Social Research Center found out that “like the young, older people still aspire for and dream of better lives for themselves. Their attitudes towards their present conditions as well as their views of the future greatly influence their behavior and activities”. This is also true as in the case of the elderly in the said town. Though they no longer have a stable income, they still aspire for a better life for them to enjoy their remaining days in the world.
Furthermore, the research found out that the most common aspiration for the rural respondents is quiet and peaceful life.(Pedro et. al., 1989) Like the elders in Lezo, a peaceful and quiet life are some of the factors, which made them, attain their longevity.
Like the elderly in Lezo, old aged in Malinao, Aklan is unique in the sense that almost all of them have good memory. They were very proud and very eager in answering given questions regarding their health beliefs and practices. They believe that what they have reached can also be attained by the younger generations if only they would follow the advise of the elders.
The elders believed that this study is needed to serve as a learning ground to those who wanted to live a life to the fullest. They are very much willing to give what they think are helpful tips to younger generations to attain the maximum life span.
As far as the research has gone, the youngest respondent reached the age of 70, the oldest, 91 years old. They are still doing some household chores and some attend to their farms. Some of them have good sense of hearing, a few hardly hears the questions being raised. Most of them did not personally write on the data sheet provided because their hands tremble whenever they write and they cannot clearly see what is written in the paper.
Generally, it was not hard asking questions on the elders because for them, being an informant of this study is of great honor and is something that they can be proud of.

Aging had been a neglected issue since there are limited studies conducted and only few exerted their efforts for the betterment of those who are involved – the elders. Nowadays, it is said that aging is already faced and viewed as a great challenge as well as golden opportunity because of the advances of science and technology. Several studies are now conducted which, aims to reduce or remedy the age-related illnesses. There are several pharmaceutical products, capsules and tablets, which promise to retard aging or retain one’s vitality. (Isidro, 1989)
With these, the respondents were asked whether they tried taking the medicines provided to combat aging or still adhere to what has been a practice by their forefathers regarding health.
Despite their age, the respondents still wish to be physically fit at all times because they still want to help their family members in their search for a greener pasture. They wanted to live a comfortable life. Thus, economic difficulties pushed them to work in the farm and make some means of livelihood to augment their family’s income.
The respondents advised the younger generations to follow the health advises of the elders and to ask help and guidance from the Lord to be physically fit at all times. “Dapat mangayo bulig kag pasalamat kay Lord, sa makaako…kada tumulog ka magpasalamat kag mag-pray sa imo nga ginawi ag nakuha sa buhay” (Giving thanks in everything you do and possess, and praying to God before sleeping are said to be powerful habits). (Ureta, 2000 )
Moreover, the elders wanted to share their health secrets to the younger generation because they wanted them to reach the maximum life span of an individual. “Kun una ro anda ay indi guid magpaligos ang mga bayi…para likaw sa pasma… ang pasma ay ga-cause it backaches, rayuma kag gaoy sa lawas…dapat indi guid magpaligos ang bayi kung una ang anda ay natestingan ko ron ang kasamaran pareho sang sakit sa busong” (When women have their menstruation, they should not take a bath to avoid pasma…pasma causes backaches, rheumatism and body pains…taking a bath should not be practiced because I already experienced its possible causes like stomachaces). (Escuella, 2000 )
“Wa guid ako kaagi nga nabudlayan sa menopausal ko ay maingat guid ang sa akon lawas” (I never had experienced hardships in my menopausl period because I was very careful with my body). (Placer, 2000 )
Based on the elder’s experiences, an individual should really follow the health advises of the elders so that he/she will not experience grave illnesses when he/she gets old.
“Dapat indi kaayo lang mag-inom ag mag-iwas sa droga ay makasamad sa lawas” (young ones should avoid excessive drinking and avoid drugs because it can damage one’s health). (Eruelas, 2000 )
“Ang pagkaon it sakto ag mayad amo ro gapaeawig it kabuhi naom…wa man gani ako kasayod nga tigueang ron ako ay daw bata pa man ako sa pamatyag ko” (Eating well and on time is one of our secrets on why we are still alive up to this day. (Francisco, 2000 )
“Gasimba ako kada domingo para mangayo it guidance ag bulig sa diyos nga mageawig pa ro akon kabuhi” (Attending to the Holy mass every Sunday is one of my habits to ask guidance and help from the Lord to prolong my life).(Pamati-an, 2000 ) They also visit medical doctors from time to time to check whether they are still physically fit and able to do things around them. They do not wait for their sickness to be serious because it might paralyze their body.
Though medical advancements did not really affected the respondents’ health practices since they still practice what they have been taught and what they believe is the proper way of taking care of their health, they also consulted medical practitioners for the second opinion. They see to it that they are physically fit because most of them wanted to live for few more years.
Generally, the elders in Lezo wanted to stay for more years because they still wanted to help their family, other people and the community. They are very cautious of the things they know can bring hazardous effects to their body.
The respondents in Malinao were asked as to the principle they followed in reaching their longevity. This is to determine whether they really applied it or not into their day to day life.
Equiña, F. (2000) said that she contents herself with what she has and she avoids keeping hatred in her heart to avoid getting old early. De Manuel (2000) socializes with other people to avoid worries and other problems so that she can appreciate the beauty of life given by God.
“Gapangamuyo kami nga maglawig pa ag magbaskug para makakaon it mayad ag mabaskog sa tanan nga tiempo” (We pray that our lives will be lengthened so we can eat well and we become stronger at all times). (Sanchez, 2000; Yetyet, 2000; Iledan, 2000; Intatana, 2000 and Tabing, 2000.) “Gakaon it sa oras ag galikaw kami sa inom ag sigarilyo para hindi masamad ang lawas” (We eat on time and we avoid drinking and smoking so as not to have illnesses).( Equiña, 2000 ) Moreover, Iledan, 2000 does not stress himself with too much work to avoid over-fatigue. “Mayad man ro’y ginasugo ka simbahan ag pari parte sa mga kalain sang bisyo pareho sang sigarilyo ag sobra nga inom… wa ako gakaon it baboy ag karne lalo na pag semana santa ay amo ro’y turo man kakon sa simbahan” (The teachings of the church and of the priest on vices like smoking and excessive drinking are good…I do not also eat pork and beef on Lenten Season because that is also taught by the church).
The respondents both in Lezo and in Malinao also advise the younger generation to follow their elders so that they can attain what their elders have. They believe that traditions should not be forgotten because it was already tested and proven by their forefathers.


Chapter IV

ANALYSIS, CONCLUSIONS, IMPLICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Analysis and Conclusion

As earlier noted, there are a growing number of elderly people in the Philippines. In Aklan, this phenomenon is apparent. With the findings of this study, many issues and concerns were discovered as to the betterment and upliftment of the lives of the elders. This is mainly due to the fact that the elders from the chosen field of the study has a unique health beliefs and practices. Unique in the sense that, with the advent and improvement of medicines for longevity, the elders still adhere to the traditional practices that their forefathers taught them. Though they also consult medical experts regarding their health status, most of them seek the latter's advice as a second opinion. They still seek medical treatment of the traditional healers because they were taught that the latter are effective. Traditional it may be, they still seek traditional medication to further strengthen their lives. This is so because old as they may be, they still want to maximize the maximum life span an individual can have.
This is evidently true because they are still very much active in participating to various community activities. They extend their help not only because they are elected into office but also because they consider themselves as concerned citizens.
Moreover, the elders wish to prolong their lives – not only live life to the fullest but to help those who are less fortunate. The elders wanted to pass their health secrets to the younger generations because they also want them to experience what they have enjoyed.
As noted, the young generation of this century ignored the beliefs and practices of the elders. This could be attributed to the massive assimilation of western practices and the advancement of science and technology. But the fact remains that our elders who lived beyond 70 years old have adhered to these beliefs and practices. For example, our elders do not take a bath immediately after ironing clothes. These elders do not smoke cigar or cigarettes. They also do not drink liquor. The women do not take a bath on the on-sit of their menstruation and it was proven that that the old aged women did not find it hard to adjust during their menopausal period.
The elders as noted, are not using preservatives and other chemical flavorings in cooking while today’s generation is very dependent to such to add flavor to their menu. The elders believed that such is not necessary in cooking because aside from the fact that they are already contented with a little amount of salt to add flavor to their menu, they believe that it causes harm to the human body. There are studies nowadays which showed the harm caused by too much use of vetsin and other preservativesto food.
Although these practices may be helpful to today’s generation, they cannot follow it because they are situated into a different environment. Younger generation is more oriented to the modern world. They have a very busy lifestyle and they have their modern alternatives like consulting medical experts rather than the traditional herbal doctors. Young ones also prefers to stay in the busy and polluted cities and go with the flow of the changing and more modern world rather than the fresh and simple but traditional and ‘obsolete’ lifestyle in the provinces.

Implications
This study does not deal so much on the veracity or falsehood of the elderly’s health beliefs but that they have these beliefs and practices.
In other words, this study deals with the phenomenology of the elderly’s beliefs. What this study is trying to construct is the elderly’s notion of health/long-life versus ill-health or short-span of life; the notion of good food for the health (remedies) versus food bad for the health (poison) and other related notions.
Having in mind this task or the contribution of this paper, i.e. constructing various notions of helath/ill-health by the elderly, the significant implications, among others, are that policy makers on health and practioners (doctors, gerontologists, etc.) will be ably guided when making diagnosis/analysis and when giving/extending remedies or extending counseling.
Since doctors/therapists et al for elderly are not that popular yet in our country (our population pyramid is dominated by young people), in the near future, study like this would be most helpful.

Recommendations
This study is not conclusive because experimentation was not made. Results were only based on the response of the respondents. Findings of the study are debatable and are subject to further investigation, but we can deduce that the younger generation should not ignore the beliefs and practices of the elders because there is no harm in trying anyway. This research also encourages the concerned government agencies and non-government organizations to work harder for the betterment of the elders’ lives and the elders of the future. Massive information dissemination on the privileges of the elderlies should be conducted. They should be informed more on the Senior Citizen’s Law and that an assessment should be made whether appropriate services were delivered to them.
This is also an open challenge to the younger generations not to ignore the ‘traditional’ lifestyle because it has often been said that “ang hindi marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makakarating sa patutunguhan.”
The government should also increase its campaign to encourage people to eat less food particularly those that belong to the top of the food chain, and to increase their physical acitivity.
And with the expected democraphic shifts toward an increasing elderly in the country, our government planners, environmental scientists and demographic researchers should focus on the impact of modernization and the rapid socio-economic changes in the country on the elderly in the country so that effective policies and programs could be formulated.
In 1994, Domingo noted that there were several pending bills (about seven Senate and 61 House bills ) in the house that would help the elderly Filipinos, but he laments “that the scope of concern covered by the proposals is quite limited and the target beneficiaries tend to be highly selective. The most popular areas for legislation are the provision of discounts for specific services and adjustments of the retirement benefits. Lacking in these bills, among other things, are proposals that might help ease the burden of the families who are taking care of the elderly, stronger support for the provision of health service and those that can help encourage the increased participation of the elderly in community affairs. “
Let me end this report with this line from an epic poem, Book of Judas, by an Irish poet, Brendan Kennelly, who said: Serve the Age.






REFERENCES


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Article from a Book

Conklin, Harold C. 1980. "Betel Chewing, Among the Hanunuo’ Filipino Heritage, the Making of a Nation. Vol.1, Manila : Vera Reyes, Inc.
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dela Cruz, Roman (ed.). 1956. “Aklan-The Land and the People.” The Aklan Report (An Annual Publication of the Aklan Citizen’s League) Vol. I, No.1.
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Mattson, Mark P. 2002. “Editorial: Filling a void in a field that has come of age.” Aging Research Reviews 1(1):iii-iv.
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Wickens, Andrew P. 2001. Ageing and the free radical theory. Respiration Physiology 128(3):379-391.
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Articles from Newspapers

Bermudez, Ditas P. 1999. "The Art of the Chew." Philippine Post, August 9, p.24.
Anon. 2000. "Betel Nuts Killing Taiwanese, Environment." Philippine Daily Inquirer, February 24, 2000, p.12.
Anon. 1999a. "Life after 65." Manila Standard, October 3, 1999, p. 15.
Anon. 1999b. "Make Health Care more Affordable." The Philippine Star, December 7, 1999, p.8.
Martin, Sammy. 2008. Medicines bill impasse to be resolved. Manila Times April 13, 2008. Retrieved: April 26, 2008.
Romulo, Beth Day. 1994. "New Truths About Old Age." Philippine Panorama, March 6, 1994, p.16-17.
Ruckstuhl, Markus. 1999. "Novelist marks 75th Natal Day." The Philippine Star, December 7, p.10.
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Pamphlet
Haub, Carl. 2007. World Population Data Sheet. Washington, D. C.: Population Reference Bureau.

Unpublished Materials
Aklan Provincial Planning and Development Office, Province of Aklan:Socio-Economic Profile, 1996-2001.
Lezo Municipal Planning and Development Office, Municipal Profile of Lezo, 1998.
Lezo Municipal Planning and Development Office, Brief Description of the Municipality of Lezo .
Malinao Municipal Planning and Development Office, Municipal Profile of the Municipality of Malinao , n.d.
Malinao Municipal Planning and Development Office, Brief History of the Municipality of Malinao, n. d.
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Anon. 2005. Senior Citizens Comprised Six Percent of the Population; a Special release based on the results of Census 2000. http://www.census.gov.ph/data/sectordata/sr0551tx.html. Retrieved: April 19, 2008.
Domingo, Lita J. March 1992. "The Filipina Elderly in Development: Status and Prospects." Elderly in Asia Report No. 92-15. http://www.psc.isr.umich.edu/pubs/abs.html?ID=15
Retrieved: February 10, 2008
Domingo, Lita J. and John B. Casterline. April 1992. “Living arrangement of the Filipino elderly.” Elderly in Asia Report No. 92-16. http://www.psc.isr.umich.edu/pubs/abs.html?ID=16. Retrieved: February 10, 2008.
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http://health.yahoo.com/experts/drmao/8307/top-5-habits-to-increase-longevity/
Retrieved: Feb. 27, 2008




Appendix A

General Information


1. Pangalan
2. Lalaki/Babayi
3. Edad sang nagligad nga birthday
4. Pinakamataas nga grado nga natapos
5. Daan/nagligad nga obra
6. Obra sa subong
7. Upod sa balay sa subong
8. Kun may ara, ano ang inyo nga relasyon sa ila?
9. May bana/asawa? Balo o laon?
10. Kun may bana/asawa, gaupod kamo subong? Sin-o pa ang iban ninyo nga kaupod?
11. Pila ka bilog ang inyo nga bata?
12. Pila ka bilog ang buhi?
13. Pila ka bilog ang bata nga nagaestar pa sa inyo?
14. May bana/asawa pa sila? May obra? Ano ang ila nga obra?
15. Ano ang inyo nga pangabuhian?
16. Ano ang rason sang pagkamatay sang inyo nga nanay?
17. Ano ang rason sang pagkamatay sang inyo nga tatay?
18. Kung napatay sila sa sakit, napabulong bala sila? Sa diin? (to know whether medical services were extended)
19. Edad sang inyo nga nanay sang iya nga pagkapatay?
20. Edad sang inyo nga tatay sang iya nga pagkapatay?
















Appendix B

Guide Questions

Health Practices

A. Nutritional beliefs and practices
1. Pila ka beses kamo gakaon sa sang-adlaw? Ham-an?
2. Ano ro pirme ninyo nga ginakaon sa pamahaw? Ham-an?
3. Ano ro pirme ninyo nga ginakaon sa ilabas? Ham-an?
4. Gusto baea ninyo ro mantikaon nga pagkaon?
5. Ano ro pirme ninyo nga ginakaon sa ihapon? Ham-an?
6. Ano ro pirme ninyo nga miryenda sa adlaw? Ham-an?
7. Ano ang pirme ninyo nga miryenda sa hapon? Ham-an?
8. Gainum kamo it gatas? Ham-an?
9. Nagagamit baea kamo it mga panakot sa inyo ginaeaha? Ano ra?
10. Ano ro epekto ku inyong pagkaon sa inyong mayad nga lawas?

B. Drinking practices
1. Pilang basong tubi ro ginainom ninyo sa sang adlaw?
2. Siin kamo gabuoe it tubi? Sa suba, bubon, gripo o bomba?
3. Ginapabukaean baea ninyo ro tubi nga ginainom ninyo ukon ginasaea? Kon ginasaea, ano ro ginagamit ninyo?
4. Gainum kamo it makahueubog nga ilimnon? Ham-an ?
5. Kon naga-inom, halin kan-o pa? Ham-an?
6. Kon nagainom it alak, pila ka bote o baso kada adlaw? Ham-an?
7. Ano ro nabatyagan ninyo nga epekto sa eawas sa pag-inom?

C. Smoking practices
1. Gapanigarilyo kamo? Halin kan-o pa? Ham-an?
2. Kon gapanigarilyo, pilang bilog kada adlaw?
3. Ano nga klaseng sigarilyo?
4. Ano ro naobserbahan ninyo nga epekto sa pagpanigarilyo sa inyo nga eawas?

D. Chewing practices
1. Ham-at nagamama kamo? Kan-o pa?
2. Kon nagamama, pila ka beses sa sa sang adlaw? Ham-an?
3. Naga-maskada kamo? Ham-an?
4. May mayad baea nga epekto sa lawas ro pagmama ag pagmuskada?

E. Reading practices
1. Gabasa baea kamo samtang gasakay sa saeakyan?
2. Gahilam-os baea kamo dayon tapos basa? Ham-an ?
3. Gapaligos baea dayon kamo pagkabugtaw? Ham-an ?
4. Gapaligos baea dayon kamo bisan nakapueaw? Ham-an ?
5. May naobserbahan baea kamo nga epekto sa nasambit nga pangginawi? Ano ra?

F. Sexual practices
1. Nagahulid baea kamo sa inyong asawa/bana?
2. Paano ninyo ginapakita ro inyong pagpalangga sa inyo nga bana/asawa?
3. Owa’t eabot sa inyong bana/asawa, may iba pa baea kamo nga nangin kahigugma?
4. Naka-agi baea kamo pakonsulta hanungod sa sexual diseases?
5. Naka-agi baea kamo pabueong bangod sa sexual diseases?
6. Nagapaligos baea ro mga babae kon mag-abot ro andang una nga regla?
7. Ano ro epekto it pagpaligos kon may regla?

G. Exercising Practices
1. Ga-ehersisyo kamo? Ham-an?
2. Kon huo, ano nga klase nga ehersisyo ag pila ka beses sa sangka dominggo?
3. Ano ka eawig ro inyong exercise? Nagasobra baea sa napueo ka minutos?
4. May naobserbahan baea kamo nga epekto sa pag-exercise?

H. Hobbies
1. May kalingawan baea kamo? Ano ra? Ham-at ginpili mo ra nga klaseng kalingawan?
2. Kon may ona, pila ka beses sa sang adlaw/semana ninyo ginaobra raya nga kalingawan?

I. Sleeping practices
1. Anong oras kamo pirme gatueog? Ham-an?
2. Anong oras kamo gabugtaw? Ham-an?
3. Gapahuway kamo sa truadlaw? Ham-an ?
4. Ano ro epekto it sakto nga oras sa pagtulog? Sa pagpulaw?

J. Contributions to the society
1. Ano ro pinakaimportante ninyo nga nahimo sa susyedad sa bilog mo nga kinabuhi?
2. Aktibo baea kamo sa aktibidades sa inyong lugar? Sa ano nga paagi?
3. Mahambae mo baea nga nakabulig it mayad sa inyo nga eawas ro inyong nahuman sa susyedad?

K. Health aspirations
1. Sa inyong edad, siguro abu eon ro natuman ninyo sa kabuhi. May una pa baea kamong gusto nga tumanon sa pihak ku inyong edad?


L. Attitude towards life
1. Ano ro inyong pilosopiya sa pangabuhi hanungod sa ikamayad nga eawas? Ham-an ?
2. Ano ro inyong mahambae sa mga kabataan agod mag-eawig man ro andang kabuhi?



RESPONDENTS FROM THE MUNICIPALITY OF LEZO


Name: Mansueta N. Cichon
Sex: female
Age: 80 yrs. old
Highest educational attainment: Dr. of Dental Medicine
Previous work: provincial dentist
Present work: none
No. of children: none
Civil status: single
Date of Interview: January 30, 2000


Name: Melania de Tomas
Sex: female
Age: 70 yrs. old
Highest educational attainment: none
Previous work: farming
Present work: weaving/farming
No. of children: 10
Civil status: married
Date of Interview: February 3, 2000


Name: Candelario Eruelas
Sex: male
Age: 75
Highest educational attainment: high school graduate
Previous work: self-employed
Present work: housekeeping
No. of children: 3
Civil status: married
Date of Interview: January 31, 2000

Name: Flora G. Escuella
Sex: Female
Age: 73
Highest Educational Attainment: College Graduate
Previous work: Teaching
Present work: Housekeeping (Retired teacher)
No. of Children: 3
Civil Status: Married
Date of Interview: February 1, 2000


Name: Elisa R. Fernandez
Sex: female
Age: 74 yrs. old
Highest educational attainment: 5th grader
Previous work: knitting abaca slipper
Present work: none
No. of children: none
Civil status: widow
Date of Interview: February 2, 2000


Name: Trifona S. Fernandez
Sex: female
Age: 73 yrs. old
Highest educational attainment: 7th grade graduate
Previous work: laundry woman
Present work: housekeeping
No. of children: 7
Civil status: widow
Date of Interview: February 2, 2000


Name: Luz A. Francisco
Sex: female
Age: 76 yrs. old
Highest educational attainment: 2nd yr. High school
Previous work: factory worker
Present work: housekeeping
No. of children: 5
Civil status: married
Date of Interview: February 3, 2000


Name: Policarpio T. Francisco
Sex: Male
Age: 75 yrs.
Highest Educational Attainment: Elementary Graduate
Previous work: Seaman
Present Work: Farming
No. of children: 5
Civil status: married
Date of Interview: February 2, 2000


Name: Francisco Molas
Sex: male
Age: 94 yrs. old
Highest educational attainment: grade VII
Previous work: farmer
Present work: none
No. of children: 3
Civil status: married
Date of Interview: February 2, 2000


Name: Teodora F. Molas
Sex: female
Age: 86 yrs. old
Highest educational attainment: grade II
Previous work: farming
Present work: farming
No. of children: 3
Civil status: married
Date of Interview: February 3, 2000


Name: Margarita Pamati-an
Sex: female
Age: 76 yrs. old
Highest educational attainment: 4th grader
Previous work: laundry woman
Present work: pensioner
No. of children: 5
Civil status: widow
Date of Interview: February 1, 2000


Name: Rosa V. Placer
Sex: Female
Age: 77 years old
Highest Educational Attainment: College Graduate
Previous work: Teaching
Present work: Housekeeping (Retired Teacher)
No. of Children: Five
Civil Status: Married
Date of Interview: February 1, 2000


Name: Angelina Revestir
Sex: female
Age: 74 yrs. old
Highest educational attainment: grade V
Previous work: farming
Present work: housekeeping
No. of children: 4
Civil status: widow
Date of Interview: January 30, 2000


Name: Concordia Ureta
Sex: female
Age: 87 yrs. old
Highest educational attainment: grade VII
Previous work: housekeeping, sometimes making rice cakes
Present work: housekeeping
No. of children: 8
Civil status: widow
Date of Interview: January 31, 2000






Appendix D

RESPONDENTS FROM THE MUNICIPALITY OF MALINAO


Name: Nicasia de Manuel
Sex: female
Age: 71 yrs. old
Highest educational attainment
Previous work: handicraft
Present work: seamstress
No. of children: 4
Civil status: widow
Date of Interview: March 22, 2000


Name: Feliza V. Equiña
Sex: female
Age: 85 yrs. old
Highest educational attainment: 5th grader
Previous work: seamstress
Present work: none
No. of children: none
Civil status: single
Date of Interview: March 22, 2000


Name: Liberato Equiña
Sex: male
Age: 78 yrs. old
Highest educational attainment: 6th grader
Previous work: farmer
Present work: housekeeping/farming
No. of children: 5
Civil status: married
Date of Interview: March 21, 2000


Name: Bienvenida Iledan
Sex: female
Age: 71 yrs. old
Highest educational attainment: 1st grader
Previous work: production of abaca slipper
Present work: farming
No of children: 1
Civil status: widow
Date of Interview: March 22, 2000




Name: Maximino Iledan
Sex: male
Age: 70 yrs. old
Highest educational attainment: 1st grder
Previous work: farmer
Present work: traditional doctor
No. of children: 8
Civil status: married
Date of Interview: March 22, 2000


Name: Gaudiosa Intatana
Sex: female
Age: 91 yrs. old
Highest educational attainment: 5th grader
Previous work: production of abaca slipper
Present work: production of abaca slipper
No. of children: none
Civil status: widow
Date of Interview: March 23, 2000


Name: Perfecta Iquiña
Sex: female
Age: 80 yrs. old
Highest educational attainment: 5th grader
Previous work: production of abaca slipper
Present work: housekeeping
No. of children: none
Civil status: single
Date of Interview: March 23, 2000


Name: Cresenciana Y. Sanchez
Sex: female
Age: 76 yrs. old
Highest educational attainment: 4th grader
Previous work: handicraft, production of abaca slippers
Present work: production of abaca slippers
No. of children: 2
Civil status: widow
Date of Interview: March 22, 2000


Name: Juana Y. Tabing
Sex: female
Age: 76 yrs. old
Highest educational attainment: elementary level
Previous work: handicrafts
Present work: housekeeping
No. of children: 9
Civil status: married
Date of Interview: March 21, 2000


Name: Conrado Tabing
Sex: male
Age: 80 yrs. old
Highest educational attainment: elementary level
Previous work: gov’t. employee (DPWH)
Present work: pensioner
No. of children: 9
Civil status: married
Date of Interview: March 21, 2000


Name: Priscilla Yetyet
Sex: female
Age: 73 yrs. old
Highest educational attainment: 4th grader
Previous work: handicraft
Present work:handicraft
No. of children: none
Civil status: single
Date of interview: March 22, 2000






Revision: February 20, 2010
¬With revision June 28, 2009
April 12, 2008
Revised July 5, 2003


Protect Your Heart at Every Age
http://health.yahoo.com/featured/82/protect-your-heart-at-every-age/
By Woman's Day Staff
Retrieved: February 21, 2010

Follow these easy health tips specific to every stage of aging


By Woman's Day Staff

You're never too young—or too old—to start lowering your heart disease risk. Of course, exercising, eating healthy and reducing stress are key throughout life, but due to physiological changes that happen as we age, certain risk factors do become more of a threat.
In Your 20s
Stub Out a Social Smoking Habit
Smoking is enemy number one when it comes to heart disease, and even just a few cigarettes can do damage: New research from McGill University in Montreal found that smoking just one cigarette a day stiffens your arteries by a whopping 25 percent. Plus, smoking erases the hormonal advantage you have from estrogen, which can leave you vulnerable to a heart attack before menopause, explains Dr. Bonow.
Don't Ignore the Birth Control Factor
Remember that hormonal contraceptives slightly increase the risk of blood clots, so if you've ever had one, make sure to discuss it with your doctor before going on birth control. And if you're currently a smoker, don't take oral contraceptives, because the combo can be especially dangerous, says Sharonne N. Hayes, MD, director of the Women's Heart Clinic at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
Watch Your Alcohol Intake
Moderate amounts of alcohol can have a beneficial effect on your heart. (By "moderate," we mean one drink a day or about 5 ounces—but many restaurants serve far more than that.) Overdoing it can raise triglycerides, increase blood pressure and lead to weight gain, thanks to all those empty calories.
In Your 30s
Get a Grip on Stress
When you're juggling career and family, it's crucial to find stress management techniques that work. "Untamed stress has a direct negative impact on heart health," says Dr. Stevens. "The constant bombardment of adrenaline raises blood pressure and destabilizes plaque in your arteries, making it likely to cause a clot or heart attack."
Lose the Baby Weight
No, you don't have to fit into your skinny jeans by the time the baby's 6 months old, but do aim to get back to your pre-pregnancy weight within one to two years. "Carrying around extra pounds can lead to high cholesterol, high blood pressure and other heart disease risk factors," Dr. Bonow says. Also remember that it's easier to lose weight in your 30s than in your 40s, when your metabolism slows down.
Stay Social
It's important to stay connected to friends and family for the sake of your mood and heart. Research at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that high levels of loneliness increase a woman's risk of heart disease by 76 percent. On the flip side, having strong social support can help lower your blood pressure and improve other cardiovascular functions. Set aside time once or twice a week to call friends, or make a monthly dinner date.
In Your 40s
Make Sleep a Priority
Thanks to peri-menopause, fluctuating hormone levels can interfere with a good night's sleep. But not getting at least seven hours of shut-eye regularly can lead to increased blood pressure, low-grade inflammation and higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol, all of which are harmful for your blood vessels and heart, explains Jennifer H. Mieres, MD, a cardiologist at New York University School of Medicine and coauthor of Heart Smart for Black Women and Latinas. Lack of sleep has also been linked to weight gain. So establish good habits: Turn in (and wake up) at the same time every day—even on weekends—and do your best to relax before going to bed, whether it's watching a favorite funny TV show or reading.
Reassess Your Risk Factors
You may discover that your cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels have changed in this decade, even if you aren't doing anything differently, says Dr. Hayes. In fact, 22 percent of 40-something women have high blood pressure and 50 percent have high cholesterol (a jump from 38 percent of women in their 30s), according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Also, be sure to get your thyroid checked around 45; hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland), which becomes more common as women get older, can negatively affect your cholesterol levels as well as your heart.
Step Up Strength Training
You start to lose muscle mass more rapidly in your 40s, which causes your metabolism to slow down since muscle burns more calories than fat. Unfortunately, this makes it harder to stave off those extra pounds. To help maintain muscle and keep your metabolism going, aim for two 15-minute sessions weekly of lifting weights, using a resistance band or doing other toning exercises.
Carve out Personal Time
"Between the demands of work and family, it becomes even more challenging to find time for yourself in your 40s," says Dr. Mieres. But it's crucial to do so—not only to help ease stress but also to guard against depression, which commonly crops up in this decade and can raise your risk of heart disease. "Find at least 10 minutes of ‘me' time every day to do something—even if it's just chatting on the phone with a friend—that helps you destress and regroup," says Dr. Mieres.
In Your 50s
Move More
Around menopause, you tend to gain extra weight around your belly, which can lead to insulin resistance, inflammation and heart strain. Cardiovascular fitness also starts to decline, particularly if you're not that physically active to begin with. "Unfortunately, at this point, women have to burn more calories to stay at the same weight," Dr. Stevens says. Start taking the stairs instead of the elevator whenever you can, walk faster around the mall, or jog to the mailbox to send letters instead of sticking your hand out the car window as you drive by. Small changes really do add up.
Have an ECG
Silent heart abnormalities become more common in your 50s, and an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check your heart's electrical activity can pick them up, says Dr. Goldberg. Also ask your doctor if you should have a stress test; this is especially important if you're just starting to exercise.
Add Fiber
Besides being good for your cholesterol and blood sugar, pumping up your fiber intake (think whole grains like oatmeal, brown rice and flaxseeds, as well as beans, fruits and veggies) can help prevent constipation, which becomes more of a problem as you get older and your digestive system starts to slow down.

In Your 60s
Get Even More Vigilant About Screenings
After you go through menopause and get older, your blood pressure and cholesterol tend to go up, and blood vessels get stiffer. "Have your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol measured yearly," advises Dr. Goldberg.
Consider Medication
If you have hypertension or high cholesterol, the way you've been managing it before may not be enough. "As you get older, you may need more aggressive therapy," Dr. Bonow says. "High blood pressure that was controlled with one medication may now require three to control it." Talk to your doctor about whether you need to add to or adjust your medications to control your risk factors.
Be Alert to Symptoms
Now is when the first noticeable symptoms of heart disease may appear, so it's important to know what's normal for your body and be on the lookout for worrisome signs like chest discomfort, shortness of breath or changes in exercise tolerance—meaning you suddenly feel winded going up a flight of stairs or feel unusually tired for no apparent reason, says Dr. Mieres. If these appear, see your doctor pronto!

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