With the goal of improving its elderly citizens’ physical and mental health, Barangay San Antonio (BSA) is the first to launch a "day care" program in Pasig City to promote a happier and healthier life for them.
Barangay San Antonio (BSA) Chairman Raymond Lising (center) oversees the barangay’s senior 'day care' program at the BSA Covered Court on Tuesday, October 15. Around 200 senior citizens participated in the program. (Photos from BSA)
Accoriding to BSA Chairman Raymund Lising, the day care is a weekly program that started in August with only 12 to 20 participants.
As of October 15, around 200 senior citizens have already participated in the program that is also part of Pasig's celebration of Elderly Week observed annually during the first week of October.
Here, senior citizens are able to enjoy activities such as interactive sessions and simple physical and mental activities facilitated by volunteers from the Rizal Medical Center.
A lecture on how to avoid falling accidents among senior citizens was also conducted, as doctors said that most injuries sustained by elderly people result from falls.
“BSA’s senior day care program is made possible in partnership with Rizal Medical Center. This aims to enhance the quality of life of our lolos and lolas in the barangay," Lising said.
He added that aside from the program, the barangay already has regular activities where senior citizens gather every Tuesday to participate in various activities.
Improving their well-being
Doctors explained that senior citizens must have an active lifestyle, social engagement, and mental stimulation, which contributes to their overall well-being and prevents age-related diseases.
Doctor Exia De Guzman, chief resident of Family and Community Medicine at Rizal Medical Center, said they usually facilitate activities such as painting, coloring, hand and eye coordination games, and other activities tailored to improve seniors' wellness.
“Iyong pinaka-aim kasi ng activity is to actually improve the wellness and quality of life nung older adults as usually kasi by that age what they do every day pare-pareho na lang (The main goal of the activity is to improve the wellness and quality of life of elderlies, as their daily routines tend to become repetitive at that age)," De Guzman said.
Lising expressed his gratitude for the successful event, saying that being able to conduct a program for the elderly, who are vital parts of society, brings joy to them.
“It is also our way in Barangay San Antonio to recognize senior citizens’ invaluable contributions in our barangay by providing them care and giving opportunities for them to enjoy and connect with fellow seniors,” he said.