FROM THE MARGINS

As I edge closer to my 68th birthday, I find myself reflecting on the years gone by with gratitude and renewed hope. I am semi-retired — no longer engaged in the day-to-day operations of an office, yet, performing advisory roles in several financial organizations and social enterprises. I proudly wear my graying hair and laugh lines as badges of a life well-lived, a life still full of purpose. In a country like ours, where respect for elders is deeply woven into the fabric of society, I look forward to embracing the future with open arms and a grateful heart.

There is a quiet revolution happening among Filipino senior citizens today. Gone are the days when reaching 60 meant fading quietly into the background. Across the archipelago, we are seeing more elderly Filipinos remaining active, engaged, and influential — running their businesses, teaching, serving as volunteers, barangay leaders, community advocates and role models. Some are even returning to school or pursuing lifelong dreams that were once placed on hold. That kind of resilience, that lakas ng loob, is uniquely Filipino.

Dominga’s story

As always, I draw inspiration from our microfinance clients. At 76, Dominga Perez of Camarines Norte embodies the saying "Age is just a number," as she continues to push forward in her entrepreneurial journey with remarkable determination. Over the years, Dominga has faced numerous challenges, starting as an artisanal miner alongside her first husband. After his passing, she raised six children with her second husband, and mining remained their primary livelihood. Despite the dangers of mining, Dominga persevered, sometimes finding gold, but often leaving with little more than exhaustion.

In 1996, after her husband's injury forced him to stop working, Dominga transitioned to being a house helper while also selling grass brooms made by neighbors. In 2011, she took a bold step by learning broom-making and turning it into a business. She became a client of our microfinance-oriented rural bank, which provided her with a small loan to buy raw materials for her craft. With financial support and training, she was able to build her business and handle her finances more effectively.

Dominga’s perseverance paid off. She not only kept her business afloat but also acquired land for her home. Her story is a testament to how resilience, skill, and financial backing can drive success, even later in life. She is a living testament that age is no barrier to achieving success through hard work and perseverance.

Not a barrier

I often remind my children that people’s value does not diminish with age. On the contrary, old people bring to the table decades of experience, wisdom, and patience—traits that are crucial in a fast-paced world that sometimes forgets to slow down and listen.

It warms my heart to see programs and policies slowly catching up for seniors. The expanded benefits for senior citizens, from discounts on goods and services to better healthcare access, are more than just perks—they are acknowledgments of a lifetime of service. But more than government support, what I see is a renewed societal appreciation for our elders. I see it in our young clients who often greet me with smiles, strangers who offer me seats in public places, or younger colleagues who ask for advice, treating my words as though they matter.

And yes, they do matter. We matter.

There is so much more we elders can do. We can mentor young professionals in our fields. We can volunteer for community programs in underserved areas. We can start small livelihood projects in our hometowns, ones that can uplift both elders and youth. We can revisit old passions, like making music or exploring the arts.

This is why I believe it is crucial for both the government and the private sector to invest more in programs that empower senior citizens. We need more job opportunities tailored for older workers, community centers that offer meaningful engagement, and healthcare services that prioritize preventive care and dignity. Companies can benefit immensely from hiring experienced seniors as mentors or consultants. Local governments can tap our volunteer spirit to strengthen barangay programs. With the right support, senior citizens can continue to contribute meaningfully — and not be mere dependents or recipients of handouts.

Age is not a barrier; it is a bridge. It connects generations and carries forward the values we hold dear: bayanihan, pakikisama, malasakit. These are not just words; they define many older people. Seniors can contribute so much to help the future generation.

To my fellow seniors, I say this: do not be afraid of the number. Instead, embrace the freedom, the clarity, and the chance to redefine what it means to age. Let us show our families, and the country, that we are not just growing old—we are growing bolder.

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"Aging is not ‘lost youth’ but a new stage of opportunity and strength." – Betty Friedan

(Dr. Jaime Aristotle B. Alip is a poverty eradication advocate. He is the founder of the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development Mutually-Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI), a group of 23 organizations that provide social development services to eight million economically-disadvantaged Filipinos and insure more than 27 million nationwide.)