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Summary
Summary
It was the birth of the Above 60 Academy or A60A in Marikina. When she
started to work with the local city health office and volunteered my services
to the senior citizens. Soon, she was able to organize an informal academic
program for the seniors. They started with cooking contests, nutrition
lectures and finally, encouraged to attend once a month health education
program to address their concerns and the physiologic changes of ageing.
From a group of 20, A60A now has more than 100 active seniors who attend
the monthly gathering. A survey done by Social Studies students of the
Ateneo showed that attending to the Above 60s Academy has significant
effect on the personal well- being as well as mental health of the seniors.
They also noted that it has helped them face the problems of ageing with
more confidence. At present, the A60A members started organizing
themselves in their own barangays and arranged physical activity and
livelihood programs for their own communities.
Senior citizens in the community need to be encouraged to engage in
worthwhile activities. Let them realize that being old does not necessarily
mean disability. The changes in their bodies may be there but they need to
overcome these by maintaining a positive outlook in life.
It is never too late for them to embrace the aging process and enjoy the later
years with their own friends. It is never too late for them to start building
new relationships, to find new meaning in their lives. It is never too late to
engage in worthwhile activities.