Elisha:

A pleasant day, our dear panelists

I am Elisha Adrielle P. Ramos, and I am honored be here in this online defense with you today alongside my fellow researchers for our
study – Jonella Arnelle M. Dalusong, Roshni jan E. Lumanglas, and Olivia Danielle M. Moreto.

Today we present our research titled “Exploring the Experiences and Needs of Senior Citizens on Emergency Exit solutions.”
Jonella:
The Philippines faces numerous challenges annually, from extreme weather events to natural disasters. Amidst these, the safety of
our citizens, especially vulnerable groups like senior citizens, becomes paramount.

In Lipa City. Here, senior citizens aged 65 and over make up about 4.21% of the population. That's nearly 14,000 individuals.

However, existing infrastructure doesn't always meet the unique needs of our elderly during emergencies.

Issues like mobility and sensory impairments can hinder their ability to evacuate safely and swiftly.
Elisha:
To tackle this issue head-on, our research aims explore the experiences and needs of senior citizens during emergencies on a
shopping mall in Lipa City, ensuring that our proposed solutions are not only evidence-based but also practical and effective.

So, why focus on a shopping mall in Lipa City? Well, it's a bustling hub for people of all ages, including senior citizens. However, like
many public spaces, it faces challenges in ensuring safety and accessibility for all patrons, especially during emergencies.

This is where our research comes in. By examining the layout of the mall, existing emergency exit infrastructure, and the challenges
faced by senior citizens, we aim to develop inclusive emergency exit solutions tailored specifically to their needs.
Olivia:
Having outlined the background and context of our research, let's now move on to the specific problem we're addressing.

This research study titled “Exploring the Experiences and Needs of Senior Citizens on Emergency Exit Solutions at SM Lipa” seeks to
answer the following questions:
1. What is the level of effectiveness of the current emergency exit solutions at SM Lipa in facilitating the evacuation of senior citizens?
2. To what extent do the design features of emergency exit solutions in SM Lipa cater to senior citizens, in terms of their:
a. Needs
b. Preferences
3. Is there a significant relationship between the level of effectiveness of the current emergency exit solutions and the design features
to cater senior citizens in terms of:
a. Needs
b. Preferences
Roshni:
Now let’s proceed to the existing literature surrounding emergency exit solutions for senior citizens. We'll explore key insights from
relevant studies that inform our understanding of the challenges and potential solutions in this domain.

Galderisi et al. (2021) emphasized the need for collaboration between emergency and spatial planning to improve urban resilience.
They identified key elements for effective cooperation, such as shared goals and collaborative governance. This supports our goal of
developing inclusive emergency exit solutions for senior citizens by ensuring coordinated efforts in disaster management.
Roshni:
Now, let's talk about the ideas guiding our study—our theoretical framework. We're focusing on two key theories: the immunological
theory and the vulnerability theory.

First up, the immunological theory. As time goes, our immune system weakens, making us more prone to diseases. In our study, this
theory is helping us understand the health challenges senior citizens face during emergencies. Their immune systems might struggle,
so we need emergency exits that are easy for them to use, considering potential issues with vision, hearing, movement, or thinking.

Now, the vulnerability theory. This theory explores how vulnerable a person, or a community is to hazards. For seniors at SM Lipa,
this theory tells us they might face more risks due to factors like exposure, sensitivity, and adaptability. So, our research aims to
reduce these risks by providing multiple safe exit routes, reliable alarms, and other safety measures.
Olivia:
Now, let's visualize our plan with Figure 1, our conceptual framework.
Elisha:
Moving on to our Methodology.

Our research design employed a correlational approach, adhering to the definition provided by Pritha Bhandari (2021), which aims to
investigate relationship between the study’s variables. through this approach, the researchers comprehensively assess the level of
effectiveness of the current emergency exit solutions at a shopping mall in Lipa City in catering to the needs and preferences of senior
citizens during emergencies.

For our sampling design, we utilized convenience sampling. This method was chosen due to the unique circumstances at the study
locale, where access to the senior citizen population is primarily based on chance, and their presence at the mall may not be
consistent daily.

At the study locale, the availability and willingness of senior citizens to participate in the research are unpredictable, as many may not
visit the mall regularly. Therefore, convenience sampling, which relies on the accessibility of participants, is the most suitable method
for this study.
Roshni:
The respondents of the study a hundred selected senior citizens who regularly visit the mall.

Then, our study’s locale is at SM Lipa, a shopping mall in Lipa City.

Jonella:
The study utilized a researcher-made questionnaire to gather data on the experiences and needs of senior citizens regarding
emergency exit solutions. This 18-item questionnaire focused on three main areas: "Needs," "Preferences," and "Effectiveness." Using
a four-point Likert scale, respondents indicated their opinions, enabling quantification for analysis. The questionnaire targeted senior
citizens frequenting the mall, providing insights for potential improvements.
Elisha:
The data gathering process began with obtaining permission from the mall manager and explaining the study's purpose while
ensuring confidentiality.

Utilizing a Likert scale survey questionnaire method, researchers prepared 18 questions, approved by the research adviser, to gather
relevant information from 100 senior citizens who frequented the mall.

Respondents were selected based on availability and willingness, with informed consent obtained prior to participation.

After distribution, responses were reviewed, tabulated, and analyzed to address the study's objectives.

After collecting data through survey questionnaires, analysis began using Microsoft Excel Office.

Frequency and percentage distribution provided an overview of categorical variables, summarizing perceptions, preferences, and
needs regarding emergency exit solutions.

Mean calculation determined the average value of data for specific variables, assessing the level of agreement among respondents.

Pearson’s Chi-square test was employed to test hypotheses and determine connections between categorical variables.

If the calculated Crit-Value is less than the Comp-Value, the null hypothesis is accepted, indicating no statistically significant
relationship between variables. Conversely, if the calculated Crit-Value is greater than the Comp-Value, the null hypothesis is rejected,
suggesting a statistically significant relationship between variables.
Jonella:
In this research study, ethical considerations were prioritized to protect participants' rights and well-being.

Obtaining informed consent ensured participants had the necessary knowledge for informed choices.

The ethical framework emphasized dignity and respect for senior citizens, aiming to empower rather than patronize or stigmatize
them.
Participants were given the choice to refuse or withdraw from the research at any time, ensuring voluntary participation and
upholding ethical standards.
Roshni:
Now, we proceed to the presentation, analysis and interpretation.
Elisha:
The findings of our study shows that
There is a Significant demand for improvements in emergency exit solutions for senior citizens, indicated by a composite mean of
3.14.
Preferences of senior citizens for compatible, familiar, senior-friendly, clearly marked, and visible emergency exit solutions,
highlighted by a composite mean of 3.43.
Areas for improvement identified in the perceived effectiveness of current emergency exit solutions, particularly in ease of locating
and accessing exits.
Lack of significance found in comparing computed and critical values, leading to rejection of the null hypothesis.
No significant relationship observed between the needs of senior citizens and the perceived effectiveness of current emergency exit
solutions at SM Lipa, suggesting that improvements do not necessarily align with identified needs.
Jonella:
The study highlights a critical demand for improvements in emergency exit solutions, particularly in clearer signage and better
accessibility features, to address identified needs.

It emphasizes the importance of emergency exit solutions compatible with senior citizens' assistive devices, senior-friendly, clearly
marked, and visible, highlighting the need for addressing current deficiencies.

Positive feedback on the perceived effectiveness of current emergency exit solutions is noted, with areas for improvement identified,
especially in ease of locating and accessing exits.

Although no significant relationship was found between identified needs and perceived effectiveness of current emergency exit
solutions, ongoing efforts to enhance them are emphasized, prioritizing improvements based on both needs and preferences of
senior citizens for a safer and more inclusive environment.
Roshni:
Based on our comprehensive analysis of the needs, preferences, and perceived effectiveness of emergency exit solutions for senior
citizens, we have developed key recommendations to enhance the safety and inclusivity of public spaces:

Firstly, we recommend that mall management prioritize implementing improvements based on the identified needs and preferences
of senior citizens. This includes enhancing signage, accessibility features, and overall visibility of emergency exits. Regular
maintenance and technological upgrades are also essential to ensure optimal performance during emergencies.

In addition, educational initiatives should be launched to raise awareness among senior citizens about emergency preparedness and
the availability of enhanced exit solutions. Workshops, seminars, and informational campaigns can empower senior citizens with the
knowledge and skills needed to navigate emergencies confidently.

Collaboration with local authorities and emergency response agencies is crucial. By conducting drills, simulations, and training
sessions focused on evacuating senior citizens safely during emergencies, malls can ensure coordinated efforts and effective
communication channels in times of crisis.

Continuous evaluation and feedback collection from senior citizens are essential. Establishing a system for ongoing assessment will
enable mall management to identify areas for improvement and promptly address emerging needs or concerns.

Looking ahead, further research in urban planning, emergency preparedness, and inclusive design is encouraged. Collaborative
research projects involving academia, industry stakeholders, and governmental organizations can generate valuable insights and drive
meaningful change in urban environments, ultimately creating safer and more inclusive spaces for senior citizens.

That is all thank you!