Rerouting from the Roadmap of Life: Why is the Philippines a Great Place to Witness the Sunsets of Life?
Discover why the Philippines is becoming a preferred retirement destination for seniors worldwide - where natural beauty meets compassionate care.
With everything else gradually becoming digitized and what's new today is already outdated after a week or two, have you ever thought about where you will be in your twilight years?
The Ageing Facts
World Health Organization (WHO) Statistics
The number and proportion of people aged 60 years and older in the population is noticeably increasing:
- 2019: 1 billion people aged 60 years and older
- 2030 (projected): 1.4 billion
- 2050 (projected): 2.1 billion
This increase is occurring at an unprecedented pace and will accelerate in coming decades, particularly in developing countries.
This significant change in the global demographics implies the need for appropriate adaptations to the way societies are structured across all sectors, whether it be in the health and social care, transportation, housing and urban planning - correlated to make the world more age-friendly.
Changes in older age are multifaceted. Beyond the weakened physique and bodily strength, an elderly person should expect, aging is often associated with other life transitions - retirement from work, relocation to more appropriate housing and worst, the death of friends or partners.
To Being "Off the Desk" and Thriving On
Aging is an inevitable, continuous process that some people may negatively perceive as deterioration of beauty and physical attributes and even losing strands from someone's worth as a person. Being needed rather than being the one who needs caring - a stigma.
It takes a pile of acceptance advice and life lectures to wholeheartedly embrace that not everyday is one's glory day.
It means that age is a journey and every person will have a taste of the mountain's peak but will eventually trail down over the hills. Retirement may mean cutting cords from the actions of a career and disentangling yourself from the buzz of the workplace but on the other hand, it may give you a chance to take the gear and drive on an open highway, to retreat from the noise of unpaid bills despite long and tedious working hours, to live a more tranquil version of life.
But where to take the wheels? Well, that's a vital question. Where to spend the golden years of life must be a careful and collective decision between the elderly and the supporting circle. Weighing the risks and level of care one will require should be highly considered.
Philippines: A Pick in the Tropics
A Destination Praised by Travel Enthusiasts
With its more than 7,000 islands, the country has consistently made its way to different blog posts not only by Filipinos bragging proud of their Motherland but also some of the renowned foreign travel enthusiasts:
- Martin Solhaugen (Norwegian filmmaker and vlogger) - Creates visually stunning content about the Philippines, highlighting both landscapes and cultural experiences
- Kyle Douglas Jennermann ("Kulas") - Filipino and Canadian travel vlogger famous for his "Becoming a Filipino" channel with over 1M subscribers. His feature on Philippine television reached 1.1M views
But beyond just the beauty of the country with its beaches and tourist destinations, the Philippines is gradually becoming a second home for people browsing through the last chapters of their meaningful books.
In an interview conducted by the Vagabond Awake, the Philippines was confirmed as one country in Southeast Asia which offers Assisted Care through the creation of Senior Residents communities. The country best suits the preferences of the elderly when it comes to seeing arrays of nature, breathing in fresh air and finding the best escape from the metro.
Filipino Nursing: The "Malasakit" Way
The Filipino Spirit in Healthcare
It is an innate characteristic amongst the Filipinos to be compassionate towards people especially the weak, sick and vulnerable. As part of the rich Philippine culture, Filipinos are known for:
- Hospitality - Heartfelt welcoming treatment of people, whether local or foreign
- Patience and Endurance - Immense capacity to handle demanding situations
- Optimism - Seeking positivity despite difficulties and hardships
- Strong Work Ethics - Ability to handle long hours and stressful environments
- Genuineness - Exhibiting authenticity in everything they do
These traits mold Filipinos to be perfect fit on donning scrubs as healthcare professionals - doctors, nurses and even caregivers.
Philippine Senior Care Facilities: Sanctuaries of Excellence
What Sets Philippine Facilities Apart
Limited Capacity for Focused Care
Each Senior Care Facility in the Philippines is built to house a limited number of residents to ensure the provision of focused and individualized care.
Exceptional Staffing Ratios
Taking care of the residents are Registered Nurses and well-certified and trained Caregivers, meeting a 1:1 ratio if not 3:1, to uphold the quality of compassionate care the residents deserve.
Financial Advantage
Aside from the pros in the financial aspect (when it comes down to the cost of assisted care living compared overseas), these facilities are designed to be sanctuaries of the elderly.
Leading Senior Care Facilities in the Philippines
- Mabuhaii Nursing Homes
- LifeCare Rizal
- Loving Home Nursing Care
- Bahay Dona Rosario by RainTree Care
- Golden Haven Retirement Homes
- Villa Sionah Alzheimer Residence
Since studies showed that most, if not all, aging residents in care facilities often suffer from intense loneliness, low self worth, consistently waiting for sympathy, the way Filipinos take care of residents with 3H's - Head, Hand and Heart - marks the difference.
Aside from the scenic landscapes in the Philippines, its people are far way exquisite.
The Power of Nature in Later Life
Research from Geriatric Nursing Journal
In a journal, Geriatric Nursing, it was revealed that contact with nature potentially supports health, wellbeing and resilience among older adults.
Key Findings:
- Nature-based activities such as gardening and walking-groups support senior wellbeing
- Nature remains important in later pages of life
- The importance may even increase along with age given direct contact with nature
- Nature is commonly considered a source of resilience and a place for deep reflections and meditation
The Challenge in Urban Areas
However, in some facilities located in urbanized areas, nature is often inaccessible. This is a big advantage and consideration in choosing a place in the tropical areas like the Philippines where feasible wishes in being one with nature are literally just a few steps away from coming true.
Calming the Waters
Conclusion
The Philippines offers a unique combination of natural beauty, cultural warmth, and professional healthcare that makes it an increasingly attractive destination for retirement and senior care. With over 7,000 islands offering breathtaking landscapes, a culture renowned for hospitality and compassion, and senior care facilities that provide exceptional nurse-to-resident ratios at affordable costs, the Philippines presents a compelling alternative to aging in place in more expensive Western countries.
The Filipino approach to care - characterized by the "Malasakit" philosophy and the 3H's (Head, Hand, and Heart) - ensures that residents are treated not as patients, but as cherished family members. Combined with the therapeutic benefits of daily access to nature, the Philippines offers more than just care - it offers a meaningful, dignified, and beautiful way to experience life's sunset years.
As George Washington wisely noted, the shade of retirement is both necessary and welcome. The Philippines provides that shade, enhanced by tropical breezes, compassionate caregivers, and the promise of tranquil, sun-kissed days.
