QUEZON CITY, (PIA) — National Commission on Senior Citizens (NCSC) Officer-in-Charge Dr. Mary Jean P. Loreche on Monday, underscored the need to address seniors’ mental health issues experienced by senior citizens, to promote their overall health.
Loreche said among the mental health issues encountered by seniors include: depression, isolation, and loneliness that harm their health, during the Impormasyon at Aksyon teleradyo program. “Isa sa pinaka-common na dahilan kung bakit nagkakasakit ang matanda, o kaya naman kung may sakit siya ay nagiging malala [ay ang] depression, isolation, [at] loneliness. Isang factor ito, kaya mayroon tayong tinatawag na social prescribing kung saan sila ay magtipon-tipon.”
She, however, pointed out solutions being used by the NCSC to address mental health issues such as “social prescribing” for the elderly.
Social prescribing for senior citizens, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), is a health-centered strategy that incorporates elements of arts and culture into a holistic care plan. It generally involves gathering them to services and support that address their needs. This can be facilitated by a trained professional or other persons with relevant training.
“Doon natin ipapasok lahat ng programa para sa kanila in-short you want to know about mental well being you want to know and be interested sa sinasabi nating dementia care,” she said. (That’s where we include all the programs for them. In short, if you want to understand mental well-being, you need to know and take an interest in what we call dementia care.)
Furthermore, the official mentioned on air that there were two reported cases of violence against older persons last week, emphasizing the need to ensure the safety and security of the elderly. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
