TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA) -- Tuguegarao City will serve as one of the two pilot Local Government Units (LGUs) across the Philippines to pioneer the establishment of a health and wellness center for senior citizens. 

The establishment of a health and wellness center dubbed as “GEMS” or Geriatric Health and Wellness Center made for senior citizens, spearheaded by the Department of Health - Cagayan Valley Center for Health Development (DOH-CVCHD), acknowledges the importance of senior citizen’s quality of life as the statistics highlight the importance of addressing the needs and well-being of the senior citizens.

Based on the 2020 Census of Population and Housing conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority, senior citizens constitute over 8.5 percent of the household population, totaling 9.22 million. This figure has risen significantly from the 7.53 million recorded in 2015.

Dr. Mar Wynn Bello, assistant regional director of DOH-CVCHD, said the government wants to create a program recognizing the gaps in current services, such as specific treatment-focused care and lack of daytime support for seniors.

This initiative, he said, will align with the objectives of DOH to increase the life expectancy rates for Filipinos by offering a holistic healthcare plan for the elderly population, encompassing a facility designed to address their daily healthcare requirements.

Tuguegarao City Mayor Maila Ting-Que, in the initial phase of GEMS, said the program will accommodate five senior citizens who will be selected as its first beneficiaries.

Ting-Que said the center will offer a range of services, including free health screenings administered by certified medical professionals, free meals, and engaging in group activities like tai chi and Zumba to promote physical fitness.

“The health and wellness center will operate from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, allowing families to attend to their work and livelihood responsibilities while ensuring their elderly are well-cared of,” Ting-Que said.

She further said the center will provide a conducive environment for learning and leisure activities during the day, along with designated resting areas. (OTB/JPT/PIA Region 2)