25/03/2026
RESEARCH | Several local studies have been conducted among community-dwelling older Filipinos; however, there are still data gaps in nutrition research. In particular, there is a need to understand the interrelationship of various factors surrounding the nutritional status of older Filipinos and their quality of life. Hence, the Healthy Aging Program for Pinoy (HAPPY) Senior Citizens research was conducted to align with the Decade of Healthy Ageing initiative of the United Nations.
The data presented in this paper provides a reasonably good representation of older Filipino populations, as their characteristics aligned with other local databases. More older adults were females, belonged to the younger old subgroup, and were married. Most older adults live with others, have only reached elementary education, and belong to senior citizens’ organizations. Being underweight is more common among men and those aged 70 and above, while women and those aged 60–69 are more likely to be overweight or obese. More men smoke and drink alcohol than women, and alcohol consumption decreases with age. Over half of the participants depend on their families for financial support, highlighting financial insecurity among older Filipino adults.
Given the increasing proportion of older adults in the country, interventions should prioritize addressing malnutrition, improving functional capacity, and enhancing the overall quality of life through evidence-based policies and programs.
Authors: Robby Carlo A. Tan (Department of Science and Technology, Food and Nutrition Research Institute | Division of Human Nutrition & Health, Wageningen University & Research), Kyler Kenn M. Castilla (Department of Science and Technology, Food and Nutrition Research Institute), Angely P. Garcia (Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila), Kristine D. Macatangay (Department of Science and Technology, Food and Nutrition Research Institute), Shelley Ann F. de la Vega (Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila), Michael E. Serafico (Department of Science and Technology, Food and Nutrition Research Institute), Marco Mensink (Division of Human Nutrition & Health, Wageningen University & Research) and Lisette de Groot (Division of Human Nutrition & Health, Wageningen University & Research)
Published in AIMS Public Health
Read more: https://ovpaa.up.edu.ph/research/a-comprehensive-study-on-the-health-and-nutrition-of-older-filipino-adults-highlights-the-need-for-tailored-interventions/
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