{
  "id": 3546721,
  "title": "Health and aging",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/health-and-aging",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-26T16:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Philippine Star Business",
    "slug": "philippine-star-business",
    "url": "https://www.philstar.com/business/2026/08/27/2552008/health-and-aging"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Last week, a medical procedure that was initially thought to be routine quickly turned into a serious situation. Within hours, the author found themselves preparing for an angioplasty, with a stent being installed in one of their arteries – the one dubbed the \"widowmaker.\" The author is grateful to Dr. Ariel Miranda, Dr. Lourdes Santos, and the entire medical team at Cardinal Santos Medical Center for their professionalism, competence, and compassion during this anxious experience. The hospital is highly recommended for those with heart and other health issues.\n\nUpon hearing the news of the author's procedure from a high school classmate, Jake Peralta, the author began to reflect on their own aging and the situation of millions of elderly Filipinos. They noted that while attending reunions, the conversation often revolved around health as they approached their senior years.\n\nAcross the country, many elderly Filipinos face health challenges without the necessary resources, facilities, and support systems available in major urban centers. Long travel distances, long waiting times, and financial constraints often hinder access to care, leaving families to assume caregiving responsibilities with limited guidance and support.\n\nAccording to the Philippine Statistics Authority, there are approximately 11 million senior citizens (aged 60 and above) in the Philippines as of 2025, making up 9.6 percent of the country's 113.7 million population. By 2030, the country is expected to have an aging population, with the elderly comprising around 11 percent of the population.\n\nThe Commission on Population and Development has called for an assessment of current policies on aging to address gaps and adjust accordingly. This assessment should include government funding and support for geriatric care, as most seniors navigate a fragmented health system in the country.\n\nGeriatric care is not merely about treating disease but also about managing the complex conditions that come with age, such as mobility issues, chronic conditions like arthritis and diabetes, memory issues, and emotional support for concerns like isolation. Specialized government facilities could provide integrated services, including cardiology, neurology, physical therapy, nutrition, and mental health support, all under one roof. This approach would help preserve the dignity of seniors, ensuring aging is not perceived as a burden but as a natural stage of life deserving respect and care.\n\nA nation's values are reflected in how it cares for its elderly citizens. The author urges the government to take action before the country's elderly population grows larger, investing in geriatric units in public hospitals, expanding elderly care services, increasing PhilHealth support and coverage for chronic and long-term conditions, and strengthening systems and structures for family caregivers. These initiatives will require resources, but they should be viewed as investments rather than expenses.",
  "summary": "Last week, what I hoped for as a routine medical procedure quickly turned into something far more serious",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}