An overview of the healthy aging program for PinoY (HAPPY) senior citizens research: A cross-sectional study among community-dwelling older Filipinos

TL;DR

This study provides health and lifestyle data for older Filipinos to support healthy aging policies.

Contribution

It presents a detailed methodology and population profile for community-dwelling older Filipinos.

Findings

The average age of participants was 69.4 years with significant BMI differences between age groups.

Health and lifestyle data varied significantly between male and female participants.

The study supports evidence-based policy development for aging populations in the Philippines.

Abstract

As an effort in aligning with the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing, this paper reflects the methods and population characteristics from a comprehensive health and nutrition study among older Filipino adults.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among older adults aged ≥60 years (n = 562) across the country. Descriptive statistics, chi-square, and t-tests were performed by sex and age.

The overall mean age was (69.4 ± 6.3) years. The Body Mass Index was significantly higher among those 60–69 years old compared to those >70. The lifestyle and health information varied in terms of significance between the sex and age groups.

This comprehensive study presented the profile of participants and a detailed methodology. Utilizing the data is highly encouraged to develop evidence-based policies relevant to the country driven by the demographic shift.

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