# 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.

## Key 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.