Twilight Years In Asilo De Molo: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

Aging is a natural process faced by the human race. Having a clear understanding of its meaning can help people better appreciate situations encountered by old people. Given the lack of recognition, this study aimed to describe the experiences of aged people in Asilo De Molo. The study was carried out as a qualitative work based on a descriptive phenomenological approach. The researcher used purposive sampling to determine the six participants through a recorded interview. The collected data were analyzed through Colaizzi’s method. The researcher formulated four themes from the results as follows: 1) “Health and Well-Being” 2) “Filial Piety” 3) “Ardent Faith” & 4) “Connection”. The informants were all above 60 years old and came from various places in Western Visayas, and most of them were single and unmarried. Findings revealed that aged people were gravely struggling with their health issues, giving them a hard time maintaining the same energy as they had before. Home for the aged had become their refuge, allowing them to freely show their vulnerability. They also have the liberty to become themselves and help in the various tasks without being scolded. They were able to meet new faces and feel appreciated by other people. However, physical and mental abuses were also experienced by the elderly in the nursing home which adds burden and complications to their current situation. Thus, this phenomenological inquiry brought enlightenment and awareness about the complexities encountered by aged people.