The Institute of Social Research and Development (ISRD) and the College of Social Sciences (CSS) organized an activity titled “ISRD Research Dissemination Series: Recent Findings on and Implications for Senior Citizens’ Welfare.” The activity, held on March 13, 2025 at the Research and Extension Everlasting Hall, aimed to explore potential collaborations for promoting elderly welfare.

This was participated by the senior citizens in La Trinidad and the researchers and students from the College of Nursing (CN) and CSS.

In his opening remarks, CSS Dean Stanley F. Anongos Jr. expressed his appreciation to the researchers for their studies related to the elderly. He emphasized that the research was important in shaping the government policies for senior citizens. Anongos also challenged the researchers to explore the elderly population across various areas.

ISRD Director Ann Heather B. Kiwang then shared the objectives of the activity. She emphasized that the purpose of the event is to identify additional activities that should be established in the future, rather than concluding with today’s activity.

The research presentation began with Gregorio C. Taag, a retired faculty member of CSS, who shared his study titled “Needs and Joys of the Elderly.” His research focused on the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial needs and joys of elderly individuals.

Following Taag, Khember P. Baguitan, a student from CN, presented their research titled “Exploring Family Care for Older Adults with Dementia.” She discussed the challenges families face when caring for elderly individuals with dementia, including the actions and practices they implement to support these individuals.

Davys G. Ebes, also from CN, presented their research titled “The Light of Love: Lived Experience of Primary Caregivers of Cognitively Challenged Elderly in La Trinidad, Benguet.” He discussed the challenges that caregivers face when caring for elderly with cognitive impairments. Additionally, Ebes shared several recommendations for providing better care for these elderly individuals.

Next, Mark U. Gay-as from CN presented their research titled “Mabikas: Frailty Assessment Mobile Health Application for Older Adults,” which focused on the assessment of adult health. The presentation highlighted the mobile health application named “Mabikas,” designed for frailty assessment, along with other applications: “Nemnem,” intended for adults with dementia; and “Dada,” aimed at adults with stroke. Gay-as explained that these applications are used for profiling risk assessment, designed for family health caregiver and elderly people.

The discussions was followed by a focus group discussion with the elderly to explore their needs and aspirations, facilitated by the third-year students from the Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

The activity concluded with remarks from Maureen A. Gay-as, Division Head of ISRD. She hoped for a continued partnership between the university and the senior community and thanked everyone who contributed their knowledge during the activity.//BTayaban

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