Safeguarding the Holistic Wellbeing of Elderly People in the Municipality of Agoncillo during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

The health condition of the people in general must always be safeguarded in this new normal. This extremely affected the social health of the elderly people because of limited social interaction. In line with this, they felt social isolation wherein they cannot go outside to buy their needs on their own. They could not also attend social gatherings and they tend to limit social interaction to secure their health and safety. This resulted to more problems with regard to emotional health, mental health and physical health of the senior citizens in Agoncillo. The most common way on how elderly people and their families take care of them are following IATF protocols. Family members also conduct regular cleaning and disinfecting of their homes, cook and eat healthy meals and fruits. Majority of them take vitamins too to boost immune system. They also limit social interaction and are encouraged by their loved ones to do simple physical exercises. They also keep in touch with their loved ones through phone calls and social media websites. In addition, they find new hobbies like planting and have their online check up to monitor their overall health condition. Lastly, some of them have their vaccines.