While much of the Philippine population remains young, sustained external migration away from the rural countryside and into urban centers of economic activity has in recent years contributed to the “ageing” of provincial populations. In many instances, these seniors are left at home or on their own for the most part of the day while relatives study, work, or earn a living, making home-based senior citizens vulnerable to accidents and other safety or health-related risks caused by limitations and impairments to mobility and movement. 

Having at their disposal a walking cane or other forms of assistive devices mitigates these risks for both the average elderly and those already suffering from disabilities. In 2010, about 28% of persons with disabilities in the country belong to the 60 years old and above bracket. 

Costs are, however, a persistent barrier to access or ownership of assistive devices, particularly among poorer households characteristic of many Philippine rural villages. According to above-mentioned study, about 57 percent of senior citizens report having insufficient household income with less than half enjoying a pension during their retirement.

Under Philippine laws, Republic Act No. 9994  or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act serves as the legal framework for the grant of privileges and forms of assistance for the approximately 7.5 million Filipino senior citizens. The law also mandates the establishment of an Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) in every local government unit.  The OSCA is in charge of planning, implementing, and monitoring programs in pursuance of the law and to assist senior citizens in filing complaints against individuals and institutions. In addition, the National Policy on the Health and Wellness Program for Senior Citizens of the Department of Health guides national and local action towards the improvement of the quality of life of older Filipinos through the delivery of appropriate health service packages at various levels of the health care delivery system and partnerships with other stakeholders and sectors. The first week of October each year is also marked for the celebration of the elderly in the country. 

Distributing canes, walkers, wheelchairs, crutches, and walking sticks can make the celebration of Senior Citizens Week every year more meaningful. However, according to a study by the World Health Organization, of the one in 10 people who do access assistive technology, up to 75% abandon what is provided. This often stems from substandard products, inappropriate provision and use. Abandonment and misuse of assistive technology exacerbates the risk of poorer health outcomes and further escalates social isolation and exclusion, according to the WHO.

Allocating adequate funding each year in the local government’s budget for these devices and ensuring they are procured with the user-specific needs and documented disabilities among residing senior citizens in mind should endear local government officials to their senior citizen constituents and their families.