As the number of Filipino seniors surpass 9.2 million, the healthcare system faces increasing pressure to address the unique needs of this demographic. To tackle these challenges, the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians (PAFP) have partnered with GSK Philippines to empower family physicians with advanced knowledge and tools to enhance preventive healthcare, particularly for the elderly.
Through this groundbreaking collaboration, family physicians, who are often the first point of contact for patients, will receive the necessary support to promote wellness, manage and prevent both acute and chronic conditions, including vaccine-preventable diseases, thus encouraging healthy ageing.
Addressing health challenges of the ageing population
Aging increases the risk of certain diseases due to a gradual decline in the immune system’s ability to respond effectively to infections Seniors face a higher risk of chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and respiratory diseases, which are among the top 10 causes of death in the Philippines. With preventive care playing a pivotal role, the healthcare system must focus on early detection, prevention and proactive disease management to ensure the well-being of aging Filipinos.
“Older adults face unique health challenges, and family physicians play a critical role in managing these through early interventions and holistic preventive care,” said Dr. Josefina S. Isidro-Lapeña, President of PAFP. “By strengthening their skills, we can ensure comprehensive care is delivered.”
Empowering Family Physicians through Education
The heart of the PAFP-GSK partnership lies in continuous education for family physicians. Through this nationwide program, family doctors will receive updated guidance on managing elderly care, including healthy lifestyle promotion, recognition of age-appropriate screening tests, chronic disease management, vaccination, and promoting overall wellness.
A key initiative, the Ageing Gracefully Among Filipinos Summit, focuses on providing family physicians with practical knowledge in areas such as nutrition, physical activity, health screenings and immunization. This equips doctors to deliver more holistic care to our seniors.
EducAIR, an on-demand medical education platform, enables family physicians to enhance their skills in diagnosing and treating airway diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which are prevalent among seniors, and in preventing infections in this vulnerable patient group with adult immunization. Through this advanced training, physicians will be better equipped to manage these conditions, ultimately improving elderly care.
The ceremonial signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) between PAFP and GSK formalized their collaboration on the Ageing Gracefully Among Filipinos Summit and EducAIR programs, highlighting their shared commitment to advancing healthcare for seniors.
“The Ageing Gracefully among Filipinos and EducAIR programs are initiatives to equip family physicians with up-to-date knowledge and practical tools needed to provide better care for our ageing population including those chronic respiratory conditions,” said Dr. Gio Barangan, GSK Country Medical Director. “By translating this knowledge into clinical practice, we can significantly enhance care for older patients. A well-prepared healthcare system helps prevent serious health issues and supports seniors in maintaining their independence, reducing the burden on families.”
Proactive Preventive Care for a Healthier Future
Ensuring that family physicians stay equipped with the latest in preventive care practices is crucial to addressing the healthcare needs of an ageing population. Early interventions and proactive health management can prevent many complications related to both infections and chronic diseases, improving the quality of life for seniors while easing the emotional and financial strain on families and healthcare system.
Filipino seniors and their caregivers are encouraged to actively engage with family physicians to take control of their health journey through regular health screenings and early disease prevention and detection. By maintaining healthy lifestyles, seniors can enjoy better well-being and independence as they age.
