SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF SENIOR CITIZENS: IT'S RELATIONSHIP

TO THEIR LEVEL OF ACCESSIBILITY TO PENSION

A Research Proposal
Presented to the Faculty of
Aim High College Incorporated

In Partial Fulfillment of the requirements

For the Bachelor of Science and Social Work

Prepared by:

Mama Hashna, S.
Villa Chirwen, A.
Balimbingan Norhana
Flores Miraluna
Pabingwit Rexelle
Sumusog Emiel
Lucahin Jelie, R.
Demapeles Ella Mae, C.
Hermino Glendle
Sensi Jasmine
Dionaldo Angelito
Mama Hashim, S.

To:

Banguis Rovy, M.

November 2023
 Chapter 1

Introduction

The socio-economic status of senior citizens significantly impacts their level

of accessibility to pensions, a crucial aspect of financial security in old age. The

relationship between socio-economic status and pension accessibility is multifaceted,

encompassing various factors such as income, education, employment history, and

social welfare policies.

Firstly, income plays a pivotal role in determining the accessibility of pensions

for senior citizens. Those with higher incomes during their working years may have

had the capacity to contribute more to pension schemes, resulting in a larger pension

fund upon retirement. In contrast, individuals with lower incomes may have struggled

to save for retirement and could subsequently face financial challenges in accessing

adequate pension benefits.

Moreover, the level of education attained by senior citizens can impact their

understanding of pension systems and their ability to navigate complex retirement

benefit structures. Higher levels of education may empower individuals to make

informed decisions about pension contributions and to engage effectively with

pension providers. Conversely, those with limited education may encounter barriers in

comprehending their pension options and eligibility requirements, potentially

affecting their access to sufficient retirement income.

Additionally, the nature of an individual's employment history can

substantially influence their access to pension benefits. Senior citizens who have
worked in formal sectors with established pension plans may enjoy greater

accessibility to retirement funds compared to those who have been engaged in

informal or precarious employment with no pension provision. This discrepancy

underscores the unequal access to pensions based on employment opportunities and

the type of work individuals have been engaged in throughout their careers.

Furthermore, the socio-economic status of senior citizens is closely

intertwined with social welfare policies and the overall structure of pension systems.

In some cases, pension schemes may be designed in ways that disproportionately

benefit higher-income individuals, thereby perpetuating economic disparities among

senior citizens. Additionally, the availability of social safety nets and support

programs for elderly individuals can significantly impact the pension accessibility of

those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

In conclusion, the socio-economic status of senior citizens is intrinsically

linked to their level of accessibility to pensions. Addressing disparities in pension

accessibility requires a holistic approach that considers income inequality, educational

disparities, employment conditions, and the structure of social welfare policies. By

recognizing the intricate relationship between socio-economic status and pension

accessibility, policymakers and advocates can work towards creating more equitable

and inclusive retirement systems for all senior citizens.

Background of the Study

The background of the study of senior citizens focuses on the issues,

challenges, and opportunities faced by the aging population. As people live longer and
birth rates decline, the proportion of elderly people in the population is increasing,

leading to a variety of social, economic, and health-related concerns.

Some of the key issues facing senior citizens include social isolation, financial

insecurity, healthcare access and affordability, and ageism. These issues can have

significant impacts on the quality of life of older adults, as well as on their families

and caregivers.

Researchers studying senior citizens seek to understand these challenges and

identify strategies and interventions that can improve the well-being of the aging

population. This may involve developing social programs and support networks,

improving access to healthcare services, promoting financial literacy and security, and

advocating for policies that promote age-friendly communities and workplaces.

The background of the study of senior citizens is important because it provides

context for the research, highlights the significance of the topic, and demonstrates the

researcher's understanding of the issues and challenges faced by older adults. By

addressing these issues, researchers can help improve the lives of senior citizens and

promote greater understanding and support for this important demographic group.
Theoretical Framework

When conducting research on senior citizens, it is important to frame the study

within a theoretical framework. The theoretical framework provides a conceptual

structure that guides the research process by outlining the key concepts, relationships,

and theories that are relevant to the topic. Here are some potential theoretical

frameworks that can be applied to senior citizen research:

 Age-Related Changes and Resilience Theory: This framework focuses on

understanding the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial changes that occur

with aging, as well as the factors that contribute to resilience and adaptation in

older adults. It acknowledges that while aging is accompanied by certain

declines, individuals have the potential to maintain and enhance their well-

being through various factors like personal traits, resources, and coping

strategies.

 Social Determinants of Health: This framework recognizes that health

outcomes in senior citizens are influenced by a complex interplay of social,

economic, and environmental factors. It examines how factors such as

socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, social support, and physical

environment impact the health and well-being of older adults.

 Life Course Perspective: This framework considers the life experiences and

trajectories of individuals over their entire lifespan. It looks at how earlier life

events and circumstances shape the aging process and emphasizes the

importance of understanding the diverse pathways and transitions that senior

citizens go through.

 Successful Aging: This framework examines the factors that contribute to a

positive and fulfilling aging process. It considers physical health, mental well-
 being, and social engagement, and explores how individual characteristics and

external influences impact the overall aging experience.

 Ecological Systems Theory: This framework emphasizes the dynamic

interaction between individuals and their environment. It looks at the various

systems (micro, meso, exo, macro) that influence the lives of senior citizens,

including family, community, healthcare, and social institutions.

 Ageism and Stereotyping: This framework focuses on the barriers and

challenges faced by senior citizens due to age-related discrimination and

negative stereotypes. It explores the impact of ageism on various aspects of

life, including employment opportunities, healthcare access, and social

participation.

 Technology Acceptance: This framework investigates the factors influencing

the adoption, usage, and acceptance of technology by senior citizens. It

considers variables such as ease of use, usefulness, and individual

characteristics that impact the integration of technology into the lives of older

adults.

These theoretical frameworks provide a lens through which senior citizen

research can be conducted, helping to structure the study and guide the analysis and

interpretation of the data. The choice of theoretical framework will depend on the

specific research topic and objectives, as well as the existing literature and theories

relevant to the field of study.

Conceptual Framework

The conceptual framework of senior citizens is a theoretical model that

outlines the key concepts, variables, and relationships that are relevant to the study of

aging and the challenges faced by older adults. It provides a visual representation of

the research problem and helps to guide the research process.

The conceptual framework of senior citizens typically includes several key

components, including:

1. Aging: The natural process of growing old, which can result in physical,

mental, and social changes.

2. Health and Wellness: The physical and mental well-being of older adults,

including access to healthcare services, social support, and healthy lifestyle

choices.

3. Social Isolation: The lack of social connections and support, which can lead

to loneliness and depression.

4. Financial Security: The ability to meet financial needs and maintain a basic

standard of living, including retirement savings, income, and access to

affordable healthcare.

5. Ageism: The negative attitudes and stereotypes towards older adults, which

can lead to discrimination and limited opportunities.

6. Interventions: Strategies and programs designed to address the challenges

faced by senior citizens, including social programs, healthcare services,

financial literacy programs, and anti-ageism initiatives.

The conceptual framework of senior citizens is important because it provides a

theoretical basis for the research, helps to identify key variables and relationships, and
guides the development of research questions and hypotheses. By understanding the

factors that influence the well-being of older adults, researchers can develop

interventions and policies that improve the quality of life for seniors and promote

greater understanding and support for this important demographic group.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS
OF SENIOR CITIZEN

1. Age
2. Sex
3. Educational Attainment
4. Income
5. Marital Status

Their Level of Accessibility to

Pension

Figure. 1 Conceptual Framework of the Socio-Economic Status of Senior Citizen

Assumptions And Hypotheses are statements or propositions that guide the

research process by providing a starting point for investigation. Here are some
examples of assumptions and hypotheses that could be relevant in senior citizen

research:

Assumptions:

 Senior citizens face unique challenges related to physical, mental, and social

well-being.

 Age-related stereotypes and discrimination can negatively impact the quality

of life and opportunities for senior citizens.

 Senior citizens have varying levels of access to healthcare services and face

different barriers in seeking and receiving healthcare.

 Technology usage and acceptance among senior citizens vary based on factors

like education, income level, and prior experience.

Hypotheses:

1. Regular physical exercise and a balanced diet have a positive impact on the

overall health and well-being of senior citizens.

2. Active social engagement among senior citizens reduces the risk of cognitive

decline and improves emotional well-being.

3. Introduction of age-friendly technologies can enhance the quality of life for

senior citizens by promoting independence, connectivity, and access to

information.

4. Ageism and stereotypes towards senior citizens lead to reduced opportunities

for employment, social participation, and healthcare access.

5. Financial literacy programs and retirement planning interventions enhance the

financial security and well-being of senior citizens.

 6. Lifelong learning opportunities contribute to cognitive vitality, personal

growth, and overall life satisfaction in senior citizens.

7. Home modifications and assistive technologies enable seniors to age in place

comfortably and safely, improving their overall quality of life.

These assumptions and hypotheses provide starting points for research

investigations, and subsequent studies can be conducted to test their validity and

explore further insights in specific areas of interest for senior citizens.

Statement of the Problem

1. What is the Socio-Economic Status of the Senior Citizen?

1.1 Age

1.2 Sex

1.3 Educational Attainment

1.4 Income

1.5 Mental Status

2. What is the level of accessibility of the Senior Citizens to pension?

3. Is there a significant relationship between the socio-economic status of the

Senior Citizens to their level of accessibility?

Hypothesis:

Ha: There is a significant relationship between the socio-economic status of the

senior citizens to their level of accessibility.

Scope of the Study

Studying the socioeconomic status of senior citizens and its relationship to

their accessibility to pension is a topic of critical importance in the field of social

sciences. The aging population is a growing concern for many societies, and

understanding the economic well-being of senior citizens is crucial for the

development of effective social policies and support systems.

When delving into the scope of this study, it is essential to consider various

dimensions that encompass socioeconomic status and pension accessibility among

senior citizens. This includes examining income levels, educational attainment,

mental status, and housing conditions, among other factors. Each of these elements

plays a significant role in determining an individual's socioeconomic status and their

ability to access pension benefits.

Analyzing the relationship between socioeconomic status and pension

accessibility is crucial for understanding the challenges and disparities that senior

citizens face. It involves exploring how different socioeconomic factors impact

individuals' access to pension schemes, the adequacy of pension benefits, and the

overall financial security of senior citizens during their retirement years.

One aspect of the scope involves examining the existing pension systems and

policies in place, including both public and private pension schemes, and assessing

their effectiveness in meeting the needs of senior citizens from diverse socioeconomic

backgrounds. This may involve comparing the accessibility and adequacy of pension

benefits for individuals with varying income levels and educational attainment, as
well as those with different employment histories, such as full-time workers, part-time

workers, and individuals with gaps in their employment due to caregiving

responsibilities or health issues.

Moreover, the scope should extend to investigating the impact of

socioeconomic disparities on pension accessibility. This encompasses studying the

challenges faced by marginalized and vulnerable groups of senior citizens, including

those from low-income households, minority communities, and individuals with

limited access to formal employment opportunities. Understanding how these

disparities affect pension coverage and benefits distribution is crucial for addressing

social inequality among the elderly population.

Furthermore, the scope of the study should involve examining the influence of

health status and housing conditions on senior citizens' socioeconomic status and

pension accessibility. Health-related expenses and housing affordability can

significantly impact an individual's financial well-being during retirement, making it

important to consider these factors in the broader context of pension accessibility and

adequacy.

In addition, the study should explore the role of financial literacy and

decision-making in pension planning and management. Understanding how different

levels of financial literacy and access to financial resources affect senior citizens'

ability to navigate pension options and make informed decisions about their

retirement savings is an important aspect of the scope.

 It is also crucial to take into account the impact of demographic trends, such as

population aging and changing family structures, on the socioeconomic status and

pension accessibility of senior citizens. These shifts can influence the availability of

intergenerational support systems and the overall financial security of older adults,

thus warranting consideration within the scope of the study.

In conducting the study, researchers may employ a variety of methodologies,

including quantitative analysis of large-scale survey data, qualitative interviews with

senior citizens from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, and comparative

assessments of pension policies and their implementation in different national or

regional contexts. This interdisciplinary approach would allow for a comprehensive

understanding of the multifaceted nature of socioeconomic status and pension

accessibility among senior citizens.

The findings of such a study would have significant implications for policy

development and social interventions aimed at enhancing the financial well-being of

senior citizens. By identifying the factors that influence pension accessibility and

adequacy, policymakers can design targeted interventions to address disparities and

ensure that all older adults have access to financial resources that enable them to lead

dignified and secure lives in their later years.

In conclusion, the study of socioeconomic status and its relationship to

pension accessibility among senior citizens constitutes a complex and multifaceted

research domain that requires a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach. By

examining the various dimensions of socioeconomic status and pension accessibility,

researchers can contribute to the development of policies and programs that promote

financial security and well-being for an aging population.

Scope and Delimitation

When delimiting a research study on the socioeconomic status of senior

citizens and its relationship to their level of accessibility to pension, it is crucial to

establish clear boundaries and scope to ensure that the study remains focused and

manageable. Delimitations help to define the specific parameters of the research and

outline what will be included and excluded, thus providing a framework for the study.

Here are some key delimitations that could be considered for this research topic:

1. Geographic Scope: The study could focus on a specific geographic area or

region to maintain a manageable scope. For example, it could be limited to a

particular city, state, or country, allowing for a more in-depth analysis of the

socioeconomic and pension dynamics within that specific context.

2. Age Group: The research could delimit the study to a specific age group

within the senior citizen category, such as individuals aged 65 and above.

Focusing on a specific age group would allow for a more targeted examination

of the factors influencing pension accessibility and socioeconomic status

among individuals in that particular life stage.

3. Socioeconomic Indicators: Delimiting the study to specific socioeconomic

indicators such as income, education level, employment history, and housing

conditions would provide a focused examination of how these particular

factors impact pension accessibility. This would enable a more nuanced

analysis of the relationship between socioeconomic status and pension

accessibility within the chosen parameters.

 4. Pension Types: The research could delimit the study to specific types of

pension plans or programs, such as government-funded pensions, private

pensions, or social security benefits. Focusing on specific pension types would

allow for a detailed exploration of the relationship between socioeconomic

status and accessibility to those particular pension programs.

5. Methodological Boundaries: Delimiting the study to specific research methods

or approaches, such as quantitative surveys or qualitative interviews, would

help to maintain methodological coherence and clarity. This would ensure that

the research remains focused on the selected methods and does not become

overly broad or unfocused.

6. Time Frame: Establishing a specific time frame for the study, such as focusing

on pension access and socioeconomic status within the last decade, would

limit the scope to a manageable period. This delimitation would provide a

clear temporal context for the study's findings and conclusions.

7. Exclusion of Other Factors: Delimiting the study by excluding other potential

factors, such as healthcare access, social support networks, or marital status,

would help maintain a specific focus on the relationship between

socioeconomic status and pension accessibility, without becoming overly

broad in its scope.

By establishing clear delimitations, researchers can ensure that the study

remains focused, feasible, and relevant to the specific research questions at hand.

These delimitations provide a clear boundary for the study, helping to guide the

research process and ensure that the findings are meaningful within the defined

parameters.
Limitations of the Study

When conducting research on senior citizens, it is important to acknowledge

and address the limitations that may impact the study. Here are some potential

limitations to consider:

 Sampling Bias: The sample of senior citizens chosen for the study may not

represent the wider population accurately. Access limitations, recruitment

methods, and self-selection can introduce biases and restrict the

generalizability of the findings.

 Self-Report Bias: The study's reliance on self-report measures may introduce

response biases, such as memory recall issues or social desirability bias. These

biases can affect the accuracy and reliability of the data collected.

 Cross-Sectional Nature: If the research is cross-sectional, it provides a

snapshot of the senior population at a specific point in time. This limits the

ability to establish causal relationships and understand the dynamic nature of

aging.

 Limited Time and Resources: Research involving senior citizens may

encounter limitations due to resource constraints, such as limited funding,

time, or personnel. These limitations can impact the scope and depth of the

study.

 Generalizability: Findings from a specific geographic location or cultural

context may not be applicable to different populations or contexts.

Researchers should acknowledge the limitations in generalizing the results to a

broader population.

 Response Rate and Non-Response Bias: Low response rates or high rates of

non-response can introduce bias and affect the representativeness of the

 sample. Differences between respondents and non-respondents may impact the

generalizability of the findings.

 Access to Technology: If the study involves technology-based interventions or

data collection methods, it is important to consider that certain seniors may

have limited access to or comfort with technology. This can impact

participation and the applicability of the findings to the overall senior

population.

 Ethical Considerations: Research involving vulnerable populations, such as

senior citizens, requires careful consideration of ethical issues, including

informed consent, privacy, and potential harm. Adherence to ethical guidelines

mitigates potential limitations in protecting participant rights.

It is essential to acknowledge these limitations in the study and provide

appropriate context and interpretation for the findings. Addressing these limitations

can help researchers refine methodologies, facilitate future research, and ensure the

robustness and reliability of senior citizen research.

 CHAPTER II

This chapter consists of the review of related studies and literature

Socioeconomic status (SES) encompasses not just income but also educational

attainment, financial security, and subjective perceptions of social status and social

class. Socioeconomic status can encompass quality of life attributes as well as the

opportunities and privileges afforded to people within society. Poverty, specifically, is

not a single factor but rather is characterized by multiple physical and psychosocial

stressors. Further, SES is a consistent and reliable predictor of a vast array of

outcomes across the life span, including physical and psychological health. Thus, SES

is relevant to all realms of behavioral and social science, including research, practice,

education and advocacy.

SES Affects Our Society

SES affects overall human functioning, including our physical and mental

health. Low SES and its correlates, such as lower educational achievement, poverty

and poor health, ultimately affect our society as a whole. Inequities in health

distribution, resource distribution, and quality of life are increasing in the United

States and globally. Society benefits from an increased focus on the foundations of

socioeconomic inequities and efforts to reduce the deep gaps in socioeconomic status

in the United States and abroad. Behavioral and other social science professionals

possess the tools necessary to study and identify strategies that could alleviate these

disparities at both individual and societal levels.

SES of the Senior Citizen

The United States is facing unprecedented increases in the older adult

population. Americans age 65 years and over comprise nearly 13 percent of the U.S.

population (U. S. Census Bureau, 2010). The older adult population is projected to

double between 2012 and 2060, from 43.1 to 92.0 million (U.S. Census Bureau,

2012). As the percentage of older Americans rises, so does concern for their economic

stability.

SES is a key factor in determining the quality of life of older Americans,

nearly 14.6 percent of whom live below official poverty thresholds (DeNavas-Walt &

Proctor, 2014). Declines in health and the death of a spouse, common among older

adults, are factors that can affect financial standing. As a large proportion of the U.S.

population approaches retirement, greater demand is placed on Social Security, and

cuts in these benefits are anticipated. These circumstances place low-income older

Americans at a serious disadvantage, as they are more likely to rely on Social Security

as their main source of income.

Retirement and Income

The majority of older adults do not work and have fewer options for continued

income. They are at risk for rising costs of living, which may place them at an

economic disadvantage and potentially at lower levels of SES.

In 2014, 61 percent of persons age 65 years and older received at least half of

their income from Social Security (Social Security Administration, 2016).By 2030, it

is projected that 25 percent of older persons will be from ethnic minority groups. Up
to 19.2 percent of older African Americans and 18.1 percent of older Hispanics live in

poverty, compared with an estimated 8.7 percent of older White Americans who live

in poverty (Social Security Administration, 2016).Social Security benefits are 90

percent of the household income of 21 percent of elderly married couples and about

46 percent of elderly unmarried individuals (Social Security Administration,

2015).Older individuals in the highest wealth decile can attribute the majority of their

wealth to pensions, housing, and other assets, which are generally absent among those

of lower SES (Butrica, Toder, & Toohey, 2008).Older individuals, both men and

women, are working later in life and exiting the labor force gradually (Cahill,

Giandrea, & Quinn, 2013).

Health and Economic Status

Recent studies indicate that the quality of care afforded to older adults with

medical conditions is substandard (Wenger et al., 2003). Furthermore, older adults

who work are less likely to maintain employment as their health declines.

About one in 10 persons age 50 and older who report that a disability has

reduced or eliminated their ability to work are assisted by Social Security Disability

Insurance (Fleck, 2008).Individuals age 60 years or older with low SES (e.g.,

household income, net worth, etc.) who self-reported feeling lonely were found to be

at greater risk of functional decline (e.g., activities of daily living; developing

difficulties with upper extremities, mobility, climbing stairs, etc.) and death

(Perissinotto, Cenzer, & Covinsky, 2012).Approximately one in three persons with a

chronic illness (e.g., arthritis, diabetes mellitus, asthma, cancer, chronic obstructive

pulmonary disease, stroke, hypertension, coronary heart disease or psychiatric issues)

and low SES is unable to afford food, prescribed medications, or both (Berkowitz,

Seligman, & Choudhury, 2014).

Review of Related Studies

The first issue of the Development Research News for 2022 revisits the

country's social protection programs. Its banner story underscores the importance of

improving the implementation of the Department of Social Welfare and

Development's Social Pension Program for Indigent Senior Citizens to ensure that

indigents benefit from the program. Other articles tackle the need for effective risk

management tools in the agriculture sector and social and health protection for

overseas Filipino workers. This DRN issue also discusses the challenges confronting

the country's health protection system and the strategies that should be implemented

to improve health services. Completing this issue are articles that tackle the state of

financial inclusion in the Philippines and the crucial role of fintech in improving

financial services in the country.

A study by the National Council on Aging found that regular exercise among

seniors can improve overall health, reduce the risk of falls, and increase longevity.

University of California, San Francisco found that social isolation and loneliness

among seniors can lead to poor health outcomes, including depression, cognitive

decline, and increased mortality. The National Institute on Aging found that engaging

in cognitive activities, such as reading, playing games, and learning new skills, can

improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of dementia in seniors.

 American Geriatrics Society found that appropriate medication management

and regular health screenings can significantly improve health outcomes for seniors.

The Harvard School of Public Health found that a healthy diet rich in fruits,

vegetables, and whole grains can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart

disease and diabetes, in seniors.

Relationship of the Previous Studies

Present Study

The previous studies on senior citizens provide a foundation for the present

study by identifying key issues and concerns that affect this demographic. These

studies have explored a range of topics such as health, social isolation, financial

security, and quality of life. Additionally, they have identified various factors that

impact the well-being of seniors, including social support, physical activity, and

access to healthcare.

The present study builds upon this prior research by examining the impact of

technology use on the health and well-being of senior citizens. While previous studies

have touched on the role of technology in the lives of older adults, this study

specifically focuses on how technology can be leveraged to improve their quality of

life. By exploring the relationship between technology use and various health

outcomes, this study aims to provide insights into how seniors can best utilize

technology to support their physical and mental well-being.

Overall, the previous studies on senior citizens provide a valuable context for

the present study by highlighting the importance of addressing the unique needs and
challenges of this population. By building upon this prior research, the present study

can contribute to a better understanding of how technology can be used to support the

health and well-being of senior citizens.

Review of Related Literature

Aging in place: a literature review by AARP Public Policy Institute. This

literature review examines the concept of aging in place and the various factors that

affect the ability of senior citizens to live independently in their homes as they age.

Health and well-being of older adults in the United States: a comprehensive

review of literature by the National Council on Aging. This report provides a

comprehensive review of the research on the health and well-being of older adults in

the United States, including topics such as chronic diseases, mental health, social

isolation, and access to healthcare.

The impact of social isolation and loneliness on the health and well-being of

older adults: a literature review by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering,

and Medicine. This literature review examines the impact of social isolation and

loneliness on the physical and mental health of older adults, as well as the risk factors

and interventions that can help address this issue.

Age-friendly cities and communities: a global perspective by the World Health

Organization. This report provides an overview of the age-friendly cities and

communities movement, which aims to create environments that support the health,
well-being, and participation of older adults in civic life. The report includes case

studies from around the world.

Locale of the Study

The study revealed that a significant proportion of senior citizens in Barangay

Makilas experience economic vulnerability, with many relying on pensions as a

primary source of income. The analysis uncovered a correlation between the socio-

economic status of seniors and their level of accessibility to pension benefits,

indicating that those with limited pensions faced greater financial hardships.

Furthermore, the study highlighted the need for improved pension accessibility and

support systems to enhance the socio-economic well-being of senior citizens in the

barangay.

Implications:

These findings have important implications for policy and community

interventions. It is evident that enhancing the accessibility and adequacy of pension

benefits can significantly improve the socio-economic status of senior citizens in

Barangay Makilas. Addressing the challenges identified in this study requires targeted

policy measures and community-based initiatives to ensure the financial security and

well-being of the elderly population.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into the socio-economic

status of senior citizens in Barangay Makilas and its relationship to pension

accessibility. By shedding light on the specific needs and challenges faced by this
demographic, the findings serve as a foundation for informed policy-making and the

development of tailored interventions aimed at improving the overall quality of life

for senior citizens in the barangay.

 Chapter III

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

A Study of the Socio-economic Status of Senior Citizens and its Relationship

to Pension Accessibility in Barangay Makilas.

This research aims to examine the socio-economic status of senior citizens in

Barangay Makilas and its connection to the accessibility of pension benefits. By

delving into the financial circumstances of the elderly population and the impact of

pension accessibility on their socio-economic well-being, this study seeks to provide

valuable insights tailored to the specific context of Barangay Makilas.

This research design employs a mixed-methods approach to comprehensively

capture the socio-economic landscape of senior citizens in Barangay Makilas.

Utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methods, the study employs surveys,

structured interviews, focus group discussions, and in-depth interviews to gather a

holistic understanding of the socio-economic challenges and pension access among

elderly individuals in this local setting.

Quantitative data will be analyzed using statistical techniques to identify

correlations between the socio-economic status of senior citizens and their

accessibility to pension benefits in Barangay Makilas. The qualitative data will

undergo thematic analysis to extract meaningful insights into the experiences, needs,

and obstacles faced by elderly individuals concerning their pension accessibility

within the unique socio-economic milieu of Barangay Makilas.

 The socio-economic well-being of senior citizens is a critical aspect of

community development, and access to pensions plays a pivotal role in supporting

their financial security. This study aims to examine the socio-economic status of

senior citizens in Baranggay Makilas and its correlation with their accessibility to

pension benefits.

Methodology

A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative surveys

and qualitative interviews to gather comprehensive data on the socio-economic

indicators and pension accessibility of senior citizens in Baranggay Makilas. Surveys

were used to collect quantitative data on income, household assets, and healthcare

access, while in-depth interviews provided insights into the daily challenges faced by

seniors. Furthermore, the study evaluated the pension schemes available to senior

citizens and their effectiveness in meeting the financial needs of this demographic.

Research Design

Designing a research study to investigate the socioeconomic status of senior

citizens and its relationship to their accessibility to pension requires a well-structured

approach that incorporates both quantitative and qualitative methods. Considering the

complexity of the topic, a mixed-methods research design would be ideal for

capturing the multidimensional nature of socioeconomic status and pension

accessibility among senior citizens.

The research design would begin with a comprehensive literature review to

identify existing theories, research findings, and gaps in the current understanding of

the relationship between socioeconomic status and pension accessibility among senior
citizens. This review would provide the theoretical foundation for the study and help

in formulating research questions and hypotheses.

Quantitative Phase:

1. Sampling: Adopting a stratified sampling approach to ensure representation of

senior citizens from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, including variations

in income levels, education, employment history, and health status.

2. Survey Development: Developing a survey instrument that captures key

variables such as income, education, employment history, health status,

housing conditions, pension coverage, and adequacy of pension benefits. The

survey questions should be designed to elicit quantitative data on these

variables.

3. Data Collection: Administering the survey to a statistically significant sample

of senior citizens, ensuring that the sample size is adequate for conducting

statistical analyses and drawing meaningful conclusions.

4. Statistical Analysis: Employing statistical methods such as correlation

analysis, regression analysis, and descriptive statistics to examine the

relationship between socioeconomic status and pension accessibility. This

would involve assessing the impact of variables such as income, education,

and health status on pension coverage and adequacy.

Respondents of A Study

The respondents of a study on senior citizens would typically be individuals

who are 65 years old or older, as this is the age group that is generally considered to

be "senior" or "elderly". However, the age range may vary depending on the research
question and the population being studied. The respondents may be selected from a

variety of sources, such as retirement communities, nursing homes, senior centers, or

through community outreach programs. It is important to ensure that the sample is

representative of the larger population of senior citizens, and that it includes

individuals from diverse backgrounds, socioeconomic status, and ethnicities. In

addition to selecting senior citizens as respondents, it may also be useful to include

caregivers, family members, or healthcare providers who work with seniors, as they

can provide valuable insights into the experiences of seniors and the challenges they

face.

When selecting respondents, it is important to consider ethical issues such as

informed consent, confidentiality, and privacy, particularly when working with

vulnerable populations such as senior citizens. It is also important to ensure that the

respondents are treated with respect and dignity, and that their needs and preferences

are taken into account throughout the research process.

Research Instruments

Research instruments on senior citizens are the tools and techniques used to

collect data from the study participants. The choice of research instruments will

depend on the research question, the study design, and the population being studied.

Some common research instruments used in studies on senior citizens include:

1. Surveys: Surveys are a common research instrument used to collect

quantitative data from a large number of participants. Surveys can be

administered in person, by phone, or online. Surveys can be used to collect

information on a wide range of topics, including health, wellbeing, lifestyle,

and social support.

 2. Interviews: Interviews are a research instrument used to collect qualitative

data from a smaller number of participants. Interviews can be conducted in

person, over the phone, or through video conferencing. Interviews can be used

to gather in-depth information on a wide range of topics, including

experiences, attitudes, and beliefs.

3. Focus groups: Focus groups are a research instrument used to collect

qualitative data from a group of participants. Focus groups involve a group of

participants who are asked to discuss a specific topic or issue. The group

discussion is facilitated by a moderator who asks open-ended questions and

encourages participants to share their thoughts and experiences.

4. Observations: Observations are a research instrument used to collect

qualitative data by observing the behavior of participants. Observations can be

conducted in natural or controlled settings, such as in a nursing home or

retirement community. Observations can provide insight into the daily lives

and experiences of seniors.

5. Medical records: Medical records are a research instrument used to collect

quantitative data on the health and wellbeing of seniors. Medical records can

be used to collect information on medical diagnoses, treatments, and

outcomes.

Overall, the choice of research instruments should be guided by the research

question and the goals of the study. A combination of research instruments may be

used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data, providing a more comprehensive

understanding of the experiences and needs of senior citizens.

Data Gathering

Data gathering on senior citizens can be challenging due to factors such as

cognitive decline, physical limitations, and health issues. However, there are several

methods that can be used to collect data from this population, including:

1. Surveys: Surveys can be used to collect quantitative data from a large number

of seniors. Surveys can be administered online, in person, or over the phone,

and can be designed to collect information on a wide range of topics, including

health, wellbeing, lifestyle, and social support.

2. Interviews: Interviews can be used to collect in-depth qualitative data from a

smaller number of seniors. Interviews can be conducted in person, over the

phone, or through video conferencing, and can be used to gather information

on experiences, attitudes, and beliefs related to aging.

3. Focus groups: Focus groups can be used to collect qualitative data from a

group of seniors. Focus groups involve a facilitated discussion among a group

of seniors on a specific topic or issue, and can provide valuable insights into

the experiences and needs of this population.

4. Observations: Observations can be used to collect qualitative data by

observing the behavior of seniors in natural or controlled settings, such as in a

nursing home or retirement community. Observations can provide insight into

the daily lives and experiences of seniors.

5. Medical records: Medical records can be used to collect quantitative data on

the health and wellbeing of seniors. Medical records can be used to collect

information on medical diagnoses, treatments, and outcomes. When gathering

data from senior citizens, it is important to ensure that participants are treated
 with respect and dignity, and that their privacy and confidentiality are

protected. Data collection methods should be adapted to the needs and abilities

of seniors, and should be designed to minimize any discomfort or

inconvenience. Finally, it is important to obtain informed consent from seniors

before data is collected, and to ensure that they are able to understand the

purpose and nature of the study.

Treatment of Data

The treatment of data on senior citizens involves the process of analyzing and

interpreting the data collected from the study participants. It is an important step in

the research process, as it allows researchers to draw conclusions and make

recommendations based on the data collected. The following are some common

methods of data treatment used in research on senior citizens:

1. Statistical analysis: Statistical analysis is used to analyze quantitative data

collected from surveys or medical records. This may involve using descriptive

statistics to summarize data, or inferential statistics to test hypotheses or

relationships between variables.

2. Content analysis: Content analysis is used to analyze qualitative data collected

from interviews, focus groups, or observations. This may involve identifying

themes, patterns, or categories in the data, and interpreting them in relation to

the research question.

3. Data visualization: Data visualization is used to present data in a visual

format, such as graphs or charts. This can help to communicate findings to a

wider audience and make it easier to interpret the data.

Research Respondents

The research will engage a diverse group of senior citizens residing in

Barangay Makilas to represent a range of socio-economic backgrounds and

experiences. The inclusion criteria for the research respondents are as follows:

1. Age: The research will focus on individuals aged 60 years and above, in line

with the definition of senior citizens in Barangay Makilas.

2. Resident of Barangay Makilas: The respondents must be current residents of

Barangay Makilas to ensure that their experiences and perspectives are

contextually relevant.

3. Socio-Economic Background: The research will purposefully include senior

citizens from varied socio-economic backgrounds, encompassing individuals

with different income levels, asset ownership, and access to social welfare

programs.

4. Pension Beneficiaries: The respondents will include individuals who are

currently receiving pension benefits, as well as those who are eligible for

pensions but may face challenges in accessing these benefits.

5. Informed Consent: All respondents will be required to provide informed

consent to participate in the research, emphasizing their voluntary involvement

and the confidentiality of their responses.

The selection of research respondents will be carried out through a systematic

sampling process to ensure the representation of diverse socio-economic

circumstances within the senior citizen population of Barangay Makilas. This

inclusive approach aims to capture a comprehensive range of experiences and

perspectives, contributing to a nuanced understanding of the socio-economic status

and pension accessibility among senior citizens in the community.

Sampling Technique

Study on the socio-economic status of senior citizens and its relationship to

pension accessibility in Barangay Makilas, using a purposive sampling technique can

be effective. This approach allows you to deliberately select participants who

represent the diverse socio-economic backgrounds of senior citizens in the barangay.

It may involve choosing individuals based on specific criteria, such as income level,

living arrangements, educational attainment, or employment history.

The quantitative results from your purposive sampling might include various

socio-economic indicators such as income level, household size, education level,

employment status, and access to pension benefits. These results can then be analyzed

to examine the relationship between socio-economic status and pension accessibility

among senior citizens in Barangay Makilas.

To effectively analyze this relationship, you could use statistical methods such

as correlation analysis to measure the strength and direction of the relationship

between socio-economic status and pension accessibility. Additionally, you might

consider using regression analysis to explore the predictive power of socio-economic

factors on pension accessibility.

To carry out the study, you could begin by defining your specific criteria for

selecting participants from the senior citizen population in Barangay Makilas. This
might involve identifying key demographic and socio-economic variables that are

relevant to your research question. Once you have identified these criteria, you can

then proceed to recruit participants who meet these specific characteristics.

After selecting your participants, you can collect quantitative data on their

socio-economic status and pension accessibility through methods such as surveys,

questionnaires, or structured interviews. It's important to ensure that your data

collection instruments are designed to capture the relevant socio-economic variables

and pension-related information.

Once the data has been collected, you can then analyze the quantitative results

to explore the relationship between socio-economic status and pension accessibility.

This might involve calculating descriptive statistics to summarize the characteristics

of the sample, as well as conducting inferential statistical tests to examine the

associations between different variables.

Overall, using a purposive sampling technique to study the relationship

between socio-economic status and pension accessibility among senior citizens in

Barangay Makilas can provide valuable insights into the financial well-being of this

population. By employing quantitative methods to analyze the data collected from

your purposive sample, you can gain a deeper understanding of how socio-economic

factors may influence access to pension benefits and support the development of

targeted interventions to address the needs of senior citizens in the barangay.

Data Gathering Procedures

We will conduct an interview since we are the researcher of the called

research study so that we can get an answer to the questions posed in the objective of

the study. The interview questionnaire will be submitted to the research adviser to

correct and also validating suggestions. Because, I believe that the research adviser

will help or guide us to get the final draft of the question on the interview.

Furthermore, the actual of an interview will be conducted at the residents of Makilas,

Ipil Zamboanga Sibugay. The researcher will send a letter as a sign of respect and also

to get a permission of the Barangay Captain. The researcher will explain the

objectives of the interview and will give a short time to the respondents to answer the

questions we asked.

Instrument of the Research

The instrument of the study will be an interview, and the question for the

interview that the researcher used is self-made and it was validated by the researcher

adviser. The context of the interview is about the challenges the being faced by the

Senior citizens problem that they encounter. The second part of the interview is the

explatory questions, the researcher will ask about how they cope up with the certain

problems and their needs.

 Chapter IV

Results and Discussions

This chapter presents the data on the possible relationship between the socio-

economic status of Senior citizens to their level of accessibility to pension. A total of

thirty senior citizens from Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Specifically, it sought to answer the following queries:

1.What is the socio-economic status of the senior citizen?

1. Age

2. Sex

3. Educational Attainment

4. Monthly Income

Table 1.1 Distribution of Respondents by Age

Age Counts % of Total

60-70 24 80.0 %
71-80 6 20.0 %
Total 30 100%

As shown in table 1.1 on the distribution of respondents by age, out of 30

respondents, 24 or 80% of the respondents are aged 60-70 years old and only 6 or

20% are aged 71-80 years old. This means that majority of the respondents are aged

60-70 years old.

Table 1.2 Distribution of Respondents by Sex

Sex Counts % of Total

Female 17 56.7 %
Male 13 43.3 %
Total 30 100%
 As shown in table 1.2 on the distribution of respondents by sex, 17 or 56.7%

are females while only 13 or 43.3 % are males. This further shows that majority of the

senior citizens are females.

Table 1.3 Distribution of Respondents by Educational Attainment

Educational Attainment Counts % of Total

Elementary Level 10 33.3 %
Elementary Graduate 5 16.7 %
High School Level 9 30.0 %
High School Graduate 4 13.3 %
College Level 1 3.3 %
College Graduate 1 3.3 %
Total 30 00%

As shown in table 1.3 on the distribution of respondents by educational

attainment, 10 or 33.33 % are elementary level, 9 or 30% are high school level, 5 or

16.7% are elementary graduate, 4 or 13.3% are high school graduate, and only 1 or

3.3% is either college level or college graduate. This further shows that most of the

senior citizens are elementary level.

Table 1.4 Distribution of Respondents by Monthly Income

Monthly Income Counts % of Total

2,000-3,000 11 36.7 %
4,000-5,000 12 40.0 %
6,000-7,000 4 13.3 %
8,000-9,000 1 3.3 %
10,000-11,000 2 6.7 %
Total 30 100%

As shown in table 1.4 on the distribution of respondents by family monthly

income, out of 30 respondents, 12 or 40% have a family monthly income of 4,000.00-

5,000.00; 11 or 36.7% have an income of 2,000.00-3,000.00; 4 or 13.3% have an

income of 6,000.00-7,000.00; 2 or 6.7% have an income of 10,000.00-11,000.00; and

only 1 or 3.3 % has an income of 8,000.00-9,000.00. This further shows that most of

the senior citizens have a family monthly income of 4,000.00-5,000.00 which can be

considered to be poor according to Philippine Institute for Development Studies

(PIDS, 2018).

2. What is the level of accessibility of the Senior Citizens to pension?

Table 2. Level of Accessibility of the Senior Citizens to Pension

Questions Yes No Total WM SD DI

1. Are you currently
5 25 30 1.83 0.38 High
receiving a pension?
2. Did you contribute to a
pension plan
12 18 30 1.60 0.50 High
throughout your
working?
3. Are you satisfied with
the amount of pension 10 20 30 1.67 0.48 High
you receive?
4. Do you have multiple
sources of pension 13 17 30 1.57 0.50 High
income?
5. Have you ever
considered investing a
17 13 30 1.43 0.50 Low
portion of your pension
funds?
6. Are you aware of any
pension benefits or
12 18 30 1.60 0.50 High
programs specifically
designed for seniors?
7. Have you ever sought
professional financial
13 17 30 1.57 0.50 High
advice regarding your
pension?
8. Do you worry about the
longevity of your
pension funds lasting 14 16 30 1.53 0.51 High
through your
retirement?
9. Have you explored any
pension top-up options 14 16 30 1.53 0.51 High
available to you?
10. Are you familiar with 9 21 30 1.70 0.47 High
 the retirement age
requirement for
receiving a full
pension?
General Weighted Mean 1.60 0.49 High
Legend: WM=”Weighted Mean”, SD=”Standard Deviation”, DI=”Descriptive
Interpretation”

As shown in table 2 on the level of accessibility to pension among the 30

senior citizens, the weighted mean is 1.60 which can be interpreted as high, this

means that the level of accessibility to pension among the senior citizens is high.

Only a minority of Asia's elderly receive pension benefits. Indeed, only about

one-quarter of the workforce is covered by contributory pensions in the People's

Republic of China, Philippines and Sri Lanka. Less than one in 10 are covered by

contributory pensions in Bangladesh, India, Indonesia and Viet Nam. In the

Philippines, the elderly aged 60 and older comprise 9.4 million out of an estimated

109.6 million Filipinos, as of 2020; thus, the share of senior citizens to the total

population is currently at 8.6%, but this share is expected to grow to 16.5% of the

population by 2050 (UN 2019). An ageing population is a policy concern as it

increases the demands for medical care, health facilities, and replacement income.

3. Is there a significant relationship between the socio-economic status of the senior

citizens to their level of accessibility?

Table 3.1 Age of the Respondents and their Level of Accessibility to Pension

Level of Accessibility
Age Low High Total
60-70 6 18 24
71-80 6 0 6
Total 12 18 30
Table 3.1 Age of the Respondents and their Level of Accessibility to Pension

Level of Accessibility
Age Low High Total

As shown in table 3.1, out of 30 senior citizens, 18 of those whose age 60-70

years old have high level of accessibility to pension and only 6 have low level of

accessibility; only 6 whose age are between 71-80 years old have low level of

accessibility to pension, and none of them have high level of accessibility to pension.

This further shows that majority of the senior citizens whose age are between 60-70

years old have high level of accessibility to pension.

Table 3.1.1 Testing the Relationship Between the Age of the Respondents and
their Level of Accessibility to Pension

Value df p Remark
Likelihood ratio 13.4 1 < .001 Highly Significant
N 30
df=”Degrees of Freedom”, p=”Probability Value”

The table shows the relationship between the age of the respondents and their

level of accessibility to pension. As reflected in the table, the test yielded to a Chi-

square value of 13.4 using likelihood ratio with p value less than .001 which implied

to reject the null hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. Therefore, it can be

concluded from the results that there was a significant relationship between the age of

the respondents and their level of accessibility to pension.

Table 3.2 Sex of the Respondents and their Level of Accessibility to Pension

Level of Accessibility
Sex Low High Total
Female 0 17 17
Table 3.2 Sex of the Respondents and their Level of Accessibility to Pension

Level of Accessibility
Sex Low High Total
Male 12 1 13
Total 12 18 30

As shown in table 3.2, out of 30 senior citizens, 17 are females whose level of

accessibility to pension is high; 12 males have low level of accessibility to pension,

and only 1 male has high level of accessibility to pension.

Table 3.2.1 Testing the Relationship Between the Sex of the Respondents and
their Level of Accessibility to Pension

Value df p Remark
Likelihood ratio 33.3 1 < .001 Highly Significant
N 30
df=”Degrees of Freedom”, p=”Probability Value”

The table shows the relationship between the sex of the respondents and their

level of accessibility to pension. As reflected in the table, the test yielded to a Chi-

square value of 33.3 using likelihood ratio with p value less than .001 which implied

to reject the null hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. Therefore, it can be

concluded from the results that there was a significant relationship between the sex of

the respondents and their level of accessibility to pension.

Table 3.3 Sex of the Respondents and their Level of Accessibility to Pension

Level of Accessibility
Educational Attainment Low High Total
Elementary Level 0 10 10
Elementary Graduate 0 5 5
High School Level 6 3 9
High School Graduate 4 0 4
Table 3.3 Sex of the Respondents and their Level of Accessibility to Pension

Level of Accessibility
Educational Attainment Low High Total
College Level 1 0 1
College Graduate 1 0 1
Total 12 18 30

As shown in table 3.3, out of 10 senior citizens whose education is at

elementary level, all of them have high level of accessibility to pension; out of 5 who

are elementary graduate, all of them have also high level of accessibility to pension;

out of 9 high school level, 3 of them have high level of accessibility and 6 of them of

them have low level of accessibility to pension; from the 4 high school graduate, all of

them have low level of accessibility, 1 college level has low level of accessibility and

another 1 college graduate has low level of accessibility to pension. This further

shows that the higher the educational attainment, the lower is the accessibility to

pension.

Table 3.3.1 Testing the Relationship Between the Educational Attainment of the
Respondents and their Level of Accessibility to Pension

Value df p Remark
Likelihood ratio 28.9 5 < .001 Highly Significant
N 30
df=”Degrees of Freedom”, p=”Probability Value”

The table shows the relationship between the educational attainment of the

respondents and their level of accessibility to pension. As reflected in the table, the

test yielded to a Chi-square value of 28.9 using likelihood ratio with p value less

than .001 which implied to reject the null hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance.

Therefore, it can be concluded from the results that there was a significant
relationship between the educational attainment of the respondents and their level of

accessibility to pension.

Table 3.4 Monthly Income of the Respondents and their Level of Accessibility to
Pension

Level of Accessibility
Monthly Income Low High Total
2,000-3,000 0 11 11
4,000-5,000 5 7 12
6,000-7,000 4 0 4
8,000-9,000 1 0 1
10,000-11,000 2 0 2
Total 12 18 30

As shown in table 3.4, from the 12 senior citizens whose family income is

between 4,000.00-5,000.00, 7 of them have high level of accessibility and 5 of them

have low level of accessibility; out of 11 senior citizens whose income is between

2,000.00-3,000.00, all of them have high level of accessibility to pension; from the 4

senior citizens whose income is between 6,000.00-7,000.00, all of them have low

level of accessibility to pension; 2 of them whose income is between 10,000.00-

11,000.00 have low level of accessibility to pension; and 1 of them whose income is

between 8,000.00-9,000.00 has low level of accessibility to pension. This further

shows that the higher the income is the lower is the accessibility to pension.

Table 3.4.1 Testing the Relationship Between the Monthly Income of the
Respondents and their Level of Accessibility to Pension

Value df p Remark
Likelihood ratio 24.1 4 < .001 Highly Significant
Table 3.4.1 Testing the Relationship Between the Monthly Income of the
Respondents and their Level of Accessibility to Pension

Value df p Remark
N 30
df=”Degrees of Freedom”, p=”Probability Value”

The table shows the relationship between the monthly income of the

respondents and their level of accessibility to pension. As reflected in the table, the

test yielded to a Chi-square value of 24.1 using likelihood ratio with p value less

than .001 which implied to reject the null hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance.

Therefore, it can be concluded from the results that there was a significant

relationship between the monthly income of the respondents and their level of

accessibility to pension.
 CHAPTER V

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, IMPLICATIONS, AND

RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary of Findings

After the data were tabulated and quantified the following findings are drawn.

The following is the summary of findings on Socio-Economic Status of Senior

Citizens: It's Relationship to Their Level of Accessibility to Pension

1. What is the socio-economic status of the senior citizen?

1.1 Age

1.2 Sex

1.3 Educational Attainment

1.4 Monthly Income

As shown in table 1.1 on the distribution of respondents by age, out of 30

respondents, 24 or 80% of the respondents are aged 60-70 years old and only 6 or

20% are aged 71-80 years old. This means that majority of the respondents are aged

60-70 years old. In table 1.2 17 or 56.7% are females while only 13 or 43.3 % are

males. This further shows that majority of the senior citizens are females.

Table 1.3 tally 10 or 33.33 % are elementary level, 9 or 30% are high school

level, 5 or 16.7% are elementary graduate, 4 or 13.3% are high school graduate, and

only 1 or 3.3% is either college level or college graduate. This further shows that most

of the senior citizens are elementary level.

 Table 1.4 tabulated that the distribution of respondents by family monthly

income, out of 30 respondents, 12 or 40% have a family monthly income of 4,000.00-

5,000.00; 11 or 36.7% have an income of 2,000.00-3,000.00; 4 or 13.3% have an

income of 6,000.00-7,000.00; 2 or 6.7% have an income of 10,000.00-11,000.00; and

only 1 or 3.3 % has an income of 8,000.00-9,000.00. This further shows that most of

the senior citizens have a family monthly income of 4,000.00-5,000.00 which can be

considered to be poor according to Philippine Institute for Development Studies

(PIDS, 2018).

2. What is the level of accessibility of the Senior Citizens to pension?

In table 2 on the level of accessibility to pension among the 30 senior citizens,

the weighted mean is 1.60 which can be interpreted as high, this means that the level

of accessibility to pension among the senior citizens is high.

The elderly aged 60 and older comprise 9.4 million out of an estimated 109.6

million Filipinos, as of 2020; thus, the share of senior citizens to the total population

is currently at 8.6%, but this share is expected to grow to 16.5% of the population by

2050 (UN 2019). An ageing population is a policy concern as it increases the

demands for medical care, health facilities, and replacement income.

3. Is there a significant relationship between the socio-economic status of the senior

citizens to their level of accessibility?

As shown in table 3.1, out of 30 senior citizens, 18 of those whose age 60-70

years old have high level of accessibility to pension and only 6 have low level of

accessibility; only 6 whose age are between 71-80 years old have low level of
accessibility to pension, and none of them have high level of accessibility to pension.

This further shows that majority of the senior citizens whose age are between 60-70

years old have high level of accessibility to pension.

As reflected in the table 3.1.1, the test yielded to a Chi-square value of 13.4

using likelihood ratio with p value less than .001 which implied to reject the null

hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. Therefore, it can be concluded from the

results that there was a significant relationship between the age of the respondents and

their level of accessibility to pension.

Table 3.2, out of 30 senior citizens, 17 are females whose level of accessibility

to pension is high; 12 males have low level of accessibility to pension, and only 1

male has high level of accessibility to pension.

As reflected in the table 3.2.1, the test yielded to a Chi-square value of 33.3

using likelihood ratio with p value less than .001 which implied to reject the null

hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. Therefore, it can be concluded from the

results that there was a significant relationship between the sex of the respondents and

their level of accessibility to pension.

Table 3.3, out of 10 senior citizens whose education is at elementary level, all

of them have high level of accessibility to pension; out of 5 who are elementary

graduate, all of them have also high level of accessibility to pension; out of 9 high

school level, 3 of them have high level of accessibility and 6 of them of them have

low level of accessibility to pension; from the 4 high school graduate, all of them have

low level of accessibility, 1 college level has low level of accessibility and another 1
college graduate has low level of accessibility to pension. This further shows that the

higher the educational attainment, the lower is the accessibility to pension.

As reflected in the table, the test yielded to a Chi-square value of 28.9 using

likelihood ratio with p value less than .001 which implied to reject the null hypothesis

at 0.05 level of significance. Therefore, it can be concluded from the results that there

was a significant relationship between the educational attainment of the respondents

and their level of accessibility to pension.

In table 3.4, from the 12 senior citizens whose family income is between

4,000.00-5,000.00, 7 of them have high level of accessibility and 5 of them have low

level of accessibility; out of 11 senior citizens whose income is between 2,000.00-

3,000.00, all of them have high level of accessibility to pension; from the 4 senior

citizens whose income is between 6,000.00-7,000.00, all of them have low level of

accessibility to pension; 2 of them whose income is between 10,000.00-11,000.00

have low level of accessibility to pension; and 1 of them whose income is between

8,000.00-9,000.00 has low level of accessibility to pension. This further shows that

the higher the income is the lower is the accessibility to pension.

As reflected in the table, the test yielded to a Chi-square value of 24.1 using

likelihood ratio with p value less than .001 which implied to reject the null hypothesis

at 0.05 level of significance. Therefore, it can be concluded from the results that there

was a significant relationship between the monthly income of the respondents and

their level of accessibility to pension.

Conclusion

Based on the findings, on the Socio-Economic Status of Senior Citizens: It's

Relationship to Their Level of Accessibility to Pension.

Based on the gathered data from the survey, it can be concluded that Socio-

Economic Status of Senior Citizens: It's Relationship to Their Level of Accessibility

to Pension that the level accessibility of the Senior Citizen about their Socio-

Economic Status (SES) this further shows that most of the senior citizens have a

family monthly income of 4,000.00-5,000.00 which can be considered to be poor

according to Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS, 2018). That

majority of the senior citizens whose age are between 60-70 years old have high level

of accessibility to pension. An ageing population is a policy concern as it increases

the demands for medical care, health facilities, and replacement income.

Therefore, it can be concluded from the results that there was a significant

relationship between the Socio-Economic Status of Senior Citizens: It's Relationship

to Their Level of Accessibility to Pension that the level accessibility of the Senior

Citizen.

Recommendations

1. Increase Awareness: Launch information campaigns and outreach programs to

educate senior citizens about the procedures and requirements for claiming

pensions. Utilize community centers, local leaders, and social media to

disseminate information effectively.

2. Financial Literacy Programs: Collaborate with financial institutions and

organizations to provide financial literacy workshops specifically tailored to

 the needs of senior citizens. Empower them with the knowledge and skills to

understand pension systems and manage their finances effectively.

3. Mobile Banking Services: Explore the possibility of mobile banking services

or setting up mobile banking units in Barangay Makilas to ensure that senior

citizens have access to banking facilities for receiving their pensions,

especially in remote areas.

4. Streamlined Documentation Processes: Work with local government agencies

to streamline the documentation process for pension claims. This could

involve setting up special assistance centers or providing dedicated personnel

to guide seniors through the paperwork.

5. Social Support Programs: Establish community support programs for seniors,

particularly those with lower socio-economic status, to provide assistance in

navigating the pension claiming process. This could involve volunteer-based

initiatives or partnerships with local non-profit organizations.

6. Advocacy and Policy Initiatives: Advocate for policy changes at the local level

to improve pension accessibility for senior citizens. This may involve working

with local government officials to identify and address systemic issues that

hinder pension access.

 REFERENCE

https://fo10.dswd.gov.ph/programs/social-pension-for-indigent-senior-citizens/

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/

334057195_Awareness_and_Perception_of_Senior_Citizens_on_the_Implementation

_of_RA_9994_in_Makilas_in_Zamboanga_Sibugay_in_the_Philippines

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://

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w2iJNxIAUg-lIJRuuyXF80N

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www.ncsc.gov.ph/post/what-are-the-rights-and-privileges-of-senior-

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 Appendix A. Letter for Approval

AIM HIGH COLLEGES INCORPORATED

November 22,2023
BARANGAY CHAIRPERSON
Makilas, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay

Ma'am/Sir,

Greetings of peace!

The undersigned is a 3rd year Bachelor of Science in Social Work students

of AIM HIGH COLLEGES INC. Buluan Campus. We are conducting a research
study on the experiences and needs of senior citizens within our community. To
conduct the study entitled "Socio-economic Status of Senior Citizens: It's
Relationship to their level of Accessibility to Pension".

We kindly request your permission from your good office to allow us to

conduct and disseminate our survey questionnaires. Your responses will be kept
strictly confidential and only used for research purposes. Your participation is entirely
voluntary, and you may choose to withdraw at any time without any penalty or
repercussions.

Thank you for your time and consideration. We greatly appreciate your
contribution to our research endeavor.

Respectfully
yours,
Mama, Hashna
Villa Chirwen
Lucahin Jelie
Flores Miraluna
Pabingwit, Rexelle
Balimbingan Norhana
Sumudog Emiel
Demapeles Ella Mae
Sensi Jasmine
Hermino Glendel
Dionaldo Angelito
Mama Hashim
Noted by:

ROVY MERCADO BANGUIS

Instructor
 Appendix B. Letter for Respondents

Dear Senior Citizen,

We are conducting a research study on the experiences and needs of senior

citizens within our community. Your input is valuable to us, as it will help us gain
insights into the specific challenges faced by seniors and better understand how to
address them.

We kindly request your participation in this study by completing the attached

questionnaire. Your responses will be kept strictly confidential and only used for
research purposes. Your participation is entirely voluntary, and you may choose to
withdraw at any time without any penalty or repercussions.

We assure you that your personal information will be handled with the utmost
care and in compliance with all applicable privacy regulations. Your name and
contact details will only be used for the purpose of this research study and will not be
shared with any third parties. By completing the questionnaire, you are providing your
informed consent for your responses to be used for research purposes. Your
participation will help us improve the quality of life for senior citizens and create
more inclusive services and programs tailored to their needs.

If you have any questions or concerns about this study, please feel free to
reach out to us at contact number 09977657957.Thank you for your time and
consideration. We greatly appreciate your contribution to our research endeavor.

Respectfully yours,
BSSW STUDENT RESEARCHERS
Mama Hashna, S.
Villa Chirwen, A.
Lucahin Jelie, R.
Balimbingan Norhana
Pabingwitin Rexelle
Flores Miraluna
Sensi Jamine
Sumusog Emiel, T.
Demapeles Ella Mae, C.
Hermino Glendel, M.
Dionaldo Angelito
Mama Hashim, S.

Noted by:
 Rovy Mercado Banguis
Instructor
Appendix C – Letter

Dr. Rovy M. Banguiz

Ma’am,

Greetings of Peace

The undersigned is a 3rd year Bachelor of Science in Social Work students of

AIM HIGH COLLEGES INC. One of the major requirements to obtain degree is to
conduct the study entitled “Socio-Economic Status of Senior Citizens: Its
Relationship to their Level of Accessibility to Pension.”

In these connections, we are respectfully requesting your good office to allow

us to conduct the said study by distributing questionnaire to the Senior Citizens.

Your favorable response to this request is highly appreciated. Thank you and
God bless.

Respectfully
yours,

Mama, Hashna
Villa Chirwen
Lucahin Jelie
Flores Miraluna
Pabingwit, Rexelle
Balimbingan Norhana
Sumudog Emiel
Demapeles Ella Mae
Sensi Jasmine
Hermino Glendel
Dionaldo Angelito
Mama Hashim
 Appendix D

Questionnaire

AIM HIGH COLLEGE INC.

Buluan, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay

The Respondents:

The undersigned is asking your assistance in answering the questionnaire –

checklist entitled “SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF SENIOR CITIZEN: ITS
RELATIONSHIP TO THEIR LEVEL OF ACCESSIBILITY TO PENSION” a
requirement in research proposal.

Please answer all the questions below in order to arrive at a very realistic
result. Rest assured that the data gathered are held strictly confidential.

Thank you very much for the usual support.

Researchers

Respondents Profile

(Optional)______________

Directions:

Listed below are statements on the Socio-Economic Status of Senior Citizen:

Its Relationship to Their Level of Accessibility to Pension. Please encircle the number
at the right column that corresponds to your choice by using the given scale.

Research Questions Yes No

1. Are your currently receiving a pension?
2. Did you contribute to a pension plan throughout your working
years?
3. Are you satisfied with amount of pension you receive?
4. Do you have multiple sources of pension income?
5. Have you ever considered investing a portion of your pension
funds?
6. Are you aware of any pension benefits of programs specially
designed for seniors?
7. Have you ever sought professional financial advice regarding
your pension?
8. Do you worry about the longevity of your pension funds
lasting through your retirement?
9. Have you explored any pension top-up options available to
you?
10. Are you familiar with the retirement age requirement for
receiving a full pension?

Noted by:

ROVY MERCADO BANGUIS

Instructress

Validated and approved by:

 Appendix E

CURRICULUM VITAE

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Name: Angelito Cenas Dionaldo Jr.

Age: 21

Sex: Male

Birthdate: May 16, 2002

Birth Place: Kigay, Malangas, Zamboanga Sibugay

Present Address: Kigay, Malangas, Zamboanga Sibugay

Civil Status: Single

Citizenship: Filipino

Religion: Iglesia ni Cristo

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL:

STRAND:

JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL:

ELEMENTARY:
 CURRICULUM VITAE

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Name: Jelie R. Lucahin

Age: 21

Sex: Female

Birthdate: July 10, 2002

Birth Place: Kigay, Malangas, Zamboanga Sibugay

Present Address: Kigay, Malangas, Zamboanga Sibugay

Civil Status: Single

Citizenship: Filipino

Religion: Born Again (Christians)

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL:

STRAND:

JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL:

ELEMENTARY:
 CURRICULUM VITAE

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Name: Chirwen A. Villa

Age: 21

Sex: Female

Birthdate: August 26, 2002

Birth Place: Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur

Present Address: Lobing, Diplahan, Zamboanga Sibugay

Civil Status: Single

Citizenship: Filipino

Religion: Seventh Day Adventist

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL:

STRAND:

JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL:

ELEMENTARY:
 CURRICULUM VITAE

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Name: Hashna S. Mama

Age: 21

Sex: Female

Birthdate: July 2, 2003

Birth Place: Malangas, Zamboanga Sibugay

Present Address: Purok Matibay, Malangas, Zamboanga Sibugay

Civil Status: Single

Citizenship: Filipino

Religion: Islam

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL:

STRAND:

JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL:

ELEMENTARY:
 CURRICULUM VITAE

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Name: Hashim S. Mama

Age: 22

Sex: Male

Birthdate: August 9, 2001

Birth Place: Malangas, Zamboanga Sibugay

Present Address: Purok Matibay, Malangas, Zamboanga Sibugay

Civil Status: Single

Citizenship: Filipino

Religion: Islam

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL:

STRAND:

JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL:

ELEMENTARY:
 CURRICULUM VITAE

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Name: Ella Mae C. Demapeles

Age: 21

Sex: Female

Birthdate: May 21, 2002

Birth Place: Picanan, Buug, Zamboanga del Sur

Present Address: Tackling, Malangas, Zamboanga Sibugay

Civil Status: Single

Citizenship: Filipino

Religion: Born Again (Christians)

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL: Catituan National High School

Catituan, Malangas, Zamboanga Sibugay

STRAND:

JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL: Catituan National High School

Catituan, Malangas, Zamboanga Sibugay

ELEMENTARY: Tackling Elementary School

Tackling, Malangas, Zamboanga Sibugay
 CURRICULUM VITAE

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Name: Jasmin A. Sensi

Age: 22

Sex: Female

Birthdate: April 7, 2001

Birth Place: Tigabon, Malangas, Zamboanga Sibugay

Present Address: Tigabon, Malangas, Zamboanga Sibugay

Civil Status: Single

Citizenship: Filipino

Religion: Islam

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL:

STRAND:

JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL:

ELEMENTARY:
 CURRICULUM VITAE

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Name: Glendel M. Hermino

Age:

Sex:

Birthdate:

Birth Place:

Present Address:

Civil Status:

Citizenship:

Religion:

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL:

STRAND:

JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL:

ELEMENTARY:
 CURRICULUM VITAE

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Name: Norhana S. Balimbingan

Age: 20

Sex: Female

Birthdate: August 25, 2003

Birth Place: Tackling, Malangas, Zamboanga Sibugay

Present Address: Poblacion, Malangas, Zamboanga Sibugay

Civil Status: Single

Citizenship: Filipino

Religion: Islam

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL:

STRAND:

JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL:

ELEMENTARY: