AN EXPLORATORY STUDY ON THE LIFE EXPERIENCES OF FILIPINO SINGLE ELDERLY WOMEN

Humanities and Social Sciences Review,
CD-ROM. ISSN: 2165-6258 :: 07(02):161–176 (2017)
AN EXPLORATORY STUDY ON THE LIFE EXPERIENCES OF
FILIPINO SINGLE ELDERLY WOMEN
Denise Jeremy T. Escarieses and Erica Mae F. Jimenez
University of the Philippines, Philippines
Single elderly women or !spinsters" have been perceived as having negative attributes such as
undesirable, man-hater or infertile. In the Philippine context, the equivalent term is !matandang
dalaga" which according to sources can mean !womanhood partially fulfilled". This study is focused
on the present condition of Filipino Single Elderly Women (FSEW) through recounting their life
experiences regarding their self, family, career, social relationships, health, and spirituality. Researchers
interviewed 30 FSEW living in Metro Manila, Philippines. This comprised of 15 respondents living in
their own homes and 15 respondents in an institution. Similarities and differences in responses between
FSEW in Homes and in Institution were found. Both respondents from Homes and Institution reported
being generally satisfied with their present condition. There were differences in their experiences
brought about by their individual social factors. In the concept of singlehood, a few mentioned
experiences related to their status as a single elderly woman. It was found that age-appropriate
activities, health and nutritional programs could be developed to help FSEW cope with aging. In
addition, these programs can help them gain a positive outlook about themselves and in life.
Researchers highly recommend that the FSEW would be given enough care and support by their family
and friends even if they were already inside the institution. Improving the life aspects of the FSEW can
help them gain more positive life experiences.
Keywords: Singlehood, Life experiences, Life aspects.
Introduction
People often assumed that single elderly women possessed some negative attributes such as being
infertile, ugly, undesirable, eccentric, freak, strange, and they either had a high set of standards for men or
were considered man-haters (Rosenteur, 1961). In the Philippine context, the equivalent term for spinster
was !matandang dalaga" which figuratively means !womanhood partially fulfilled" (Hollnsteiner, 1981
as cited in Lan, 2003).
In the Philippines, there were a few single elderly women. According to the 2000 Census on
Population and Housing by the National Statistics Office (NSO), the total number of senior citizens aged
60 years old and above was 4.6 million or 5.97 percent of the 76.5 million Filipinos in the year 2000. In
this census, 60.38 percent of the elderly population were married, 30.02 percent were widowed, 4.57
percent were separated, and 5.03 percent were reported as single. Among the single elderly group, 70.99
percent were females. That would mean that there were 231, 380 who were single elderly and among
them, 164, 257 were single elderly women. The single elderly women also remained under the radar of
researchers especially in the Philippines.
161

162 An Exploratory Study on the Life Experiences of Filipino Single Elderly Women
The researchers chose this study to gain a better understanding of what it was like to be a
Filipino single elderly woman in the 21st century. The main purpose of this study was to deepen
the insights about Filipino Single Elderly Women through their own life experiences.
The objectives of this study were the following:
1. To describe the present situation and condition of Filipino Single Elderly Women (FSEW)
2. To recount the life experiences of Filipino single elderly women in relation to their different life
aspects such as:
a. Self d. Social Relationships
b. Family e. Health
c. Career f. Spirituality
Literature Review
There were literature studies regarding the developmental characteristics, historical accounts of Filipino
women and other literature that have already been done on the matter that led to the current discussion on
the Filipino Single Elderly Women (FSEW) in this study.
Single elderly women go through developmental changes during the period of late adulthood. There
are changes in her physical body such as the loss of elasticity of the skin, graying of hair, and decrease in
the efficiency of her organ systems. In the cognitive development, there is a decline in her thinking
processes and skills such as word fluency and inductive reasoning. In the socio-emotional development,
there are changes in work and family roles of the elderly in which they take care of younger members of
the family (Lee, Boon, and Abd Karim, 2013).
The status of the Filipino woman has changed throughout Philippine history. During pre-colonial
times, single elderly women or !old maids" were influential figures in the society as they used to perform
as the babaylan or healer (Santiago, 2005, Geremia-Lachica, 1996, Scott, 1997 as cited in Sabanpan-Yu,
2008) or as community leaders (Torres, 1995). It was during the Spanish colonial times that there had
been a drastic shift in the role that Filipino women portray in society. Women were taught to have self-
control over their emotions and maintain proper composure (Mendoza-Guazon, 1928) while being denied
of political rights and enlightened education (Alzona, 1934 as cited in Camagay, 1989). During the
American colonial times, women could pursue a university education in which they were able to
participate in civic and humanitarian activities. By the 20th century, feminist movements begun where
women actively participated in national movements against imperialism and neocolonialism (Camagay,
1989). These events marked the changing status of women from confinement at home to active
participants in the development of social and national development in the country.
In this research, the life experiences of the FSEW were explored in relation to their life aspects. In
the first one, Self Life Aspect, studies have found that old age was a period where the elderly usually look
back at how they have lived their lives. De Guzman, Chua, Claudio, Consignado, Consolacion, &
Cordero, (2009) examined the sense of reminiscence, living disposition, and end-of-life views of their
Filipino elderly respondents. Reminiscence included accepting negative events, past conflicts, and finding
meaning in one#s life. Resolving or understanding past conflicts helped the elderly saw their present
living dispositions and their end-of-life views in a more positive light. Filipino elderly respondents in the
study of De Guzman et. al. (2009) were balanced in assessing their successes and failures. They
recognized that their successes were due to their personal effort but they also took fault for their failures
in life, seeing these as an inevitable part of life. De Guzman et. al. (2009) expressed that old age is a
period of self-re-evaluation and the elderly must be able to find dignity in one#s life to embrace death.
The second life aspect is the Family. Several studies have found that the Filipino elderly who had
their own families preferred to stay at home and take care of their grandchildren and younger members of
the family. They have described this task as a significant role within the family (Domingo, Medina, and

Denise Jeremy T. Escarieses and Erica Mae F. Jimenez 163
Domingo, 1994, Carlos, 1999 & Ceria-Ulep, Dalusung-Angosta, Magday-Asselstine, Castillo, Pagano,
and Wooton, 2013). On the other hand, Domingo, et. al. (1994) also said that the family oversaw taking
care and providing the needs of the elderly in the family. This is in line with the 1987 Constitution of the
Philippines. It was indicated in Article XV, Section 4 that •The family has the duty to care for its elderly
members but the State may also do so through just programs of social security•. The constitution also
indicated that if the family cannot fulfill this role, the State also had a responsibility in taking care of the
elderly. This is where the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) comes in, whose
services included the establishment and the construction of homes for the elderly (Carlos, 1999). In the
study of the elderly in nursing homes by De Guzman, Guevara, Guiang, Gutierez, Habaluyas, Hizon, and
Idanan (2012), they found that family was the source of strength and hope of senior citizens before
entering the institution. However, according to the study, some senior citizens were neglected by their
own families. They did not receive any help from them, thus the elderly inside the institution felt
abandoned.
In the Career Life Aspect, the study of Cruz (1999) on the Economic well-being of Filipino elderly
found that most of them were concerned of their financial status. In the study (Cruz, 1999), most of the
elderly were still working beyond retirement age as their household still depended on their economic
contribution in the family. Their income also affected their health. Those with higher income levels have
reported positive health assessment as they can work for longer hours. On the other hand, those with
lower income have poor health condition so their work was usually restrained. This resulted to lower
financial savings and due to poor health, they had higher health expenditures which could worsen their
economic condition. According to the 1996 Philippine Elderly Survey (PES), the elderly belonged to the
lowest group in economic status and only a tenth of the elderly respondents received pension which
showed that the elderly was dependent on family support over the state. However, this was not always the
case for those in the low socio-economic status as they still served as breadwinners for their family.
The fourth life aspect is their Social Relationships. Aside from their family, the elderly also has
friends and they can join groups and organizations. According to Montiel (1976), there were many
organizations around a Filipino community in which females can join into. Aside from this, the Filipino
elderly also enjoyed visiting their friends and neighbors (Carlos, 1999). The Department of Social
Welfare and Development or DSWD also supported the elderly by conducting a Peer Support Group
program. In this program, senior citizens were trained to provide support for their fellow peers. These
senior citizens usually meet at a regular time to share their experiences and problems (Carlos, 1999).
Social relationships also helped in the adjustment of the elderly inside a nursing home. The study done by
De Guzman, et. al. (2012) found that interacting with other people within the nursing home such as their
fellow elderly, nurses, personnel, and visitors can help them in their adjustment.
The fifth life aspect is Health as it is one of the issues of concern for elderly. As people age, they
became vulnerable to chronic illnesses (Carlos, 1999). In the study of Ceria-Ulep, et. al. (2013), they
found that the Filipino elderly living in Honolulu, Hawaii have different chronic diseases like
hypertension and diabetes mellitus. However, they were still highly functional and they can do different
physical activities on their own. Another study in the Philippines by De Guzman, Ines, Inofinada,
Ituralde, Janolo, Jerezo, and Jhun (2013) focused on the health of the Filipino elderly, particularly, their
nutrition and balance. They could find that !good nutritional status leads to better balance and functional
abilities among the elderly" (p. 450). Other respondents in their study were malnourished but their
conviction helped in accomplishing everyday activities such as walking. In the study of De Guzman, et.
al. (2012), they suggested that when providing health services to the elderly inside the institution, the
healthcare provider should be aware of the coping mechanisms the elderly use. The healthcare provider
should assess the previous lives of their clients and then plan a schedule of daily activities that will
enhance the adjustment and well-being of the elderly.
The final life aspect is Spirituality which includes the values and beliefs of the Filipino elderly. In his
study, Bulatao (1966) said that the !traditional Filipino values can be regarded as the potential for
Christian values" (p. 48). In the Philippine culture, some of the values and beliefs of the elderly may be
influenced by their religion. Aside from values, social groups were also influenced by religion. According

to Montiel (1976), one of the community-based organizations that women join was the church group. One
example of this was the Catholic Women•s League. In a study conducted by De Guzman et. al. of the
Filipino elderly (2009), they said that they included God in their daily living. Religious activities such as
praying and Bible-reading were their first steps in connecting with God. In another study by De Guzman,
et. al. (2012) about the adjustment of the Filipino elderly in the institution, they indicated that the
participants established a deeper relationship with God as a coping mechanism.
Most of the literature and studies mentioned here were about the Filipino elderly. There were only
little or few studies concerning the unmarried elderly women here in the Philippines. There may have
been studies or literature that mentioned single elderly women in the country but only a few focused on it
as their topic of interest. Single elderly women in some studies or literature involved those who have been
separated and widowed. Therefore, it was not limited to the definition set by the researchers on the single
elderly women referred to in this study.
Research Framework
Theoretical Base
This study has utilized two theories of human development in the analysis of the data. The first one is
Erik Erikson•s Psychosocial theory. According to Erikson (1963), human development consisted of eight
developmental stages. This study focused on the last stage which humans undergo during old age and
before death, the Ego Integrity versus Despair. Erikson defined Ego Integrity as the acceptance of one•s
choices, triumphs, and disappointments in life. It is the acceptance of death as part of one•s life cycle.
Despair comes with the fear of death in which the person regrets one•s life choices and experiences, thus,
the person cannot accept what one•s life had been. Ego Integrity is the most mature faith that an older
person can have as a person who was able to resolve the crises of the seven stages of psychosocial
development. The person then gains renunciation and wisdom as one•s virtues in life if he or she could
successfully resolve the crisis in the last stage (Erikson, 1963).
The second theory is Urie Bronfenbrenner•s Ecological Theory. This theory formed a framework to
consider the social factors that can affect one•s development. In his framework, Bronfenbrenner identified
several systems, which are the Microsystem, Mesosystem, Exosystem, Macrosystem, and Chronosystem.
The Microsystem refers to the !interrelations within the immediate setting which directly affects the
developing person" (Bronfenbrenner, 1979, p. 7). The Mesosystem refers to the !interrelations between
two or more settings in which the developing person becomes an active participant" (Bronfenbrenner,
1979, p. 209). The Exosystem refers to !one or more settings that do not involve the developing person as
an active participant but in which events occur that affect, or are affected by, what happens in that setting"
(Bronfenbrenner, 1979, p. 237). The Macrosystem then refers to !the consistency observed within a given
culture or subculture in the form and content of its constituent micro-, meso-, and exosystems, as well as
any belief systems or ideology underlying such consistencies" (Bronfenbrenner, 1979, p. 258).
Chronosystem refers to time as a social factor in which it refers to the changes that happened in an
individual•s surroundings over time (Bronfenbrenner, 1994). These systems are interconnected and
function in a similar way in one way or another. Thus, it creates an impact directly affecting one•s growth
and development (Bronfenbrenner, 1979).
Conceptual Framework
In this conceptual framework, the life experiences referred to the significant events in the lives of Filipino
Single Elderly Women (FSEW). The life experiences of FSEW were connected to their life aspects by a
single line. This connection meant that the life aspects were major contributors to their life experiences.

Figure 1. Life Experiences and Life Aspects of Filipino Single Elderly Woman
Methodology
This is a qualitative and exploratory research analyzing the life experiences of Filipino Single Elderly
Women (FSEW). This study covered a sample of 30 never-married, childless elderly women beyond the
age of 60. The researchers included FSEW who had been living on their own, living with their family of
orientation or relatives, and those who were inside an institution.
The data was acquired through an in-depth and narrative interview of the respondents. In-depth
interviews provided basic data for the development of an understanding between the social actors, the
FSEW, and their situation (Bauer & Gaskell, 2000). Narrative interviewing was more on the respondents
reconstructing past experiences in their lives (Schutze, 1977; Bruner, 1990). For this, the interview guide
was developed to have open-ended questions for each life aspect. There were a total of 19 questions and
each one pertained to at least one of the life aspects. They were validated by a Family Life and Child
Development expert before being used for data gathering.
After the data has been collected and organized, thematic analysis was used in data analysis and
interpretation. Each qualitative interview question was analyzed by means of finding common themes
from the answers. Common themes emerged from respondents from both homes and institution but there
was also a distinction between the two living arrangements. Erik Erikson!s psychosocial theory and Urie
Bronfenbrenner!s Ecological Framework were also used in the data analysis.
Results and Discussion
Profile of the Respondents
For this study, 30 Filipino Single Elderly Women (FSEW) were interviewed. The respondents were 60 -
81 years of age. Fifteen of these FSEW live in their own homes and the other fifteen live in the institution.
All of them were living within the National Capital Region, a densely populated area in the Philippines.
In terms of monthly income, 16 of the respondents did not receive any kind of financial support.
Most of them were from the Institution in which they are dependent on the Department of Social Welfare
and Development (DSWD), a government branch in the country.
Self Life Aspect
Present Condition
There were 16 out of 30 (53%) respondents who described themselves as being satisfied in their present
condition. FSEW living in their own homes reported satisfaction in being the breadwinner of the family
Life Experiences of
Filipino Single
Elderly Women
(FSEW)
Life Aspects
Self
Family
Social Relationships
Health
Career
Spirituality

and being able to spend time with them. One respondent also mentioned being able to accomplish her
goals without someone impeding her. FSEW from the institution reported better environmental conditions
in terms of healthcare and having peers.
Table 1. Present Condition of FSEW in Homes and Institution
Present
Condition
Home Institution Total
Satisfied 9 7 16
Somewhat
Satisfied
4 5 9
Dissatisfied 2 3 5
n 15 15 30
On the other hand, there were 9 out of 30 (30%) respondents in the category of somewhat satisfied.
Some of the reasons why they were not fully satisfied were because of health concerns, loss of family,
and poor environment conditions. Those with health concerns were mainly from the FSEW living in their
own homes. They described that they felt weak and got tired easily which made them take medicines to
maintain their health status. FSEW in the Institution expressed that they may not be completely satisfied
in the institution. This is because of the fights going on amongst the elderly which may remain
unresolved. Another particular reason for this answer was that FSEW in the Institution revealed how their
families rarely visit.
Lastly, there were 5 out of 30 (17%) FSEW dissatisfied with their condition. Their reasons were
mostly because of aging and feeling tired most of the time. This is from both the FSEW in Homes and
Institution where they expressed that medication may not be readily available. This affected how they
lived out their daily lives.
Based on the results above, there were similarities in both FSEW living in homes and the institution
in terms of their present condition. In application of Erikson!s Psychosocial Theory, respondents who
expressed satisfaction in their present condition may have acquired Ego Integrity. This means that they
have accepted how their lives turned out to be. On the other hand, respondents who were somewhat
satisfied and dissatisfied may experience Despair. This means they have unresolved conflicts which they
cannot accept themselves. De Guzman, Chua, Claudio, Consignado, Consolacion, & Cordero (2009)
promoted reconciliation and resolution of these conflicts so that they will be able to see their present
living disposition in a more positive light.
In addition, most respondents from both living arrangements have positive experiences in their
different life aspects. For FSEW living in homes, most of them described having positive experiences
mainly in their family, health and career while most of the FSEW living in the institution have described
having positive experiences mainly in their health, social relationships, and environmental conditions.
Bronfenbrenner!s Ecological theory identified the Microsystem referring to the family, health, career, and
social relationships life aspects which the respondents determined having positive experiences and thus, it
had a positive effect on how they viewed their present condition.
Life Satisfaction
Twenty-one out of 30 (70%) FSEW reported being satisfied with their lives. In FSEW living in Homes,
most of them were satisfied because they were healthy, and they possessed good status in their work and
with their families. One respondent saw herself as a free woman who can do things and go to places
without anybody impeding her. For FSEW living in the Institution, most of them have accepted the way

their lives turned out to be and refused to change anything. One respondent reported that she enjoyed
living in the institution because of the support she received from friends.
Table 2. Life Satisfaction of FSEW in Homes and Institution
Life Satisfaction Home Institution Total
Yes 13 8 21
No 2 6 8
Not sure - 1 1
n 15 15 30
On the other hand, there were 8 out of 30 (27%) FSEW who reported dissatisfaction with their lives.
Two FSEW respondents living in Homes were lonely and regretted not having a family of their own.
They expressed loneliness and not receiving support from family members. FSEW in the Institution
reported poor environmental conditions in the institution because fights occur between the elderlies.
Another reason for their discontentment within the institution was that because they felt lonely, unsure of
their life!s direction, and because of their broken dreams.
In this subsection, the FSEW recalled positive and negative experiences in their lives. De Guzman et.
al. (2009) stressed that through reminiscing, they are able to understand their past and present, positive
and negative experiences that happened in their life. With the re-evaluation of their experiences, they
were able to decide if they were satisfied with their lives. In Erik Erikson!s Psychosocial Theory, their
positive and negative experiences determined whether the person experienced Ego integrity or Despair.
Those who had positive experiences and had accepted their choices in life experience Ego integrity while
those who had negative experiences and had regretted these life choices experience Despair.
Self-Concept
There were 21 out of 30 (70%) respondents who had a positive concept of themselves. Most of them
expressed that they saw themselves having positive traits and attributes. One of these is the ability to see
themselves positively even though they are experiencing problems. Other traits include being helpful, a
source of support for friends and family, and a fulfilled woman. Both FSEW in Homes and Institution
saw themselves as still being useful to the community and their peers.
On the other hand, 9 respondents (30%) had a negative concept of themselves. They saw themselves
as being sad and lonely. One respondent from Home had no choice but to work for her family despite her
old age.
An influential factor that affected the respondents! self-concept was their social environment which
was included within their Microsystem based on Bronfenbrenner!s Ecological Theory. In application of
Erikson!s Psychosocial Theory, those who had a positive self-concept may experience Ego Integrity and
those who had a negative self-concept may experience Despair.
Family Life Aspect
In Bronfenbrenner!s ecological framework, the family served as a part of the individual!s Microsystem.
This showed its direct connection and relationship with the individual (Bronfenbrenner, 1979). The
researchers asked the respondents about their closeness to family members and the support they received
from them.

Closeness to the Family Member
Out of 30 FSEW, there was only one who stated that she is not close to any family member. Most FSEW
are close to their parents, siblings, and other relatives. There were two factors that affected how they
determined this closeness: proximity and support.
Proximity refers to the availability of their family. Some FSEW in Homes lived together with their
parents or relatives. Some lived near each other. Before living in the institution, the FSEW said that they
also used to live with their sibling or relatives.
Support refers to how their family gives the support they needed even though they are far apart. Most
FSEW stated that the main reason they are close to their family was because of the support they received
from them. The types of support they received will be discussed in the next part.
Types of Family Support
Material support refers to the monetary support or things provided for to support their FSEW family
member
Emotional support refers to the concern, companionship, and assistance given for by the family
members of the FSEW
Care is the term used to refer to a kind of support given where material and emotional support are
met and provided for
Family Support of FSEW in Homes
In FSEW living in their homes, 3 out of 15 (20%) received material support as their family members had
sent financial support to aid them in their everyday living expenses. However, their family members
either lived very far from them or they only see each other from time to time.
Table 3. Family Support of FSEW in Homes
Family Support (Home)
Support No. of Respondents
a. Material Support 3
b. Emotional Support 3
c. Care 8
No Support 1
n 15
Also, 3 out of 15 (20%) of FSEW in homes received emotional support from their family as they
received advices from them and they showed concern for them.
Most of the FSEW living in homes, which is 8 out of 15 (53%) respondents, received both material
and emotional support from their family members characterized by showing concern for them,
generosity, engaging in activities together, and helping each other out. One respondent described that
even though her relatives live abroad, she received gifts and calls of concern from them.
Urie Bronfenbrenner!s Ecological theory can be applied as family is a part of their Microsystem.
Since it had a major effect on the individual, support from this system is essential. Most of FSEW in
homes received support from their families which made them feel their family!s love and concern for
them. No matter what kind of support they receive from their families, it showed how their families saw
their value and place as a member of their family. However, there was one FSEW who reported not
having receiving any support from family members which can also affect her outlook in life.

Family Support of FSEW in Institution
Table 4. Family Support of FSEW in Institution
Family Support (Institution)
Support Past Present
a. Material Support 2 1
b. Emotional Support 5 -
c. Care 3 -
No Support 5 14
n 15 15
Ten out of 15 (67%) respondents reported that they were given enough support in the past. Two out
of 15 of these respondents were given material support by their family members. Five out of 15
respondent reported receiving emotional support from their family before. Their family supported their
decisions as well as gave them good advice. One FSEW remembered being visited by her family
members in the institution. Three out of 15 respondents reported having received care from their families.
They received monetary support and at the same time, their family members never forget to show concern
for their well-being.
Five out of 15 respondents reported not receiving any kind of support from their family. Respondents
said that they are the ones financially supporting their family members instead and had conflict with their
family.
These results were based from the past experiences of the FSEW. However, 14 out of 15 (93%) of
them said that they no longer felt the support from their families ever since entering the institution. Only
one of them received financial support from her family. This supported the study conducted by De
Guzman, et. al. (2012) in nursing homes where senior citizens had been neglected by their own families.
Since the family can have a direct effect on the individual according to Bronfenbrenner!s theory, this may
be one of the factors why some respondents described themselves as being lonely within the institution.
Career Life Aspect
Work Experiences and Satisfaction
There were 27 out of 30 FSEW who used to have a job and who are still working. Respondents have
worked/were working in various work fields such as a household helper, warehouse staff, a store owner or
a teacher.
Out of 27 FSEW who had earned income, 24 of them (89%) expressed satisfaction with their work.
One respondent said that even with a small income as a former teacher, she saw her work as a pastime
and felt younger being surrounded by younger teachers. One of them mentioned how she was treated as
part of the family because she was a nanny. Some of them expressed how they enjoyed their working
environment and doing their passion. They also mentioned satisfaction in providing for their family.
On the other hand, 3 FSEW expressed dissatisfaction with their career. The main reason was because
of an abusive environment. They were denied employee rights and benefits.
With Work Satisfaction, the main factor for their response was their working environment. This is in
line with Bronfenbrenner!s Ecological Theory where career was included within the Microsystem of an
individual (Bronfenbrenner, 1979). Work environment was a major factor for them to consider whether
they were satisfied or not with their overall career experiences.

Reasons for Retirement of FSEW
Nineteen FSEW out of 27 have already retired from work. Most FSEW in Homes and Institution reported
that they retired in order to take care of their aging parents and some of their siblings. For FSEW in
Institution, this happened before entering the institution. These FSEW placed a higher priority on their
family life aspect over their career since they were the ones being depended upon to take care of their
family of orientation because they did not have a family of their own.
Table 5. Reasons for Retirement of FSEW in Homes and Institution
Reasons for Retirement Home Institution Total
Support the Family 2 4 6
Age and Poor Health 3 2 4
Poor Working Environment 1 3 4
No Choice - 4 4
Others (e. g. Does not know what to do yet) - 1 1
n 5 14 19
Another factor that affected their decision was old age and poor health. The FSEW reported how
they are unable to perform their duties because of the different illnesses they acquired.
Poor working environment such as low pay and abuse by an employer has also been a factor. They
were deprived of their rights and did not feel like they could prosper in their career. This also affected if
they were satisfied with their career or not.
Some FSEW have expressed that they left their work because they were forced to do so. One FSEW
reported that her family did not give her a choice as they put her inside the institution because of old age
and poor health. Another one reported that she was replaced by someone younger and healthier than her.
With these several factors, there is an interplay of their Microsystems in accordance to
Bronfenbrenner!s Ecological Theory. Their family, health, and work environment affected the outcome of
their career.
Reasons for Working Beyond Retirement Age
There were 8 out of 15 FSEW living in their own homes who were still working at the time of the study.
Five of them (63%) still chose to work in order to support themselves and their family. One respondent
chose to work to financially support her nieces and nephews. Another one said that she wanted her foster
child to finish college so she continues to work. Another FSEW described how she still wanted to earn a
living from her business in order to afford the things she wanted in life.
Table 6. Reasons for Working Beyond Retirement Age of FSEW in Home
Reasons for Working Beyond Retirement Age Home
Support Herself and Family 4
Enjoyment 3
No Plans for Retirement 1
n 8

Two of the respondents (33%) said that they enjoyed handling responsibilities at work instead of
staying at home where they might feel more tired.
The decisions made by these FSEW are affected by their Self and Family life aspects. They have
made sound decisions that would have a positive effect in these life aspects. In Bronfenbrenner•s theory,
this also showed an interplay of their different Microsystems such as self, family, and career and how it
affected their decision of working beyond retirement age.
Social Relationships Life Aspect
Types of Friend Support
Emotional support refers to the concern, companionship, and assistance given for by the family members
of the FSEW
Care is the term used to refer to a kind of support given where material and emotional support are
met and provided for
Friend Support
Out of 30 FSEW, 19 respondents (63%) reported receiving emotional support from their peers. They
described their friends showing concern for them and spending time with them to do leisure activities.
Respondents described how their peers visit them on their birthday and when they are sick. On the other
hand, respondents from the institution depended on other elderlies inside the institution. Most FSEW in
the institution only received emotional support as most of them are low-income and they relied on the
organization for material support. These FSEW saw their peers as their secondary family or their
!siblings" and relied on them for support.
Table 7. Friend Support of FSEW in Homes and Institution
Friend Support
Support Home Institution Total
a. Emotional Support 8 11 19
b. Care 5 1 6
No Support 2 3 5
n 15 15 30
There were 6 FSEW (20%) who reported receiving both material and emotional support from their
peers. Five of them were the FSEW living in their own Homes. They described how they received food
and gifts from their neighbors and other friends. One FSEW told the story of how her friends took turns
taking care of her when she was admitted to the hospital. The 1 FSEW from the Institution reported
receiving food from her friends outside. In addition, she received emotional support from the other
elderlies in the Institution.
There were 5 FSEW (17%) who said that they do not receive any kind of support from their peers.
One FSEW living in her own Home reported receiving more support from her family. However, FSEW
from the Institution refused to make friends with the elderlies inside with them. They narrated how these
other elderlies always fight with them which made living in the Institution more difficult.
One of the issues that interviewers saw was the lack of social groups and organizations to help single
elderly women. Most FSEW from Homes have joined religious groups and organizations. However, some

respondents described how they were being a subject of joke among her companions because of their
single status. This joke discouraged some FSEW in joining more groups and organizations. Establishing
groups for single elderly women might help respondents from Home and Institution expand their social
circle and have a more positive outlook in life.
In both the Homes and Institution, their peer group affected the FSEW respondents which can be
attributed to Bronfenbrenner•s Ecological Theory where one•s peers were included in his/her Microsystem
which can have a direct effect on them. Based on some of the results from the FSEW in the Institution,
they described their friends as kapatid or sibling. This was supported by the study made by De Guzman,
et. al. (2012) on the adjustment of the elderly in nursing homes. They said that interacting with their
companions inside the nursing home can help with their situation.
Health Life Aspect
Health Concerns and Solutions
When asked about the health concerns of FSEW, 25 out of 30 (83%) described having health and aging
problems. The most common health concerns are hypertension, arthritis, and diabetes. The other 5
respondents did not state any health problems.
The FSEW in both Homes and Institution addressed these health concerns either through medication,
their own remedy, changing their diet or prayer. The medication usually comes from what they can buy or
from the government as the case of those living in the Institution. FSEW also chose to rely on other
means such as rubbing oil, diet, exercise, and religion. However, there are a few FSEW who chose to
ignore these health concerns because of limited resources.
Health Impact
For FSEW living in their own homes, 12 out of 15 (80%) expressed how they were unaffected by their
health problems. They described that this is because they immediately addressed their health concerns
with medication or their own remedies. On the other hand, only 2 respondents out of 15 (13%) said that
their health condition affected their daily lives as it affected their work schedule. When they do not feel
well, they are unable to work which means that they have no money for their expenses. Incorporating
Bronfenbrenner•s Ecological theory, there was a conflict that arose in their Mesosystem, which is a
conflict of interrelations between themselves, their career and their health. Since their career was affected
by health, they needed to attend to their health first in order to function properly.
Table 8. Health Impact on the Lives of FSEW in Homes and Institution
Health Impact on
their Lives
Home Institution Total
Affected 2 5 7
Unaffected 12 6 18
Not Applicable 1 4 5
n 15 15 30
For FSEW in the institution, 5 out of 15 (33%) said that their health concerns affected their daily
living. Most FSEW stated that the medication came from the organization but medicine is not always
available or effective. Because of this problem, some of them chose to ignore the pain or turn to prayer.
On the other hand, 6 of them (40%) was unaffected and this was because of their religion. When asked

how they address their pain, some FSEW chose to pray and rely on God to make them better. Based on
Bronfenbrenner•s Ecological Theory, religion was a part of an individual•s Macrosystem. In this instance,
religion had a key role why the respondents considered that they were unaffected since their beliefs and
practices in their religion influenced their perception about their condition.
Spirituality Life Aspect
Religious Practices
When asked about their religion, all the respondents have said that they are Christian. They have also
described how they value their beliefs and practices such as Church teachings, praying, and participating
in Church services. These services include attending mass, Bible reading, and following religious
teachings. They also practiced these teachings by doing kind deeds to others. These religious practices
affected their self, spirituality and social relationships as they showed good values of themselves. They
were also able to apply what they learned from their religion and their religion paved way for them to
maintain good relationship with others.
Most FSEW in the Institution described how they talked to God and asked Him to let them go home
and to guide their family members. Those in the institution just like the participants in another study of
De Guzman et. al. (2012), saw their relationship with God as their coping mechanism to overcome their
conflicts or issues inside the institution. Through religious practices they felt the presence of God and
with this, they became hopeful of themselves and their future.
Life Purpose
As a final question, the interviewers asked the FSEW if they still have a purpose in life despite their old
age. There were 23 out of 30 (77%) respondents who still have something to do and to look forward to.
For FSEW in both living arrangements, they wished to spend more time with their friends and families.
Some still wanted to see their nieces or nephews grow up and have children.
Table 9. Life Purpose of FSEW in Homes and Institution
Life Purpose Home Institution Total
Yes 11 12 23
None (e.g. old age,
hopeless)
None (Fulfilled)
2
2
2
0
4
2
Not Sure 0 1 1
n 15 15 30
Both FSEW from Homes and Institution still wanted to help other people and be an example of
kindness to the world. They also wanted to continue working and find their purpose in life. Most FSEW
from the Institution expressed that they wanted to go out of the institution to see their families and to find
their direction in life as some of them felt lost and lonely inside.
These answers were in line with Bronfenbrenner•s Ecological Theory which included the family and
peers of an individual within her Microsystem. Because some FSEW respondents still wanted to see their
family members and make new friends, it affected their purpose in life.

Those respondents with a life purpose might have felt that they are not yet contented with where they
were and have hope in changing their lives. Others might be contented and they just wanted to achieve
some more of their life goals such as one respondent who promised to be an instrument of God to spread
His goodwill.
On the other hand, there are 4 out of 30 (13%) who felt that they no longer have a life purpose. They
have expressed hopelessness and being •too late• to dream or change anything because of old age. These
respondents might have felt regret in their previous life choices. These respondents who reported having
no more life purpose because they were already old or hopeless may experience Despair as based on Erik
Erikson!s theory, Despair comes when the person felt that the remaining time is too short or too late to do
things that she could have done (Erikson, 1963).
Next, there were respondents (7%) who did not have a life purpose because they have felt contented
with where they are in their lives. In the application of Erikson!s theory, these respondents have already
reached Ego Integrity as they have felt fulfilled with how their lives turned out to be.
Singlehood
Among the 30 FSEW, 10 of them (33%) mentioned their singlehood and how it affected their lives. Most
of them reported positive experiences about being single. They expressed how they were able to focus on
giving their family a better life. They said that they enjoyed their careers as well as doing leisure activities
for themselves. Some of them described how their peers and family members accepted their singlehood
status and commended them for it. Few FSEW mentioned how they chose the single life themselves. One
mentioned that she did not like marriage as she saw her sisters getting beaten by their husbands. One
mentioned that she loved her career that she focused on being a teacher all her life. Some FSEW also
considered their nieces and/or nephews as their •children• while some considered their students as their
•children•. They described how they did not feel •childless• because of the presence of their relatives and
students. Some FSEW described how they led better lives as single elderly women. These positive
experiences of FSEW in their Self, Family, Career, and Social Relationships Life Aspects affected how
they saw their singlehood status.
On the other hand, other FSEW reported regret in choosing their singlehood status. Some FSEW
experienced ridicule from peers who are already married. This discouraged them to join some groups and
organizations. Others have reported being lonely. They described how they are experiencing challenging
times because they have no one to rely on and advised the female interviewers to get married soon.
Conclusion and Recommendations
There were similarities on how the FSEW from homes and institution described their present condition
and life experiences despite the differences in their social background and living arrangements. Each
respondent had their own distinct characteristics, life experiences, and social factors which affected how
they described their present condition and other life experiences. Thus, it was not limited to their living
arrangement.
After this study, the researchers saw the need to evaluate the programs implemented within the
institution. One suggestion is to provide more interesting activities that promote peer interaction which
can be a substitute for the lack of support they receive from their families. Another aspect of the
institutional program that can be improved on is the health and nutrition program and services as
respondents saw the lack in health services.
For some groups and organizations inside the community, some FSEW respondents inside the Home
said that they might be ridiculed inside the groups because of being single. Members of these groups and
organizations should be more sensitive of the feelings of those who were single inside the group. Also,
support from family members may help FSEW cope better with their lives.

Based on the significant experiences the Filipino Single Elderly Women shared on the different life
aspects, being single then is also a good alternative life choice. The status of remaining unmarried and
childless did not hinder them in gaining positive experiences and positive outlook in their lives.
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