Government benefits and services for senior citizens in Laoag City: A correlational study on profile, awareness, accessibility, and utilization
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62025/dwijmh.v5i2.368Keywords:
Senior citizens, socio-demographic profile, awareness, accessibility, utilization, government-mandated benefits and servicesAbstract
This study determined the socio-demographic profile of senior citizens in Laoag City and assessed their levels of awareness of, accessibility to, and utilization of government-mandated benefits and services for the calendar years 2024 and 2025. A total of 266 senior citizens participated in the study. Using a descriptive-correlational research design, data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed using Spearman rank-order correlation and Chi-square tests of independence to explore relationships among socio-demographic characteristics, awareness, accessibility, and utilization of benefits.
Findings indicated that senior citizens were moderately aware of government-mandated benefits and services. Accessibility to these benefits and services was moderate. Utilization reflected these patterns, with discounts frequently accessed, while other programs were less used. Age and educational attainment had a significant relationship with awareness. Age and monthly pension showed a significant relationship with accessibility.
Age, monthly pension, and impairment were significantly related to and are key determinants of utilization. The impairment type is also associated with utilization.
Awareness was significantly and positively correlated with spatial, procedural, and overall accessibility for all benefits and services. The strongest relationship is observed in overall awareness and accessibility. Awareness of health services, temporary shelter services, and overall awareness showed a significant negative relationship with utilization of benefits and services.
Senior citizens experienced moderate levels of problems across awareness, accessibility, and utilization of government-mandated benefits and services, with accessibility emerging as the most problematic area. Problems experienced by senior citizens were evident across the three variables of the study, with utilization all presenting significant challenges.
Improving government-mandated benefits and services for senior citizens in Laoag City requires enhanced efforts across awareness, accessibility, and utilization, such as the need for structured barangay-based information campaigns, clear and senior-friendly materials, and targeted outreach to ensure inclusive information access, proactive enrollment, guided assistance, and active engagement strategies.
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