The Scope and Challenges of the Wellness Activities of the Older Adults

This study had a dual purpose: 1) to determine the range of wellness activities of the senior citizens (third agers) based on six dimensions of wellness, and 2) to ascertain the problems and challenges which third agers face in holding wellness activities. The senior citizens’ leader of each municipality of Bukidnon served as respondents. A survey questionnaire was designed to gather both quantitative and qualitative data. Included in the instrument were also pertinent open-ended questions. The analysis made use of the model of Hettler (cited in MacMahan and Fleur, 2012) that reflects the six dimensions of wellness, 2) as well as Hawk’s (1994) model showing a one-to-one correspondence between Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, with the dimensions of wellness. Results showed that the spiritual and physical wellness activities were most often conducted, while intellectual and emotional activities were scarce. Leadership was repeatedly cited as one of the reasons to explain the shortage of activities. The study’s results implied the absence of balanced wellness and concluded that the presumably elderly’s spiritual wellness does not necessarily mean they have achieved ‘self-actualization.’ To address the various wellness dimensions to develop holistically healthy third agers, a university-led wellness program may be designed, developed and implemented.

Keywords: Wellness activities, Senior citizens, Six dimensions of wellness