Social Media: A Source of Empowerment and Social Information of The Elderly in Batangas City

St.
Bridget College, College Department
CHAPTER I
THE PROBLEM
Introduction
“Where there is no honor to the elderly, there is no future for the
young.” (Pope Francis’ General Audience, 04 March 2015 at Saint Peter’s
Square). “Older persons,” he said, “are usually the most inclined to being
vulnerable and isolated.” Yet, the existing trends in technology such as
social media, although far from the traditional ways to which the elderly are
oriented, can provide new opportunities for meeting people, maintaining
existing relationships and combating needless isolation.
If industrial societies view the elderly as a social problem, as what is
happening in some influential cultures like Europe, along with the fast
paced speed of technological advances, then this situation can persist and
become widespread, encouraging most people, especially the young, to
dismiss the knowledge and skills of the elderly as unimportant and
superficial.
If the use of internet and various technologies involved in the
advancement of almost everything hampers and obstructs participation
from older persons as most efforts are geared on harnessing the
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M. H. Del Pilar St., Batangas City

St. Bridget College, College Department
potentials of the young population, then it is with the same means of
technology that the elderly can be provided with an avenue where they can
get involved, become informed and empowered.
If the elderly, the senior citizens, particularly in the Philippine setting,
are merely looked upon as receivers of charity and dole-outs in the form of
discounts and freebies coming in all sorts of provisions, then the higher
levels of total, holistic and humanistic development which includes feelings
of belongingness and social integration can be overlooked and eventually
neglected.
If the idea of getting old means getting dysfunctional and inefficient –
unable to ‘go-with-the-times’ persists in the minds of the younger
population, then we might all be missing a lot of opportunities and means
to help the ‘pioneers’ of our time catch the most out of this present age
with its development and innovations.
Considering greater possibilities for improvement and awareness,
the researchers were particularly challenged to help in the development
and participation of older persons and thus would like to conduct a study
on their social integration and empowerment through the use of various
social media.
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Statement of the Problem
This study was conducted with the aim of determining the use of
social media as source of empowerment and social integration of the
elderly in Batangas City.
Specifically, this study sought to answer the following questions;
1. What is the demographic profile of the respondents according
to:
1.1 age;
1.1.1 functional age
1.1.2 perceived age
1.1.3 cognitive age
1.2 sex;
1.3 civil status;
1.4 highest educational attainment; and
1.5 source of income
2. What types of social media tools are being used by the
respondents?
3. What is the level of experience of the respondents to social
media in terms of:
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3.1 competency; and
3.2 frequency
4. What is the extent of empowerment and social integration of
the respondents in the use of social media?
5. What course of action may be proposed in relation to the
empowerment and social integration of the elderly by means of social
media tools?
Scope and Delimitation
This study was aimed to foster awareness and determine the means
of empowering the elderly through social media so that a feasible course of
action can be administered to both users and non-users, and so to aid in
their social integration.
Moreover, this study focused on the elderly people of Batangas City
who used social media. Specifically, this study was initiated to gather the
profile of the respondents which included their age, sex, civil status,
highest educational attainment and their source of income by means of
conducted survey. The researchers applied certain criteria in terms of the
selected respondents by their social media used and these were; those
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elderly who used gadgets as another medium of communication, and
those who constantly used the internet.
The researchers delimited in this study, the physiological problems
encountered by the elderly such as poor eyesight, hearing difficulties and
several identical issues.
The respondents of this study were the active elderly members of
Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) under the City Social Welfare and
Development Office (CSWDO). This study did not include older persons
who are not duly registered in the said agency.
Significance of the Study
The result of this study may serve as useful information to the
following groups of people in their respective field of endeavor.
Local Government Officials. This study may provide information to
the local government officials to translate national goals into a local action
plan responsive to the needs of the elderly people.
Faculty. The findings of this study may serve as guide for the faculty
to understand the condition of the elderly. It will serve as a reference for
them to formulate an appropriate and relevant outreach program for the
elderly.
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Students. The result of this study will help open their mind, increase
consciousness and challenge discriminating systems affecting the elderly.
Parents. This study will be significant for them in dealing with the
elderly. It will be an instrument for them to become fully aware on the
impact of social media in the elderly people which will give them the
opportunity to support and initiate to conduct different programs and
services that will benefit on the welfare of the elderly people.
Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) Administrators. This
study may serve as an indication for the OSCA administrators to further
improve the quality of social welfare services including programs and
projects for the elderly in Batangas City.
City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO)
Administrators. The findings of this study will be a means to take actions
on how they can strengthen and improve the formulation of certain
programs, projects and services for and with the elderly in Batangas City.
Future Researchers. This study will serve as reference for other
researchers who will conduct research in similar context, nature and terms
of the study yet differing in features and aspects
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CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
This chapter presents a review of related literature and related
studies. These helped the researchers in the formulation of the problem
and the methodologies that has been applied in this study.
Conceptual Literature
This conceptual literature was relevant to the study in exploring the
dominant terms of the research: old age, empowerment, integration, and
social media. These helped the researchers relate and understand more
the different ideas and concepts about the life event of the elderly people
which linked on how they responded to the emerging trends of the Digital
Revolution in the 21st century or the “Transition Generation” specifically on
their use of social media.
Old age. It is the final stage in the life course, socially constructed
stages that people pass through as they live out their lives. The process of
aging begins at about age forty; however, the process of aging begins to
seem more negative, as if people start growing down. On this stage of life,
physical strength declines and illness becomes more common. Growing
old is not just a matter of biological changes. How a culture defines this
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stage of life makes a great deal of difference in how people experience old
age. As people age, declining health limits their ability to get around, and
negative stereotypes of the elderly as sickly, old-fashioned, or “out of
touch” may keep younger people. Social isolation is more common among
elderly women than men. Among people over sixty-five, 71 percent of men
live with a wife, but only 41 percent of women live with a husband. From
another angle, 19 percent of elderly men live alone, compared with 40
percent of older women. Women typically outlive men. But it is also true
that widowers are more likely to remarry than widows. Men have a better
chance to find another spouse because U.S. culture supports the pairing of
older men and younger women much more than the pairing of older
women with younger men (Macionis, 2007).
In the context of being old, there is an ageing process that describes
a biological reality which has its own dynamic, largely beyond human
control. However, it is also subject to the constructions by which each
society makes sense of old age. In the developed world, chronological time
plays a paramount role. The age of 60 or 65, roughly equivalent to
retirement ages in most developed countries and is said to be the
beginning of old age. In many parts of the developing world, chronological
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time has little or no importance in the meaning of old age. Other socially
constructed meanings of age are more significant such as the roles
assigned to older people; in some cases it is the loss of roles
accompanying physical decline which is significant in defining old age.
Thus, in contrast to the chronological milestones which mark life stages in
the developed world, old age in many developing countries is seen to
begin at the point when active contribution is no longer possible (Gorman,
2000).
According to Biggs et al. (2006), UK government redefined the adult
life course through opportunity age, wherein older people are richer, filter
and more similar to the rest of the adult population than ever before. He
cited that three themes can be identified within UK policy discourse, which
constitutes an attempt to re-engineer a shift to a new ‘reality’ of aging. First
the use of the label ‘older people’ has become much more imprecise.
Second, older people are becoming re-defined as being little different to
other age groups. Third, and perhaps most extraordinarily, it is claimed
that differences based on age are a result of wrong attitudes. Age is in the
mind in the perceptions of ageing and old age depends on where individual
stand. To a teenager, a person in his 30s is old. But many people even in
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their 70s and 80s do not regard themselves as old and reject being labeled
according to their chronological age. Many people would agree, therefore,
that old age is a state of mind rather than a fixed chronological point.
Biggs et al. added that the task of ‘transforming cultural stereotypes’
is now seen to be ‘including those among older people themselves’ even
though ‘today’s older people are already challenging old preconceptions’.
So, ‘old fashioned’ views and ‘old preconceptions’ and the ‘limited horizons
of previous generations’ must not be allowed to stand in the way of the
forward march of an ageless culture, even when they may not fit with the
beliefs of older people themselves. Extending the agenda from
emancipation to combating illusions held by older people opens door to
discrediting distinctive age characteristics and for personal narratives and
experience to conform to the policy ideal. We are suffering, then, from
poverty of attitudes rather than of disposable wealth, or a failing body.
According to Gines et al. (2011), in the Philippine culture, the
negative stereotype about the elderly is not noticeable, although very few
Filipino families influenced by the Western culture seem to show negative
attitudes towards late adulthood. This may be so because of their
emphasis on growth, strength, and progress. In general, the Filipinos view
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their late adults with respect. And so, ageism which is a prejudice against
an age group does not prevent the Filipino elderly from living lives as
actively and happily as they might; it does not also preclude much day-to-
day contact between those over 65 and those younger. Ageism may be the
most destructive social prejudice of all.
Gines et al. added that in measuring intelligence, cross-sectional
researches abroad discovered that on almost any measure of cognitive
development, individuals older than 60 do less well than individual younger
than 60 and individuals in their late 70’s and 80’s perform even less well.
Longitudinal researches abroad confirm that there is a general decline in
some cognitive abilities after age 60 and in most cognitive abilities after
age 70. The finding above is confirmed by a generalized observation
among the Filipino elderly that there is really a decline on intellectual
sharpness among the 70’s and more among the 80’s.
It is true that there is a decline in some aspects of cognition, but
there are positive changes in other aspects of their life. A number of older
individuals become more philosophical and reflective than they once were,
showing a rise in inferiority. It is observed that those individuals who are
considered especially wise, philosophical, and spiritual have usually
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become aged. To view cognitive development in an adaptive perspective,
there is what is called as the charming magical thinking of the pre-
schooler, the idealistic logic of the adolescent, the pragmatic, acquisitive
learning of the adult, and the wisdom and spirituality of the old which are
adapted to the needs of each particular age.
According to Zastrow (2011), in most nonliterate societies, older
adults were respected and viewed as useful to their people to a much
greater degree as in the case in our society. Industrialization and the
growth of modern society have robbed the elderly of high status. Prior to
industrialization, older people were the primary owners of property. Many
workers who retire early supplement their pension by taking another job,
usually of lower status. About 86 percent of Americans 65 years of age
and older are retired, even though many are intellectually and physically
capable of working. In our society, we still view a person’s worth partly by
his or her work. People often develop their self-image (their sense of who
they are) in terms of their occupation – “I am a teacher,” “I am a barber,” “I
am a doctor.” Because the later years generally provide no exciting new
roles to replace the occupational roles lost on retirement, a retiree cannot
proudly say, “I am a. . .” Instead she or he must say, “I was a good. . .” The
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more a person’s life revolves around work, the more difficult retirement is
likely to be.
Social Media. Social media is a powerful force that is here to stay. It
is not an ephemeral fad. In social media, you are not just a passive
consumer but rather an active producer of content. It is inherent in social
media to share information, collaborate with others and create
communities online. Social media tools include social networking,
photosharing, videosharing, digital gaming and open-sourced software. To
be human is to be social. One cannot help but socialize, and the latest
web-based technological advances accentuate the fact that all are part of a
web relationship online. The term social media broadly refers to online
media that is designed to be used through social interaction. It is the social
interaction component that makes social media social. The best way to
understand the concept is to compare social media with traditional media.
Traditional media does not require social interaction at all. Social media,
on the other hand, necessitates social interaction. Consider Facebook as
an example, you simply cannot experience Facebook without socially
interacting with other people online. It is senseless to have a social
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networking account without friending others or sharing user-generated
content with them (Cuyos, 2013).
According to Leist (2013), the main motivations for older adults to
use social media are enjoyment, engaging in social contact, and to provide
and receive social support. Especially if users engage in online social
networking continuously, they are motivated by feelings of enjoyment
during use. Similarly, in content analyses of online communities of older
adults, the most important topic has been identified as ‘fun’. Enjoyment can
be enhanced by integrating games and other distractions into applications,
but should be regarded mainly as the result of an (online) activity that
complies with needs and interests of the person. Second, online
communities are identified as places where people can get together and
engage in social contact, e.g. overcome loneliness at night-time and to
receive up-to-date information on family members and acquaintances.
Third, social media can be used to provide and receive social support.
Here, users value general characteristics of computer-mediated
communication such as anonymous, asynchronous, and text-based
communication to connect with others. Social support is especially valued
when it comes from people with a similar background or similar
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experiences, which has been shown for online forums on depression,
cancer, alcoholism or caregiving issues. Clearly, the Internet provides
manifold possibilities for users with similar background to get in contact,
regardless of time and geographical restrictions. However, it was found
that in the face of very adverse critical life events, support primarily given
via face-to-face communication was preferred over support via computer
mediated communication. Also, the amount of information revealed in
online social networks may be dependent upon the network
characteristics, as with increased number of network ‘friends’, users may
refrain from revealing private information as they perceive social
monitoring.
Empowerment. The philosophy of empowerment states that we are
capable of making decisions for our own lives and futures. The
Empowerment Approach views individuals, couples, families, groups, and
communities as being essential participants in services and in problem
solving, rather than just as passive recipients of care. Individuals, families,
groups or communities can become empowered; that is, at any level,
helpers can assist other persons with the process of increasing personal
and political power to improve one’s situation. Empowerment also implies
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a belief that people are competent, capable, and valuable (Poindexter and
Valentine, 2007).
Empowerment has different terms such as “to give power or
authority to; to give ability; to enable; to permit.” Of these terms in the
social work practice, “to enable” is the most appropriate for social work
because in social work, people are assumed to have strengths and
capacities which is why participation and self-determination are basic
principles that guide practice. Empowerment-oriented social work practice,
therefore, is not social service delivery, but practice in which both client(s)
and worker are involved in mutual assessment and partnership in which
they together define and solve problems on behalf of the client group and
society in general. The beliefs in people’s own capacities and consequent
ability to solve their own problems is reflected in social welfare programs in
the country as early as the mid-fifties when President Ramon Magsaysay
created the Presidential Arm for Community Development (PACD) which
was based mainly on the principle of community “self-help” (Mendoza,
2008).
Empowerment is a relatively new concept in social work that is
useful for guiding practice at all levels. Over time, it will likely become more
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clearly operationalized for use with diverse client populations and
situations. Despite its limitations it has the potential to help client groups
develop more secure lives through substantive interpersonal and
community connections. The actions of social workers can always be
productively driven by a concern with client’s capacities to take control of
their lives (Walsh, 2006).
Integration. It is when the learner is able to attach personal,
meaning to the new information he learned and relating them to real life
situations. This is when the learner experiences illumination/ insightful
experience, as new information flashes suddenly into his brain. This is
similar to “printing” of the document as called for in the computer lingo
(Trajeco, 2007).
In the social work practice with groups, after the group appears to
have been formed and proceeds about its work, many things happen.
Interpersonal ties increase and a sense of group bond or “we feeling”
begins to become apparent. Goal-directed activities engage the members
since by this time group goals shall have been clarified. In the case of
developmental and tasked groups, the role and status structures usually
begin to emerge, and task and emotional leaders can be already identified.
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Members can show a great deal of enthusiasm for the group’s activities,
and while they may not be equally participative, the worker is optimistic
that the group will be able to achieve its goals. All these are aspects of
group’s movement toward integration (Mendoza, 2003).
In countries rocked by internal strives and conflicts brought about by
diverse cultures, religious, ethnic groups, races, dialects, creeds, loyalties,
or social classes, the school is tasked with exploring ways and means of
reducing if not totally eliminating friction and conflicts brought about by
racial, religious, ideological or socio-political biases and prejudices. People
are led to integrate themselves into the mainstream of society. To attain
this end, they are needed to be inculcated to the concepts and values of
cultural pluralism, cultural relativism, religious tolerance and religious
pluralism, social responsibility, respect for cultural diversity and
interdependence as people of diverse cultural, political and historical
backgrounds live in harmony and peaceful co-existence as they go about
and participate in the daily activities of community life (San Juan and
Centeno, 2011).
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Related Literature
The studies served as a guide and reference for the researchers to
have initial information in understanding their studies.
According to the study of Cabilao (2005), entitled “The Role of Social
Worker or a Social Welfare Practitioner in the Social Protection of Older
Persons”, the social work profession and the social welfare practitioner
significantly contribute not only to provide social protection to the older
persons but also to empower the sector that eventually leads to the
creation of an environment conducive to graceful, grateful and productive
ageing. This role lead to continue to progress as the clients are
empowered. The level of interventions and competencies has skillfully
improved to respond to emerging needs. Thus, from a direct service
provider, a social worker or social welfare practitioner provides technical
assistance on the areas of planning, developing, organizing and
implementation of social welfare policies, programs and services.
It is projected that by the year 2050, 50 percent of the global
population will be comprised of people 60 years old and above. As of
2004, the projected Philippine population of persons aged 60 years old and
above totaled to 5,705,591. It comprised 6.9 percent of the whole
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population of the country based as the medium assumption of the National
Statistics Office (NSO). The breakdown of Older Persons’ statistics based
on categorization is as follows: young old (60-69) 3,448,304, old old (70-
79) 1,694,170, oldest old (80 and above) 563, 117. However, the number
is growing at a faster rate than many other countries and is expected to
increase to 18.1 percent of the total population, or exceed 11.1 million by
2025. In like manner, the projected average life expectancy for Filipinos is
69 years.
In the study of Castillo (2011), entitled “Wellness Concept and
Practices of the Elderly: Basis for a Wellness Program”, at present, the
Philippines is ranked 5th among the Southeast Asian countries with a high
annual population growth rate. The 2000 census of population and housing
society reported a total of 4.6 million elderly persons accounted to 6% of
the total population. Because of this, government and non-government
organizations give programs and services to the elderly. With the growing
number of the elderly in the Philippines, the government came up with
different programs that cater to the needs of the elderly.
In one of the studies conducted by the Department of Social Welfare
and Development (DSWD), issues and concerns of the elderly were
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discussed. These issues and concerns include security in old age, abuses
in home and institutions, health status and the impact of aging. The study
required the age, gender, highest educational attainment, civil status,
religion, place of origin, and placement institution. The said study looked
for the state of well-being of the elderly people.
According to Bautista et al. (2014), entitled “Bridging the gap: Senior
Citizens’ Use of Social Media as News and Information Source, social
media is significant to empower the elderly through quick flow of
information and news in the social media so they become updated and
bridges the gap as it allows participation from all ages. The said study
found out that the factors that enable the elderly to their use of social
media are education, economic status and their enabling environment (i.e.,
ownership and availability of gadgets, and social support).
Synthesis
After careful examination of the abovementioned conceptual
literature and related studies, the points of contrast and comparison with
the present study were provided. The reviewed literature provided the
researchers necessary information about the elderly people and how they
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will be empowered and interact within the society through social integration
by using social media.
The study of Cabilao (2005), discussed that senior citizens are
entitled to be treated in the participation, care, self-fulfillment, dignity, and
independence. Despite the fact that strategies which promote positive
images of ageing have been developed to varying degrees and levels, the
stereotyping of senior citizens as dependent, frail, troublesome, unable to
contribute and lacking in creativity still prevails, especially when they are
portrayed in the use of media. In comparison with his study, the present
study is challenge to alter the often negative stereotypes of senior citizens
among the general population.
In the study of Castillo (2011), he looks for the profile of the
respondents in terms of gender, highest educational attainment, civil
status, religion, place of origin, and placement institution. His study is
related to the present study of the researchers because both require the
profile of the subject of the study. On the other hand, the present study is
limited in gathering data about the age, sex, civil status, highest
educational attainment, and source of income of the respondents. The
researchers perceived that the profile of the respondents is considerable to
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know how these variables affect the empowerment and social integration
of the elderly as they used social media.
Bautista et al. (2014) talked about that notion of empowerment of
senior citizen has been associated with and applied to the domain of
media and ICT, and in particular to social media. Given the existing and
enduring inequalities in participation to and use of social media, it was
recommended that the attention be given to the issue of empowerment
particularly, how enabling empowerment among social media users is
possible through social media literacy and how this could help be
rebalance the participation inequality, which in the present study is in the
elderly. In the recent study, the focused is the empowerment and social
integration of the elderly people in the use of social media which is similar
to the study of Bautista et al. The studies vary in terms of who will be the
respondents since the study of Bautista et al. were the people in a larger
community while the present study will be the elderly in distinct community
of Batangas City.
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Theoretical Framework
For a wider perspective and a deeper understanding of the existing
situations in the life of the elderly, the researchers considered the
utilization of various theories in assessing the situations of older persons in
the context of empowerment and social integration, using social media as
a means.
Figure 1 shows the interrelation of theories related to the study. The
researchers sought for relevant theories concerning the elderly and their
development. These theories helped the researchers determine the
empowerment concept and social integration of the elderly by means of
social media, and create a feasible proposed action plan.
The Activity Theory of Old Age (Havighurst)
This theory claimed that maintaining physical, mental and social
activity was necessary in order for a person to successfully manage aging.
It implies that staying active and keeping up with social relationships were
significant in coping with the process of growing old.
In this study, staying active and keeping up with social ties were
assimilated into the ideas of empowerment and social integration, whereby
the elderly were capable of increasing their capacity to make choices, get
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involved in online discussions/forum and be acknowledged as self-
determined individuals not only looked upon as mere recipients of social
services and charity. The Activity Theory of Old Age relates to several
International treaties which state that an active involvement was a key in
enabling older persons achieved meaningful participation in decision-
making processes and advocacies, both in the context of family and
community.
Psychosocial Theory (Erik Erikson)
Erikson’s psychosocial theory focused on eight stages through which
a healthily developing human should passed from infancy to late
adulthood. He also said that in each stage, the person confronts and
hopefully masters new challenges. Each stages was built on the
successful completion of earlier stages which if not met may reappear as
problems in the future.
Among these eight stages, the researchers focused more on the last
stage which was the “old age”. Erikson stressed the psychosocial crisis on
this stage which was “ego integrity vs. despair”. As one becomes a senior
citizen, he/she tends to slow down his/her productivity and explores life as
a retired person. It is during this time that one contemplates on his/her
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accomplishments and was able to develop integrity if he/she sees
him/herself leading a successful life. If one sees his/her life as
unproductive, or feels that he/she did not accomplished his/her life goals,
he/she becomes dissatisfied with life and developed despair often leading
to depression and hopelessness.
This theory would be very much related and helpful to the analysis of
the data of the researchers. Since the subjects of this study were the
senior citizens, Erikson explained what crises the elderly experience at this
stage of their lives. The elderly might be frustrated or overwhelmed with
their accomplishments or with how society regarded their presence. This
had an effect on their empowerment and social integration.
Social Construction of Reality/Social Constructionism/ Social
Concept (Berger and Luckmann)
This theory argues that all knowledge, including the most basic is
derived from and maintained by social interaction. When people interact,
as in social media for example, they do so with the understanding that their
perceptions and insights are related. They can find a sense of common
knowledge through this interaction and, thus, begin to create among
themselves a basic and collective understanding of a particular object,
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topic or event. Among the most common interactions in social media that
provoke such activity is sharing news updates; finding relevant interests
and stances on issues one is interested in; the use of hashtags to convey
a particular trend or topic and similar means of sharing information.
This social concept verifies the foundations of the study namely, the
use of social media, the concepts of empowerment and social integration
whereby initiating conversations and sharing updates, pictures and videos
using social media automatically makes the elderly take part into an
endless circle of interaction capable of informing them to new trends and
means of how things work in the digital age, made complex by constantly
emerging developments.
The fore mentioned theories would be bases for supporting the
study’s thrust that older persons can be empowered and socially integrated
through social media as a potent means and source. The Activity Theory of
Havighurst presented the necessity of staying active and maintaining
social relationships in order to cope with old age. The Psychosocial Theory
of Erik Erikson provides the eight (8) stages through which a person must
passed in order to master new challenges. Among the stages to be dealt
with was the last which is old age. Erikson points out that the individual
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was expected to deal with “ego integrity vs. despair” during this stage.
Acquired ego integrity was dependent on the activities which the person
experienced in the past as well as on the satisfaction which was derived
from their accomplishments. In view of Berger and Luckmann’s Social
Constructionism, information and awareness can be initiated, shared and
sustained through constant social interaction. This social concept
strengthens and verifies the empowerment and social integration concept
of the subjects as it challenges what is known generally to public that, only
the young generation is capable of using social media proficiently.
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ACTIVITY
THEORY OF PSYCHOSOCIA
OLD AGE L THEORY
(HAVIGHURST) (ERIK ERIKSON)
Social Media: A
Source of
Empowerment &
Social Integration
of the Elderly
SOCIAL
CONSTRUCTIONISM
(BEGGER AND
LUCKMANN)
Figure 1
Theoretical Framework
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Conceptual Framework
This study was anchored on the idea that the elderly can be
empowered and socially integrated into wider circles through the use of
social media. It sought to prevent exclusion while carrying out and utilizing
means to strengthen the role of the elderly in social participation through
fostering awareness about emerging trends.
The conceptual paradigm shown in Figure 2 illustrates the Input-
Process-Output model. Presented in the input column were the profile of
the respondents, social media being used, level of competency and
frequency, and the extent of empowerment and social integration of the
respondents who have used social media. The input was completed
through the referral of the City Social Welfare and Development Office to
the Head of the Office for the Senior Citizens Affairs who presented and
chose the respondents.
The process shown in this model was comprised of data gathering
and analysis. Means of data gathering involved the administration of
questionnaires. Data gathered were processed which included the
recording and tabulation of information regarding the respondents’ profile,
social media being used, respondents’ level of competency and frequency
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and the extent of empowerment and social integration in the use of social
media.
The last concept presented was the output. The output of this study
would be a Proposed Action Plan on the use of social media with
objectives wrapped in the concepts of participation, empowerment and
social reintegration of the elderly, potentially creating a self-help group
aided by empowered senior citizens who will reach out with other members
of this sector. There would be a series of session to be held at OSCA
which would enable the participants, particularly both users and non-users
of social media, to be challenged and inspired by the testimonies of their
co-elderly using different social media tools.
P a g e | 31

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT
1. Profile of the
Respondents
2. Social Media
Being Used
3. Level of Proposed Action

1. Gathering and
Competency Plan on the
Analysis of
and Empowerment
Frequency of Data
and Social
Social Media
Integration of the
Used 2. Survey
Elderly in the
Questionnaire
4. Extent of Office for Senior
Empowerment Citizens Affairs
and Social
Integration of
the
Respondents
in their Use of
Social Media
Figure 2
Conceptual Framework
P a g e | 32

Definition of Terms
The following terms were defined in order to achieve better
understanding of the study.
Competency. This refers to the quality of being adequately or well
qualified physically and intellectually (Advanced English Dictionary and
Thesaurus, 2006). In this study, this term refers to the ability of the
respondents in the use of social media.
Elderly. It is used to describe a person who is beyond middle age
and approaching old age, also called senior citizens (Mosby's Dental
Dictionary, 2008). In this study, elderly people are the subjects of the
study who were been interviewed.
Empowerment. It means increasing one’s authority and control over
the resources and decisions that affect one’s life. As people exercise real
choice, they gain increased control over their lives (retrieved from
http://siteresources.worldbank.org on September 27, 2015). As used in
this study, empowerment is associated with how the elderly people
promote their capacity to manage control on the circumstances and
achieve their own goal.
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Frequency. It is defined as the rate at which something occurs over
a particular period of time or in a given sample (Oxford Dictionary of
English, 2010). The researchers used frequency in this study to find the
number of times respondents use social media.
Social Media. It is a form of electronic communication as web sites
for social networking and microblogging through which users create online
communities to share information, ideas, personal messages, and other
content as videos (Advanced English Dictionary and Thesaurus, 2006). In
this study, this term refers to the ways and means of communication which
the elderly people utilize.
Social Integration. It means being focused on the need to move
toward a safe, stable and just society by forming and mending conditions
of social disintegration - social fragmentation, exclusion and polarization;
and by expanding and strengthening conditions of social integration -
towards peaceful social relations of coexistence, collaboration and
cohesion ("Peace Dialogue." United Nations News Center; Web. 02 Jan.
2015). The researchers used this term in reference to how older persons
relate and participate with the wider spheres of society.
P a g e | 34

CHAPTER III
RESEARCH DESIGN AND DATA GATHERING PROCEDURE
This chapter presents the research design, subject of the study, data
gathering instruments and procedure as well as the statistical treatment of
data.
Research Design
The researchers of this study used descriptive method of research to
come up with relevant data since the study focused on the empowerment
and social integration of the elderly people using social media. It required
the use of survey questionnaires in gathering, collecting, and interpreting
data needed in the study. It allowed the researchers to use the qualitative
information in validating situation. In addition, descriptive method included
the collection of data that test the answer of the questions concerning the
present status of the subject of the study. By using this method, the
researchers secured reliable, accurate and correct information of data
which were needed to foresee how the elderly cope with the different
changes in the society. Furthermore, it helped the researchers have a
better understanding of the nature of the study as well as in proposing
action plan for them.
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Subjects of the Study
The researchers considered having the elderly people from the
Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) of Batangas City as the subject of
the study. Through the referral of the agency’s Department Head, the
researchers were able to select 28 respondents considering their
participation in the aforementioned organization. The referrals of the
respondents were based from those who attended and visited the OSCA
regularly. The respondents considered have the capacity to answer the
survey questionnaires.
Data Gathering Instruments
The researchers used survey questionnaires as their data gathering
instruments and assured that the data gathered were reliable and drawn
from the respondents themselves. The first part of the survey
questionnaires included the respondent’s profile, next the second part
consists of the types of social media being used by the respondents, after
that the third part was the level of experience of competency and
frequency on the use of social media by the respondents. Finally, the
fourth part of the survey questionnaires measured the extent of the
respondents’ empowerment and social integration on the use of social
P a g e | 36

media. Responses from the survey questionnaires included substantial
information to the current study. This tool attempted to let the researchers
expressed the gathered data in numerical form because it potentially
provide measurable and additional information. The instruments were very
useful to determine how elderly people used social media in empowering
themselves and socially integrating them into the digital world.
The following options and verbal interpretation were used in order to
explain the responses of the selected respondents for average weighted
mean.
Competency in the Use of Social Media
OPTION RANGE VERBAL INTERPRETATION

5 4.50 – 5.00 Excellent (E)
4 3.50 – 4.49 Good (G)
3 2.50 – 3.49 Average (A)
2 1.50 – 2.49 Poor (P)
1 0.50 – 1.49 Very Poor (VP)
Frequency in the Use of Social Media

5 4.50 – 5.00 Always (A)
4 3.50 – 4.49 Often (O)
3 2.50 – 3.49 Sometimes (SM)
2 1.50 – 2.49 Seldom (SL)
1 0.50 – 1.49 Never (N)
P a g e | 37

Extent of Empowering and Socially Integrating the Elderly in the
Use of Social Media

5 4.50 – 5.00 Very High Extent (VHE)
4 3.50 – 4.49 High Extent (HE)
3 2.50 – 3.49 Moderate Extent (ME)
2 1.50 – 2.49 Limited Extent (LME)
1 0.50 – 1.49 Less Extent (LE)
Data Gathering Procedure
To make the study possible, the researchers constructed survey
questionnaires for the elderly. Through the help and approval of the
research adviser, the researchers have created and distributed request
letters addressed to distinguished professionals who are knowledgeable in
their field of specialization. They were chosen based on their profession as
they helped the researchers improve and validate their prepared survey
questionnaires. The researchers appreciated and willingly accepted the
comments and recommendations of the validators.
The researchers sent a letter of request to the Department Head of
the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) to inform the
institution about the purpose of the researchers. As the letter was received
by the Department Head of CSWDO, they were allowed to secure another
P a g e | 38

letter to the Department Head of the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs
(OSCA) being under their institution. The OSCA Head recommended 28
elderly people as respondents of the study. Upon the approval of the
request, the researchers conducted survey through the distribution of
questionnaires. The respondents were given the time to answer the
questions stated in the survey questionnaires.
Statistical Treatment Data
The data gathered directly from the respondents were statistically
treated to infer with accuracy how the elderly people responded on the use
of social media. The researchers used survey questionnaire in order to find
the frequency, average, percentage and rank for tabulating, analyzing and
interpreting the data.
To find the percentage, the researchers identified first the total
number of respondents to be represented; next they count the total
number of observations within each criteria and scales; after that the total
observations were divided to the total number of the respondents. Finally,
in getting the percentage the result was multiplied by 100%.
P a g e | 39

The formula is:
F
P = X 100
R
Where:
F – total number of observations (respondent’s answer to the
questionnaires)
R – total number of respondents
P – percentage of the total number of observations and the total
number of the respondents.
To find the average, the ratings were multiplied into its
corresponding scale (of 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1), then the results for each scale
were sum up and divided into the number of respondents.
Z1 W1 + Z2 W2 + Z3 W3 + Z4 W4 + Z5 W5
x=
R
Z – number of responses
W – weight given to each response answered by the
respondents
R – total number of respondents
x – the computed average
P a g e | 40

CHAPTER IV
PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA
This chapter dealt with the presentation, analysis and interpretation
of data in response to the statement of the problem.
1. Profile of the Respondents
Table 1. Distribution of the Respondents According to Age
Age Frequency Percentage (%) Rank

Functional Age
60-69 18 64.29 1
70-79 7 25.00 2
80 and above 3 10.71 3
TOTAL 28 100
Perceived Age
18-24 6 21.43 2
25-31 3 10.71 5.5
32-38 3 10.71 5.5
39-45 4 14.29 3.5
46-52 4 14.29 3.5
53-59 8 28.57 1
TOTAL 28 100
Cognitive Age
20’s 4 14.29 3.5
30’s 4 14.29 3.5
40’s 9 32.14 1
50’s 6 21.43 2
60’s 3 10.71 5
70’s 2 7.14 6
TOTAL 28 100
P a g e | 41

1.1 Age. Table 1 shows the distribution of respondents according
to age which is classified into three types: functional (biological age),
perceived (subjective age, age one feels rather than what actual age is)
and cognitive (age group that one believes he/she belongs to in terms of
mental cognition such as feelings, looks, do and showed interest).
Sixty four and twenty nine percent or 18 of the total number of
respondents belong to the range of 60-69 years, while 25 percent or seven
of them belong to the range of 70-79 years and about 10.71 percent or
three of the total number of respondents belong to the 80 and above year
range of functional age classification.
In the perceived age range, 28.57 percent or eight of the total
number of respondents considered themselves to be in the 53-59 year
range, while 21.43 percent or six considered themselves to be in the 18-24
year range. There was a similarity of figure between the ranges 39-45 and
46-52 years as 14.29 percent or four of the total number of respondents
considered their selves to belong in these year ranges. A similar figure of
10.71 percent or three occurred in the ranges 25-31 and 32-38 years
respectively.
P a g e | 42

In the cognitive age range, majority of the respondents classified
their age as belonging to the 40’s with the percentage of 32.14, followed by
those belonging to the 50’s with 21.43 percent. A similar figure of 14.29
percent or four classified their age to be around 20’s and 30’s, while 10.71
percent or three answered that they belong to the age of 60’s. The least of
them belong to the age of 70’s with 7.14 percent as per their classification.
According to Biggs et. al. (2006), age is also in the mind.
Considering the figures recorded under perceived age and cognitive age,
the perceptions of aging and old age are dependent on an individual’s
outlook. For others, belonging to an age group of 30’s may seem quite old,
while some people would still consider this age bracket as belonging to the
younger population. This kind of selection and preference among various
age ranges is seen in the recorded figures in Table 1.
P a g e | 43

Table 2. Distribution of the Respondents According to Sex
Sex Frequency Percentage (%) Rank

Female 16 57.14 1
Male 12 42.86 2
TOTAL 28 100
1.2 Sex. Table 2 shows that there were more female respondents
with a percentage of 57.14 or 16 of the total number of respondents than
that of male respondents having a relatively closer figure of 42.86 percent
or 12 of the total number of respondents. These figures expressed a higher
participation of elderly women using social media compared to elderly
men.
Table 3. Distribution of the Respondents According to Civil Status
Civil Status Frequency Percentage (%) Rank

Single 2 7.14 3.5
Married 14 50.00 1
Separated 2 7.14 3.5
Widowed 10 35.71 2
TOTAL 28 100
1.3 Civil Status. Table 3 shows that 50 percent or 14 of the
respondents were married while 10 or 35.71 percent were
widows/widower. A similar figure occurred in both single and separated
P a g e | 44

status with a frequency of two or 7.14 percent respectively. This shows
that married respondents were the majority of social media users among
the total number of respondents.
Table 4. Distribution of the Respondents According to Educational

Attainment
Educational Attainment Frequency Percentage (%) Rank

Elementary Undergraduate 1 3.57 7
Elementary Graduate 2 7.14 4.5
High School Undergraduate 2 7.14 4.5
High School Graduate 6 21.43 2
Vocational Graduate 1 3.57 7
College Undergraduate 5 17.86 3
College Graduate 10 35.71 1
Master’s Degree 1 3.57 7
TOTAL 28 100
1.4 Educational Attainment. Table 4 shows that 35.71 percent or
10 of the total number of respondents were college graduates and 21.43
percent or six were high school graduates. It was followed by the college
undergraduates with the frequency of five or 17.86 percent. A similar figure
was recorded under the elementary graduates and high school
undergraduates with a 7.14 percentage of two of the total number of
respondents. Another similar figure was recorded in the three levels:
P a g e | 45

elementary undergraduate, vocational and master’s degree/post graduate
having a frequency of one or 3.57 percent.
Table 5. Distribution of the Respondents According to Source of

Income
Source of Income Frequency Percentage (%) Rank

Owned Business/ Self- 15 53.57 1
employed
Government Employee 4 14.29 3
Employee in Private Company 2 7.14 4
Pension 7 25.00 2
TOTAL 28 100
1.5 Source of Income. Table 5 shows that majority of the
respondents were engaged in owned-type businesses or as self-employed
with a 53.57 percent or 15 of the total number of respondents, followed by
those who are pensioned 25 percent. Government employees rank third
among them with 14.29 or 4 of the total number of respondents, while the
least are employed in a private company with 7.14 percent.
According to Zastrow (2011), in our society, we still view a person’s
worth partly by his or her work. Prior to industrialization, older people were
the primary owners of property. Respondents who retired early supplement
P a g e | 46

their pension by taking another job or making their own business who still
intellectually and physically capable of working.
2. Social Media Tools.
Table 6. Types of Social Media Tools Being Used by the Respondents
Types of Social Frequency Percentage (%) Rank

Media
Facebook 28 100.00 1
G-mail 8 28.57 7
Google Plus+ 10 35.71 4
Icloud 1 3.57 10.5
Instagram 5 17.86 8.5
Skype 12 42.86 2.5
Tango 1 3.57 10.5
Twitter 5 17.86 8.5
Viber 9 32.14 5.5
Yahoo-mail 12 42.86 2.5
Youtube 9 32.14 5.5
Table 6 presents the types of social media being used by the
respondents. All of the respondents were using Facebook with a frequency
of 28 or 100 percent, ranking first among others. A frequency of 12 or
42.86 percent of the total number of respondents use the Yahoo Mail and
Skype respectively, while 10 or 35.71 percent used Google Plus+. Users of
YouTube and Viber had a frequency of nine with a percentage of 32.14,
while Gmail ranked seventh with a frequency of eight or 28.57 percent
P a g e | 47

users in the total number of respondents. Twitter and Instagram had a
frequency of five or 17.86 percent, while Tango and iCloud have only one
user.
3. Level of Experience in terms of Competency and Frequency in
the Use of Social Media.
Table 7. Level of Experience of Respondents in Terms of Competency

in the Use of Social Media
Competency
Social Media Weighted Verbal Rank
Mean Interpretation
Facebook 3.50 G 1
Google Plus+ 1.21 VP 4
Skype 1.54 P 2
Viber 1.11 VP 5.5
Yahoo-mail 1.43 VP 3
Youtube 1.11 VP 5.5
Average Weighted Mean 1.65 P
3.1 Competency. Table 7 shows with a verbal interpretation of
“good”, Facebook ranked first among others, with an overall rating of 3.50,
while the users of Skype has “poor” competency, with an overall rating of
1.54 expressed as weighted mean. Yahoo-mail, Google Plus+ and
YouTube had a “very poor” competency response from the users.
Unfamiliar and complex social media tools may have contributed to the
P a g e | 48

users’ preference of use, thus affecting their competency in using such
applications.
Table 8. Level of Experience of Respondents in Terms of Frequency

in the Use of Social Media
Frequency
Social Media Weighted Verbal Rank
Mean Interpretation
Facebook 3.57 O 1
Google Plus+ 1.04 N 6
Skype 1.57 S 2
Viber 1.11 N 5
Yahoo-mail 1.50 S 3
YouTube 1.14 N 4
Average Weighted Mean 1.66 S
3.2 Frequency. Table 8 shows a synonymous ranking with the
previous interpretation considering Facebook as the most frequent or
“often” used form of social media. This was followed by Skype and Yahoo-
mail which was used in a seldom or not so frequent basis. YouTube, Viber
and Google Plus+, although having a verbal interpretation of “never”, has
the least users compared to other forms. This indicates, in reference to the
previous table, that higher competency is a result of higher frequency of a
P a g e | 49

particular social media application use, which can still vary depending on
the accessibility of an application and the preference of the user.
4. Extent of Empowerment and Social Integration in terms of
Personal Use of Social Media.
Table 9. Extent of Empowering and Socially Integrating the Elderly in

Terms of Personal Use
Ways of Empowering and Socially Weighted Verbal Rank

Integrating the Elderly in the Use of Mean Interpretation
Social Media
I. Using Social Media for Personal Use
A. Coupon and Other
Discounts/Business
a. Buying sale items 1.00 LE 7
b. Discount offerings by companies on
1.04 LE 5.5
their social media pages
c. Purchase products from online selling 1.04 LE 5.5
d. Helps develop professional network 1.79 LME 2
e. Helps find accounts that relate in
1.54 LME 3
business
f. Find new fans and followers of your
1.18 LE 4
business
g. Share news and updates about
1.96 LME 1
business quickly
Average Weighted Mean 1.36 LE
B. Personal Interest
a. Interested in learning more books 1.68 LME 4
b. Share exciting news about your life
3.21 ME 1
through statuses
c. Chance to find like-minded people
2.71 ME 3
through hashtags
d. Give you news and updates that fit
2.93 ME 2
with your interests
Average Weighted Mean 2.63 ME
Composite Mean 2.00 LME
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Table 9 shows the extent of empowerment and social integration of
the elderly using different possible benefits as an indicator. For acquiring
discounts, coupons and other business-related use, sharing news and
updates about occupation ranked first among others, having a weighted
mean of 1.96 which was classified as to a limited extent of empowerment.
For aid or help in the development in professional network, there is also a
limited extent, with a weighted mean of 1.79, ranking second among other
benefits. This was followed by the help in finding accounts that relate in
business or occupation which ranked third among others, with a weighted
mean of 1.54. The first three ranks show, as per the total number of
respondents, that a limited extent of empowerment is recorded in these
indicators. Whereas, the succeeding ranks show a least extent
(comparatively lower than limited) of empowerment with their weighted
mean/s expressed from 1.00 to 1.18 respectively. These indicators include
finding new fans and followers of business or occupation, purchasing
products online, availing of discount offers by certain companies via social
media, and buying sale items.
On the personal interests of the respondents, sharing exciting news
about their life ranked first among the given indicators, with a weighted
P a g e | 51

mean of 3.21. Being updated with news and updates that fit ones interests
ranked second with a weighted mean of 2.93. This is followed by the
chance of finding like-minded people through hash tags, third in rank with a
weighted mean of 2.71. The first three ranks show, as per the total number
of respondents, that a moderate extent of empowerment was recorded in
these indicators. Lastly, the interest in learning more books ranked fourth
among others, with a weighted mean of 1.68, showing a limited extent of
empowerment in the given indicator.
In relation to it, as stated in the study of Bautista et al. (2004), that
social media is significant to empower the elderly through quick flow of
information and news in the social media so they become updated and
bridges the gap as it allows participation from all ages. In his study, the
factors that enabled the elderly to use social media were education,
economics status and their enabling environment (i.e., ownership and
availability of gadgets, and social support).
P a g e | 52


Terms of Social Interaction

Social Media
II. Using Social Media for Social
Interaction
A. Social Media Can Keep Families
Close
a. Keep in touch with relatives from far
4.14 HE 1
places
b. Video-chatting with faraway grandkids 3.61 HE 3
c. Keep track of the lives of people who
3.86 HE 2
are important
Average Weighted Mean 3.87 HE
B. Photo and Video Sharing/
Community Belonging and Social
Interaction
a. Sharing of memories 3.54 HE 4
b. Feel more a part of events you may
3.43 ME 5
not be able to attend
c. Friends can exchange private
3.57 HE 2.5
messages
d. Meet friends and find old ones 3.57 HE 2.5
e. Strengthen relationships already have 3.93 HE 1
f. Kept in touch with people met while
3.00 ME 8
travelling
g. Help you discover people who are
talking about the same or certain 3.39 ME 6
topic
h. Opportunity to network and get to
3.32 ME 7
know people
i. Great way to meet people in a casual
2.82 ME 9
environment
Average Weighted Mean 3.40 ME
Composite Mean 3.64 HE
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Table 10 shows the extent of empowerment in terms of social
interaction where keeping in touch with relatives from far places ranked
first among others under social media can keep families close, with a
weighted mean of 4.14. Keeping track of the lives of their significant others
ranked second with a weighted mean of 3.86. Video-chatting with faraway
grandkids ranked third having a weighted mean of 3.61. These indicators
under category A express a high extent of empowerment in relation with
the respondents’ social interaction.
In Category B, strengthening existing relationships ranked first
having a weighted mean of 3.93 which is followed by exchanging private
messages and meeting new friends/finding old ones having both figures of
3.57. Sharing memories ranked fourth having a weighted mean of 3.54.
The first four ranks show a high extent of empowerment in the given
indicators. Feels more a part of an event one cannot be able to attend
ranked fifth having a weighted mean of 3.43. Helping one discovered
people who are talking about the same topic ranked sixth with a weighted
mean of 3.39. Opportunity in networking and getting to know people, along
with keeping in touch with people met while travelling and meeting people
P a g e | 54

in casual environment show a moderate extent of empowerment with a
weighted mean ranging from 2.82 to 3.32.
Cuyos (2013) stated that it is inherent in social media to share
information, collaborate with others and create communities online. Social
media tools include social networking, photosharing, videosharing, digital
gaming and open-sourced software. To be human is to be social. One
cannot help but socialize, and the latest web-based technological
advances accentuate the fact that all are part of a web relationship online.
The term social media broadly refers to online media that is designed to be
used through social interaction. It is the social interaction component that
makes social media social. It is senseless to have social networking
account without friendling others or sharing user-generated content with
them.
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terms of Emotional Development

Social Media
III. Using Social Media for Emotional
Development
Improved Feelings of Wellbeing
a. Decrease in depressive symptoms 3.71 HE 6
b. Develop confidence in expressing
4.00 HE 3
your own ideas
c. Create peace of mind 3.64 HE 7
d. Feels relax 3.93 HE 5
e. Feel at ease 3.96 HE 4
f. Feel valued and special 4.14 HE 1
g. Feel the sense of self-worth 4.07 HE 2
Average Weighted Mean 3.92 HE
Table 11 shows the extent of empowering the elderly in terms of
emotional development. Among the indicators given was feeling valued
and special which ranked first under the improved feelings of well-being
having an average of 4.14 expressing a high extent of emotional
development. Following this was that of having a sense of self-worth
having an average of 4.07. Developing confidence through the expression
of one’s own ideas ranked third having an average of 4.00. Feelings of
being relaxed ranked fifth having an average of 3.93. Decreased
depressive symptoms ranked seventh having an average of 3.71. Creating
P a g e | 56

peace of mind ranked the lowest among others with an average of 3.64.
Overall, the indicators show a high extent of empowerment in terms of the
emotional development of the respondents.
According to Leist (2013), the main motivations for older adults to
use social media are enjoyment, engaging in social contact, and to provide
and receive social support. Especially if users engage in online social
networking, they are motivated by feelings of enjoyment during use.
Enjoyment can be enhanced by integrating games and other distractions,
but should be regarded mainly as the result of an (online) activity that
complies with needs and interests of the person. Through online
communities, people can get together and engage in social contact that
help older adults overcome loneliness at night-time and receive up-to-date
information on family members and acquaintances. Social media help
them provide and receive social support.
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5. Proposed Action Plan in relation to the Empowerment and
Social Integration of the Elderly by Means of Social Media Tools
PROPOSED ACTION PLAN
General Objective:
 At the end of the five (5) prescribed sessions, the participating group
of elderly will be able to gain basic skills and knowledge of the ICT,
get additional practical exposure to various social media applications
and become more familiar with websites relevant to their needs.
TIME SPECIFIC EXPECTED

ACTIVITY CONTENT METHODOLOGY
FRAME OBJECTIVES OUTCOME
The
To orient the participants
participants ABC’s on were
about the Information P l e n u m-t y p e oriented
Lecture &
1-2hrs. basics on Computer discussion and about the
Seminar
Information Technology Forum basics on
Computer (ICT) Information
Technology. Computer
Technology.
Hands on
To provide
Visual exercises &
exposure and
Analytics for exposure
hands on
Hands-on Social Media for basic
1hr. exercises for Demonstrative
Tutorial & How to social
basic social
Purchase media
media
online processes
processes.
were
provided.
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To guide the The

participants in Signing up participants
creating their and filling of Hands-on & were able to
1-2hrs.
personal social basic online Demonstrative create an
media information account of
accounts. their own.
Note: If some of the participants have existing personal accounts, they can serve as
catalysts to help the facilitators in demonstrating and presenting procedures of creating an
account.
The
To enable the participants
participants to were able to
-small
share their Open forum Brainstorming & share their
group
experiences and experiences
1hr. sharing Discussion
and concerns suggestions and
-big group
regarding the (Monitoring) concerns
sharing
previous regarding the
sessions. previous
sessions.
To find/cite
potential Referral
linkages for letters, Linkages & Linkages for
the creation of resolutions Network the program
application/s and budget were cited.
best suited for Allocation.
the elderly.
Target date of Implementation: Starting January 2017
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CHAPTER V
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
This chapter dealt with the summary based on the data analysis, the
conclusion and recommendations which are necessary in the findings and
conclusion.
Summary
The main thrust of the study was to determine the use of social
media as source of empowerment and social integration of the elderly,
thereby proposing a course of action that may be given to them. The
researchers used the descriptive method of research which was distributed
to the 28 elderly respondents who were actively involved in the agency,
and at the same time, are active users of social media applications. This
study was aimed to foster awareness and determine various means of how
to empower and socially integrate the elderly as expressed in the given
indicators presented in the survey questionnaires which the results were
tallied, computed and interpreted.
Specifically, this study sought to answer the following questions;
1. What is the demographic profile of the respondents according
to:
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1.1 age;
1.1.2 perceived age
1.1.3 cognitive age
1.2 sex;
1.3 civil status;
1.4 highest educational attainment; and
2. What types of social media tools are being used by the
respondents?
3. What is the level of experience of the respondents to social
media in terms of:
3.3 competency; and
3.4 frequency
4. What is the extent of empowerment and social integration of
the respondents in the use of social media?
5. What course of action may be proposed in relation to the
empowerment and social integration of the elderly by means of social
media tools?
P a g e | 61

FINDINGS
1. Profile of the Respondents
1.1 age
Most of the respondents belong to the 60-69 years, while 7 of them
belong to the range of 70-79 years and 3 of them belong to the 80 and
above year range of functional age.
1.1.2 perceived age
Eight of the total number of respondents considered themselves to
be in the 53-59 age range, while 6 of the respondents considered
themselves to be in the 18-24 age range. There is a similarity between the
ranges 39-45 and 46-52 in which 4 of the respondents considered
themselves to belong in these age ranges. And a similarity between the
ranges 25-31 and 32-38 in which 3 of the total of the respondents
considered themselves to belong in these age ranges.
1.1.3 cognitive age
The respondents classified their age as belonging to the 40’s,
followed by the 50’s. There is a similarity between the age around 20’s and
P a g e | 62

30’s, while the 3 of them answered that they belong to the age of 60’s. The
least of them belong to the age of 70’s as per their classification.
1.2 sex
There were more female respondents than male respondents,
showing that women are more inclined to interact via social media.
1.3 civil status
Most of the respondents were married, while 10 of the total
respondents were widows/widower. There is a similarity of figure between
the single and separated status in which 2 of the total respondents
considered themselves to belong in these status.
1.4 highest educational attainment
Most of the respondents were college graduates and 6 were high
school graduates. 5 of the total number of respondents were college
undergraduates. There is a similarity of figure under the elementary
graduates and high school undergraduates with a 2 of the total population
sample considered themselves to belong in these levels. Another similarity
of figure is recorded in the three levels: elementary undergraduate,
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vocational and master’s degree/post graduate having 1 of the total
respondents.
Most of the respondents were engaged in owned-type
businesses/self-employed, ranking first among them, followed by those
who are pensioned. The Government employees rank third, and least of
them are employed in a private company.
2. Types of social media tools used by the respondents:
All of the respondents are using Facebook, followed by 12
respondents use Yahoo Mail and Skype, while 10 of the respondents are
using Google Plus+. 9 of the respondents are users of YouTube and Viber,
while 8 respondents are using Gmail. Twitter and Instagram has 5 users,
while Tango and iCloud have only one user.
3. Level of experience of the respondents to social media in terms of:
3.1 competency
Among other social media tools, Facebook ranked 1st with the
highest competency rate. This was followed by Skype whose users have
poor competency. Yahoo-mail, Google Plus+ and YouTube has a “very
poor” competency response from the users.
P a g e | 64

3.2 frequency
The respondents’ level of experience in terms of frequency shows a
synonymous figure having Facebook, Yahoo Mail and YouTube as the
most often used social media applications. This indicates that higher
frequency leads to higher competency.
4. Extent of empowerment and social integration of the elderly
through the use of social media:
In terms of transacting business under personal use, sharing news
updates and upgrades has the total majority ratings. Under personal
interest the sharing of status updates for exciting news has the total
majority ratings. In terms of social interaction, keeping families close by
staying in touch with families far from places has the total majority ratings.
Photo-sharing and community belonging focused on strengthening
relationship already have; while in terms of emotional development, feeling
valued and special and the feelings of sense of worth were the most
common choice.
P a g e | 65

Conclusions
Based on the findings, the following conclusions were formulated:
1. Older persons whose age range belongs to the (60-69) young-old
classification comprise the majority of the respondents. This indicates that
those belonging to a younger age classification have a tendency to use
social media more often. It also shows an increased interest among older
persons whose age are much younger than the rest. Those belonging to a
younger age (60-69) has a greater frequency of using social media
application as they are more acquainted with such medium and are more
physically able to deal with regular exposure to gadgets such as tablet,
android mobiles and computers. It is also worth noting that their age gap
between the millennials (younger generation) is lesser than that of those
belonging to ages 70 and above, thus, making them to adapt and
associate easier with younger people and with the emerging trends of
technology. The use of the differences in age classification is taken into
consideration for a better understanding of the respondents’ perception
and awareness regarding what they feel and how they see themselves. It
is also in reference with Biggs et. al. (2006) which stated that “age is in the
mind.” In the perceived age column, majority of the respondents classified
P a g e | 66

themselves as belonging to the 53-59 age range which portrays a realistic
perception among the respondents. However, it was also noteworthy that
the 18-24 age range has the second rank where six of the total
respondents identified themselves as belonging to this age bracket. These
figures suggest the overall perception of the respondents as realistic –
considering the majority of their responses to be on a higher age range,
and optimistic – seeing themselves to be on a younger age range which
means that they are able to feel what young people feel and socialize in a
manner that most people do nowadays – surfing the net and using social
media applications. In the cognitive age column, majority of the
respondents classified themselves as belonging to the 40’s age bracket. It
can be inferred that the constancy of data recorded into the given age
range yield another positive result in relation to their mental and cognitive
abilities. It is also obvious that while majority of the respondents classified
themselves as belonging to the cognitive age of 40s, those who answered
having a cognitive age of 20s and 30s indicate a connection between using
social media to being able to think ‘young’ and to consider their cognitive
strength in parallel with younger generation.
P a g e | 67

2. In the distribution of respondents according to sex, there were more
female respondents than that of male respondents. Hence, women are
more predisposed and inclined to use social media applications than men.
This proves that women are not passive when it comes to voicing out and
sharing their expressions and insights with other netizens, and that, social
media can be an avenue where people, regardless of sex, gender, or age
can be heard, involved, empowered and socially integrated.
3. Taken from the findings, the active users of social media appear to
be more prominent among married respondents than in any of given civil
status categories. This can be for the reason of maintaining close bonds
and strengthening ties between relatives and kinsfolk who are distant –
those who are residing or working far from their common reach. For those
who were widowed and/or separated, the inclination to use social media
can be driven by the need to re-socialize and ultimately make up for the
gaps between previous relationships, and eventually make new ones,
especially for those who were single.
4. The active users of social media and the internet in general were
college graduates being the majority among the respondents. It can be
said that educational attainment plays a vital factor in being able to get
P a g e | 68

involved and create networks of so called ‘friends’ and acquaintances with
whom the user have had interactions with in his/her previous academic
years, and with those whom the user can exchange and share ideas at
present. The researchers take for truth that educational attainment is an
indicator of a person’s social and intellectual status in society – a gauge as
to measure whether or not a person can make decisions for
himself/herself, whether or not a person can engage in meaningful
discussions – making a stand on vital issues and being capable of
adapting to emerging trends – all of these can be a tangible manifestation
of person’s reservoir of knowledge and skills, attitudes and habits obtained
through academic formation.
5. Most of them were self-employed and business owners. Others rely
solely on their monthly pension, while the least of them were either
employed privately or in a government agency. Using social media for
these occupations is particularly most relevant among business owners
and the self-employed. Since social media is commonly people and event
centered, advertising is one of the popular activities and content of news
feeds and updates. The mere pictures of places, people, food, cosmetics
and other similar products provoke the intent of advertising hence;
P a g e | 69

business owners and self-employed workers compose the majority of
social media and internet users.
6. Facebook, Skype and YouTube were the most frequently used
applications as per the data gathered. These three prominent applications
also obtained a higher competency rate among others. Since the
respondents were inclined to use these three applications on a regular
basis, the competency rate can be correlated with the frequency rate – the
more users and the more frequent an application is used, a higher rate of
mastery and competency is acquired.
7. In measuring the extent of empowerment and social integration in
terms of personal use, sharing news and updates about the business or
occupation has the highest rating. A consistent response is presented as
the previous tables suggest that business owners and self-employed
workers compose the majority of respondents. It is interesting that sharing
updates and news about business come in many forms and means, such
as photo and video sharing which is rare among elderly, and status
updates and notes update which is common. Given these various forms
and means to advertise, creativity is an essential to sustain and prolong
the habit of constantly sharing the upgrades and changes in their business
P a g e | 70

or occupation. The development of professional network, which has the
second majority rating follows the advertising trend while buying sale items
online has the least ratings which are obvious because older persons are
already not into buying and shopping, most specifically online. In terms of
personal interest, sharing exciting news about one’s life has garnered the
highest ratings, followed by reading news or updates that fit one’s interest.
Interaction among finding like-minded people through hashtags ranked
third while interest in learning books online has the least ratings. The
concept of empowerment is made much tangible by these indicators and in
contrast to popular definitions of empowerment which states that it is an
act of giving power to an individual, the social work perspective on
empowerment is not focused on ‘giving’ power but towards ‘enabling’ –
harnessing the inherent power all people have inside them. It is seen when
an individual or a group gain control of their circumstances and achieve
their own goals – being able to foster independence from outside help and
awareness of their strengths and capabilities which are exercised by older
persons actively engaged in social media. Being empowered, however, is
not being all powerful and all-knowing. Hence, the concept of social
integration or the ‘we-belong’ feeling coexists with empowerment –
P a g e | 71

keeping in touch with relatives from far places, community belonging,
strengthening existing relationships, exchanging private messages and
meeting new friends and old ones. The feeling of being valued and special,
the feeling of sense of worth, and developing self-confidence in expressing
one’s ideas all point out to the motivating factors why older persons use
social media as stated by Leist (2013), namely enjoyment, engaging in
social contact, and to provide and receive social support.
Recommendations
Based on the findings and conclusions drawn from the study, the
following recommendations are offered:
1. Basic orientation on Information Computer Technology and social
media applications.
2. Additional exposure to other various social media applications
through literacy seminars and workshops to be conducted by the
Office of the Senior Citizens’ Affair.
3. The promotion of websites which are more accessible and relevant
to the needs of older persons.
4. Regular weekly/monthly meeting and monitoring of senior citizens
involved in workshops/seminars and similar services.
P a g e | 72

1. Creation of more user-friendly applications fit for all ages, with
special emphasis on the elderly.
P a g e | 73

Social Media: A Source of Empowerment and Social Information of The Elderly in Batangas City

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Social Media: A Source of Empowerment and Social Information of The Elderly in Batangas City

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St.

Bridget College, College Department

“Where there is no honor to the elderly, there is no future for the

young.” (Pope Francis’ General Audience, 04 March 2015 at Saint Peter’s

vulnerable and isolated.” Yet, the existing trends in technology such as

oriented, can provide new opportunities for meeting people, maintaining

existing relationships and combating needless isolation.

If industrial societies view the elderly as a social problem, as what is

become widespread, encouraging most people, especially the young, to

dismiss the knowledge and skills of the elderly as unimportant and

If the use of internet and various technologies involved in the

advancement of almost everything hampers and obstructs participation

from older persons as most efforts are geared on harnessing the

M. H. Del Pilar St., Batangas City

potentials of the young population, then it is with the same means of

get involved, become informed and empowered.

If the elderly, the senior citizens, particularly in the Philippine setting,

levels of total, holistic and humanistic development which includes feelings

of belongingness and social integration can be overlooked and eventually

If the idea of getting old means getting dysfunctional and inefficient –

unable to ‘go-with-the-times’ persists in the minds of the younger

population, then we might all be missing a lot of opportunities and means

with its development and innovations.

Considering greater possibilities for improvement and awareness,

the researchers were particularly challenged to help in the development

on their social integration and empowerment through the use of various

M. H. Del Pilar St., Batangas City

Statement of the Problem

social media as source of empowerment and social integration of the

elderly in Batangas City.

Specifically, this study sought to answer the following questions;

1. What is the demographic profile of the respondents according

1.1.1 functional age

1.1.2 perceived age

1.1.3 cognitive age

1.3 civil status;

1.4 highest educational attainment; and

1.5 source of income

2. What types of social media tools are being used by the

3. What is the level of experience of the respondents to social

media in terms of:

M. H. Del Pilar St., Batangas City

3.1 competency; and

4. What is the extent of empowerment and social integration of

the respondents in the use of social media?

5. What course of action may be proposed in relation to the

empowerment and social integration of the elderly by means of social

Scope and Delimitation

of empowering the elderly through social media so that a feasible course of

action can be administered to both users and non-users, and so to aid in

their social integration.

Moreover, this study focused on the elderly people of Batangas City

highest educational attainment and their source of income by means of

conducted survey. The researchers applied certain criteria in terms of the

M. H. Del Pilar St., Batangas City

elderly who used gadgets as another medium of communication, and

those who constantly used the internet.

The researchers delimited in this study, the physiological problems

encountered by the elderly such as poor eyesight, hearing difficulties and

several identical issues.

The respondents of this study were the active elderly members of

who are not duly registered in the said agency.

Significance of the Study