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The Philippines may soon have its own Philippine Institute of Ageing (PIA) that can conduct pioneering research like that of the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology.

 

Sen. Edgardo Angara said research by such a body can come up with innovative methods to deal with the ageing population, which will be treated like an economic burden, but an integral part of society.

 

“Japan is an excellent example of foresight and responsiveness, not only in dealing with natural disasters, but also in demographic challenges such as its graying population,” said Angara, who chairs the Congressional Commission on Science, Technology and Engineering (COMSTE).

 

Recently, Angara filed Senate Bill No. 2982 seeking the creation of a Philippine Institute for Ageing.

 

Such an institute will serve as a counterpart research center in the Philippines that will generate science and research-based solutions to guide policymaking on social, legal, economic and physiological issues surrounding ageing in the country.

 

The Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, a research center founded in 1972, is considered a pioneer in the field of gerontological research.

 

But it goes beyond the medical research and treatment offered by similar institutes and offers a social and human aspect to the pursuit.

 

A news release from Angara's office noted one of its interventions is the Research of Productivity by Intergenerational Sympathy (REPRINTS).

 

"It does not only encourage the elderly to engage in physical activities such as walking and reading books to children; it also promotes caring interaction between the youth and the elderly," it said.

 

It added the study has been proven to increase the "giving-aspect" attitude of young people toward the elderly.

 

Aside from such studies, the Institute - funded by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government - continues to make breakthroughs in medical research, such as the preclinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's, and the prevention of cognitive function decline, including diabetes and hypertension, through regular physical activity.

 

Assistance to Philippines

 

Angara voiced hopes the Institute, a member of the World Health Organization (WHO) Collaboration Center program, could provide assistance in setting up the Philippine Institute for Ageing in the country.

 

His office said the Tokyo institute "responded with enthusiasm."

 

"Drs. Naoki Maruyama and Ryutaro Takahashi of the Institute have suggested collaborations through research exchanges and field work opportunities for Filipino students," Angara's office said.

 

“This will be the start of our close relationship in establishing a similar Institute in the Philippines, that could one day be a worthy partner to the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology,” said Angara.

 

Angara authored the Senior Citizen's Act of 1991 and National Health Insurance Act (PhilHealth Law).

 

Last week, Angara visited Tokyo as part of the Philippine delegation to the 20th Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum. — TJD, GMA News