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UCU GS Research Journal
COPING MECHANISM AMONG SINGLE ELDERLY
JARAH BLEASCH S. CONSOLACION

The study determined the coping mechanism among single elderly. Specifically, on the
profile of the respondents namely: age, sex, civil status, number of children, financial support,
monthly family income, routine activities and types of illnesses. Further, it dealt on the coping
mechanism namely: physical, social, mental, spiritual and emotional. Likewise, the researcher
also formulated a proposed intervention program to help single elderly on coping mechanism.
The study, involving the single elders in the selected barangay of the Urdaneta City, who are the
recipients of health services, would use the quantitative research design.
The single elders are in their active aging as revealed in their age but it also reflects
that the dominant illnesses were back pain and poor eyesight. Majority of them are dependent
on their monthly pensions and support from their children. They were engaged in active routine
activities that promote mental health and social connections that were as important as those that
improve their physical health status.
Furthermore, the single elders utilized different coping mechanisms along physical,
mental, social, emotional, and spiritual aspects of their human existence. They managed through
active and adoptive approach of life. They also go through pain during adapting to coping styles.
It was concluded that all coping mechanisms were practiced by single elders. These
coping mechanisms allows them to realize their potential for physical, social and mental well-
being throughout the life course and to participate in society according to their needs, desires and
capacities while providing them with adequate protection, security and care when they require
assistance. However, the higher their monthly income, the more they practice appropriate coping
mechanism along physical aspect. Older male elders with more number of children practices
coping mechanisms to a higher extent as compared to the younger, female elderly with less
number of children. They also become more focused on essential things in life which make them
a changed person. Those single elderly who performs routine activities tend to have higher
extent of utilization of coping mechanisms for emotional aspect.
Based on from the finding, it is recommended to have comprehensive intervention plan
in order to enhance their well- being and quality of life. They should also continue developing
themselves by adopting healthy lifestyle such as eating balanced diet and providing a safety
environment to enhance their physical, emotional, social, mental and spiritual life. Their families
should provide support, respect their autonomy, and avoid over protection. With the help of
health professionals, health education should be provided. They should catalyze, enable and
empower elderly people to continue their self- development. Hence the proposed program can
be adopted and implemented to improve coping mechanisms among single elderly.
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