Celebrating Grandparents: How to Support Their Health and Well-Being

In the Philippines, family is at the heart of everything we do — and at the very center are our beloved lolos and lolas. They are the roots that ground us and the keepers of tradition. Our grandparents are avid storytellers, telling us about our family’s past, culture, and values.

They never get tired of imparting life lessons not through textbooks, but through their own experiences. No wonder “Sabi ni Lola” sayings stick with us long after we’ve heard them. That’s wisdom from someone who loves us and has lived through life’s challenges.

Many grandparents also take an active role in the household, especially when it comes to raising their apos, helping with childcare, schoolwork, and emotional support.

And now, it’s about time we give back — by focusing on their health, happiness, and well-being. As we celebrate Grandparents Appreciation Month, let’s honor our lolos and lolas not only with our love and gratitude but also by making sure they feel cared for, valued, and supported in every stage of life.

5 Simple Ways to Keep Your Grandparents Healthy in Body and Mind

1. Encourage Regular Check-ups

As our lolos and lolas age, their bodies naturally undergo changes that make them more susceptible to health concerns. Taking them on regular check-ups can help:

Detect Health Issues Early: Illnesses such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart conditions may not exhibit symptoms initially. Routine checkups allow doctors to catch these conditions early, when they are easier to treat.
Manage Chronic Conditions: Existing health conditions can be kept under control to prevent complications.
Monitor Medications: Seniors often take multiple medications. Regular checkups can help ensure that their prescriptions are still appropriate and effective for their current health.
Prevent Other Diseases: During routine wellness visits, doctors can provide important vaccinations, screenings, and lifestyle recommendations to help protect our grandparents from more serious illnesses. By being proactive about their health, we give our lolos and lolas the chance to enjoy more quality years.
Give Peace of Mind: Knowing that our lolos and lolas are regularly monitored by healthcare professionals gives the whole family peace of mind. It reassures us that their conditions are being managed, their medications are safe, and any potential concerns are addressed early.

💡 Tip: One of the best ways to ensure this level of care is by getting them a reliable Healthcare Plan in the Philippines. With coverage for doctor consultations, including specialist evaluations, a healthcare plan removes the worry of unexpected medical costs and makes it easier for our grandparents to get the attention they deserve.

2. Promote an Active Lifestyle

Growing older doesn’t mean slowing down completely. In fact, exercise is just as important — if not more — for our lolos and lolas. Regular, gentle exercises can keep their bodies strong, their minds sharp, and their hearts happy. Best of all, doing these exercises together as a family not only supports their health but also creates meaningful moments of connection.

💡 Tip: Light stretching, gardening, dancing, or a quick stroll around the neighborhood can improve mobility, balance, and overall well-being. Make it a family activity to turn exercise into quality time together.

3. Provide Nutritious Meals For Golden Years

For Filipinos, food is a language of love; that’s why we love bonding over meals, celebrating milestones with feasts, and showing care by bringing home delectable pasalubong. A wonderful way of expressing our love for them is by preparing balanced and nutritious lutong-bahay dishes to keep them healthy and happy.

💡 Tip: Include fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Go easy on the salt, sugar, fried food, and overly processed foods since these can worsen existing conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease.

4. Keep the Mind Engaged

As people age, it’s normal for cognitive functions to slow down — memory, focus, and mental processing may not be as sharp as they once were. This doesn’t mean our lolos and lolas can’t stay mentally active. Activities like reading, solving puzzles, playing chess, and storytelling can help sharpen their memory, improve their focus, and even lower their risk of developing dementia or other age-related cognitive issues.

In addition, studies claim that using digital technology may help reduce cognitive decline and lower the risk of dementia in older adults. Teaching grandparents how to connect with family and friends on social media or play easy online games can stimulate their minds and keep them connected at the same time.

💡 Tip: By combining traditional activities with modern technology, we can help our grandparents stay sharp, connected, and full of life. On the next special occasion, consider giving your grandparents a smartphone or tablet — not just as a gift, but as a tool to keep them engaged, connected, and entertained.

5. Encourage Social Connections

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), maintaining strong social connections is more than just a source of comfort—it is a key factor in long-term health and quality of life. Simple activities like sharing meals with the family, telling stories, playing with the apos, or joining community events can make them feel valued, helping them stay resilient, engaged, and full of life.

💡 Tip: Don’t skip time with your lolo or lola. Even small interactions — a shared meal, a story, or a game — make a big difference in their happiness and mental well-being.

Conclusion

Celebrate our lolos and lolas every day by showing care, supporting their health, and cherishing every moment with them. By encouraging regular check-ups, promoting an active lifestyle, providing nutritious meals, keeping their minds engaged, and fostering social connections, we help our grandparents stay happy, healthy, and full of life.

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