Aging with dignity means having the change to keep growing

SM Cares marks Elderly Filipino Week with wellness, learning activities for 650 seniors.

Growing older should not mean getting left behind, and 650 senior citizens got a day dedicated to staying active, healthy, and connected as SM Cares celebrated Elderly Filipino Week 2026.

Held at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall, the gathering brought together seniors for a morning walk, discussions on health and technology, and an afternoon of Zumba and retro dancing.

Organized with the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC), the annual celebration covered practical concerns affecting older Filipinos, including digital literacy, nutrition, muscle health, and dementia awareness. Information booths from participating organizations also offered useful resources.

SM Supermalls Vice President for Operations Junias Eusebio said the company wants its malls to be welcoming spaces where seniors can remain active and engaged in their communities.

“We believe our lolos and lolas continually contribute to nation building by standing as crucial members of our community who help build up the next generation,” Eusebio said.

The event carried the theme “Nakatatandang Pilipino: May Halaga at Karapatan, May Boses at Ambag sa Bayan,” recognizing older Filipinos as active contributors to society whose voices and experiences deserve to be heard.

SM Cares said its work with seniors extends beyond the annual gathering, covering wellness programs, emergency preparedness, and efforts to build more inclusive communities.

The goal is to help older Filipinos maintain their independence, stay connected with others, and enjoy a better quality of life. With an aging population, access to health information, digital skills, and welcoming public spaces can help seniors continue participating in community life.

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