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Golden Years

Late adulthood is the final stage of human development, a time when older people often experience physical, cognitive, and social decline. However, this stage is not universally defined by deterioration. Many older adults remain active, engaged, and lead fulfilling lives. It is also a period of reflection and the acquisition of wisdom, offering a unique perspective on life. A combination of healthy habits, supportive relationships, and a positive mindset can help individuals thrive in late adulthood.

Take Lola Linda, for example. At the age of 77, she is still full of life and enthusiasm. Like many women her age, she is not exempt from the challenges of aging. Due to her age, she experiences physical discomfort, particularly in her back. At 60, she was diagnosed with osteoporosis, which caused persistent pain. To address this, Lola began taking medication and adopting healthier habits. She started eating more vegetables and less meat, prioritizing a balanced diet. She also participates in programs promoting healthy lifestyles, applying what she learns to her daily life.

Since Lola is retired, her exercise routine includes simple household chores, such as washing dishes, watering plants, and walking around. Although she gets tired easily and often needs to rest, these activities keep her active. Something remarkable about Lola is her ability to sleep well; unlike many her age who struggle with sleep, she rests normally both at noon and at night.

Lola is fiercely independent and avoids burdening others, especially her children. She insists on doing things on her own whenever possible. Her advice to younger generations is to take care of their bodies while they are young. She emphasizes the importance of mindful eating and practicing a healthy lifestyle, reminding others that youth doesn’t last forever.

In terms of cognitive health, Lola does experience memory loss, such as forgetting where she placed her glasses or other belongings. To manage this, she keeps a calendar to jot down her tasks and reminders, like taking her medicine. Although she isn’t an avid reader, she keeps her mind active by watching TV, particularly the news, and staying updated on current events. Despite occasional lapses in memory, Lola’s mind remains sharp.

Lola is also a widow; her husband passed away seven years ago, and she still misses him every day. Losing a loved one is a profound pain, especially when it’s someone you promised to spend your life with. While it was difficult for her to accept the loss, she remained strong for her children. She has come to terms with the inevitability of death and has chosen to focus on life. Even now, she feels her husband’s presence in their home, but she finds happiness and contentment in the love of her children and grandchildren.

Lola’s greatest joy is seeing her grandchildren succeed, and her ultimate wish before she passes is to see her loved ones in a stable and happy state. She doesn’t want them to endure the hardships she faced, having lived much of her life in “survival mode.” Her wisdom, resilience, and love serve as an inspiration to all who know her.

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50s Supermom!

Upon entering another stage of life, Middle Adulthood is where you could differentiate your experiences from before and reflect on what to do next, it may be physical experiences, job, relationships with your children or grandchildren and among other things. As this period approaches, this is where they could reflect on planning their retirement and either they have been living their lives—of course, it would take a lot of optimism and positive relationship with other people and especially unto themselves.

Arlene, a mom of 4 kids, would personally take this stage of life as “Reconnection with our God”. Although she has been spiritually active throughout her life, giving the 2x effort with prayers and connection with God is what keeps her day active and stress-free. As we all know, hormonal stress would increase in these ages. Also with her commitment, she would also take time teaching children to sing in their church, attending prayer meetings, despite having a busy schedule. Aside from her spirituality, one thing that relieves her stress from job and external issues is her family. Often bondings like jamming with her kids—as they are a musically inclined family, eating outside, and taking trips with her family is another thing to motivate her. Although two of her kids are in universities now and two are in grade school, she somehow relates to being afraid of the thought that she would be left alone in the future with her husband— the empty nest syndrome. Additionally, upon asking about the complications of transitioning of her relationship with her kids as she entered this stage, Ma’am Arlene came to a conclusion that nothing really changed— but one thing though, is the tripled financial needs of her children.

Unlike the physical changes from early adulthood to now, a slight difference of exhaustion was observed as to Ma’am Arlene’s perspective. Although having a successful aging, vitamins in early ages really did changed her life. She even came to a conclusion that if she didn’t take vitamins at all, she would’ve get exhausted too quickly than she is now.

Overall, this stage of life is a heavy roller coaster. Reflecting your own life, relationship with other people—family, friends and especially to God, taking daily vitamins, and optimism is what makes Middle Adulthood achieve Generativity. Adding the thought that she would foresee herself aging successfully when she sees her children being successful in the future. Ma’am Arlene lived her years and days with happiest that she's been with the people around her.

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Big Girls Don’t Cry

“Time goes by so slowly when you're a child, and then, as an adult, it goes by in the blink of an eye.” -David Lowery

Maturity, this is what some people interpret at this developmental stage, the Early Adulthood. As this is where independence and self-reliance qualifies for growth. Just like the quote above, by then you were that highschooler who goofs around, yet in a blink of an eye, you have to be reliant on yourself.

Ate Rose, a 23 year old 4th year college student, stepped into adulthood as she still has that ‘little her’ inside her. Physically, she can’t foresee any changes in her body during her adolescent years, including her height or either her weight. This may also result from her small appetite yet fast metabolism, and usually she would eat her first meal at 2pm. Yet despite it, she also spends a small amount of time exercising through walking around her university roughly for 10 mins.

As we also asked Ate Rose if she’s satisfied with her physical changes entering adulthood, she would rather compare herself to her sisters and make herself feel insecure. In context, Ate Rose is the middle child in their sibling line. Which we all would commonly analyze, there’s always a favoritism among the eldest or the youngest sibling. This also reflected Ate Rose’s people pleasing trait, she can’t say no to people and the introvert among the siblings. Yet despite that, her sisters also agreed that she’s the most productive amongst them all. She also concluded that her wants and needs, and her family is what makes her strive harder. Additionally, her highschool friends are her emergency call in terms of managing her stress and also to motivate her.

Entering adulthood also forms peer pressure among people. Just like Ate Rose, this is the common reason for her rare breakdowns. Specifically in social age, peers would have their goal expectations as someone would enter adulthood. Like graduating college, love life expectations and such. But as the saying goes, “there’s always a rainbow after the rain” explains her way to lessen her stress, just to go with the flow.

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The Grind Of life

Adolescence is a phase of rapid physical, socioemotional, and cognitive development as people enter adulthood. This stage is frequently characterized by growing independence, identity creation, and the pursuit of new experiences. Sonny, for example, has recently begun a new era in his life: adolescence. So allow me to walk you through Sonny's growth. He grew up as a scrawny, bullied youngster who despised his body. As a result, he utilized it as motivation to exercise regularly. Along with natural changes in his body like height, voice deepening, muscular gain, and testosterone levels. He put in a lot of effort and discipline to have the body he desired. Aside from working out, Sonny also plays basketball, which benefits him financially because he is both a varsity player and a scholar. Because of his cousin's influence, he becomes a basketball player and aspires to compete in the professional leagues. Sonny's commitment to fitness not only improved his physique, but it also increased his confidence and self-esteem.

Sonny is currently a second-year college student studying criminology. Though he found the path he chose difficult, he came to love criminology in the end. He is currently juggling his life as a varsity player and a student. His life is currently focused on school, training, and basketball. It may be challenging for some, but Sonny finds it rewarding because it is part of the path of success.

In our twenties, we begin to think more sensibly about our decisions. Sonny is also like that; in the past, he was a go-with-the-flow type of person who laughed his difficulties away. However, as he gets older, he becomes more mature in coping with his issues. When he confronts problems, he resolves them on his own. And sometimes seeks advice through prayer; he simply prays for strength and wisdom to face problems.Sonny is the eldest of his family, and even though he is the oldest, his parents don't pressure him to do things he doesn't like. That made him have a good relationship with his family.

His goal is to set a good example for his siblings who look up to him, and he always does his best to be a good brother and son to his family. In order to repay his parents for everything they have done for him, he also aspires to financial independence.

In addition to his family, he has supportive and encouraging friends who are there for him when he needs them. His pals are the typical friends that teach good and bad things to him. Because of his friends and romantic relationship, Sonny learned a lot that he applies now into his adolescence, helping him navigate through the challenges of growing up. Sonny values the lessons he has learned from his relationships and friendships, shaping him into a more well-rounded individual.

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King’s Growing Independence

He is the “King” of the family, not in a literal sense, but he is a precious boy to his parents. At first glance, I saw him as a quiet child, uncomfortable with people he just met. Particularly to someone who is not his parents. He is a child of a few words; when I asked him simple questions, he answered in a short manner. However, upon closer observation, it becomes clear that he is sociable and communicative, especially when engaged in topics that capture his interest. Despite his initial quiet demeanor, he demonstrates a lively and friendly nature when interacting with others on subjects he enjoys.

At 7 years old, King is a tall and handsome boy, a wonderful blend of both his parents' features. He is capable of performing simple tasks, such as taking a bath or doing small household chores, demonstrating a growing sense of independence. Although he occasionally seeks help from his mother when faced with a more challenging task, for the most part, he shows a remarkable ability to manage things on his own. This independence, coupled with his willingness to try new things, reflects his burgeoning confidence and sense of capability. It is evident that his parents have instilled in him a strong sense of responsibility, which is displayed in his ability to complete tasks independently.

In addition to his growing self-reliance, King is also excelling academically. Now in the second grade, he consistently earns honors and demonstrates a high level of academic achievement. He can read and write well, which is amazing thanks to his mother. His mother is his teacher in their home. King's mother has been instrumental in his academic success, providing him with the necessary support and guidance to excel in school. His parents take great pride in his accomplishments at school, as he continues to show dedication and excellence in his studies.

Aside from learning, King also interacts with both girls and boys as his playmates in their room. When he was in their classroom, he liked playing around with his classmates. As an only child, his classroom provides his sole opportunity to play with other children of his age. However, when he is done with school, his mode of play in their house is phones. He likes watching videos about kids and sometimes plays mobile games with his father. That became their kind of bond also, through games.King's parents make an effort to balance his schooling and playing, understanding the value of both in his growth. Despite being an only child, he is able to socialize and bond with people through a variety of activities, both at and outside of school.

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Deosha’s Colorful World

In her own little world, there’s her creativity that shined through her childhood. She really is having the fun and creativity in her childhood, like every child deserves and her mom—Kesha had been there for her side. Even though Deosha’s dad is sailing through the seas, he was there, responsible for spoiling the needs and wants of Deosha and her mom.

We think that Deosha’s physical development had been kind of advanced, as information we gathered said that before having a year in her existence, she already learned how to walk. Additionally, Deosha learned her independence in putting on her own clothes. But on the side of her eating habits, she needs distractions like any kids nowadays, ’cause without distractions, her temper would go wildly like her primary caregiver—a genetic approach to temper. Her weeks in daycare had been also full of fun. As she plays frequently, she also balanced her creativity and intellect through tracing alphabet letters with her colored pencils, coloring books, and even sketching. Deosha’s mom also tells stories to widen her creativity and imagination, and also to help her fall asleep. In addition, Deosha wasn’t also exposed to playing board games.

Deosha’s social abilities have also been at the top! She was friendly to school, disciplined in both class and in home, and expressive with her emotions. Her mom also played a crucial role to Deosha’s expressive behavior as Mrs. Kesha helps her understand the situation after the argument—this also resulted in Deosha frequently talking to her mom to sympathize with other people’s feelings.

Overall, this made me reflect on my behavior growing up. Many factors shape a kid developmentally, but I think Cognitive, Social skills, and especially playing really highlights a crucial role in a child's development.

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Four and still grateful

Pregnancy, the most rewarding phase in every woman. Carrying such a wonderful experience of bringing a new life to this adventurous world would make such a difference to a woman. The sense of fulfillment that is dreamy, the fulfillment of anticipating such a big decision which may cause a lifetime support, motherhood.

Unexpected yet beautiful pregnancy, this is how a mother-Rocel loves dearly to her children. Despite the phases she has to undergo and the difficulties she might encounter, Rocel still finds pregnancy the most delightful experience as a wife and as a mom. A mother of 3 children, she finds this recent pregnancy as similar to the three of her children. Normalities during pregnancy such as being nauseous, prone to sickness, body pains, body dysmorphia, mood swings, and easily gets disgusted by seafoods-specifically fish, were the trials faced by the supermom, Rocel.

Rocel also shared some of her experiences in her choice of eating and the causes of such stress she encounters. She also reflected that she consumed so much fruit in her stomach. That fruit is all she craves when she thinks of food. Yet behind this stomach-fulfillment, the dark opposite was mentioned.. Her husband was the stressor during her pregnancy, sarcastically speaking. Yet behind this, her husband also plays as the happiness of this such challenges of this phase.

Mrs. Paquit also has the struggle behind her three children, financially and the distance between her children. Mrs. Paquit was originally from the province of Laak, Davao de Oro. Yet, due to the hardship of finding a decent job in their province, she had to leave her children with their grandmother to sustain their daily needs as a family. She used to work in various workplaces before she got pregnant, such as serving at a Metro Shuttle Bus Canteen. As she needs work that would make her stay calm and not too sweaty, she placed a Sari-sari store outside their house. But despite the distance of both parents and their children, it didn’t stop their bond as both of them still go to their province every Friday of the week.

Though such challenges were faced, the unexpected pregnancy was still a blessing for her and her husband. Embracing such a wonderful life of motherhood surely fulfills many parts of her; her Empowerment, Self-Awareness, Dedication and Strength would shape Mrs. Paquit’s motherhood life.

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Young hearts, Big Responsibilities

Teenage years is a period when we typically focus on going to school, discovering who we are, and maturing. Valerie, however, sees it as much more than that. Along with attending school and managing the problems of teenagers, she bears the enormous duty of caring for her infant. Valerie became a mother at an early age, and she now has a healthy, thriving one-year-old daughter who is the center of her universe. Valerie's concerns go beyond tests and social dynamics; they include diapers, late-night feedings, and balancing her studies with the obligations of motherhood.

Despite the challenges she faces, Valerie is still incredibly grateful to be a mother. For her, having Blessie has been a godsend and a priceless gift that has given her life a new purpose. Valerie is proud and happy for Blessie at every turning point in her development—her first steps, the thrill of hearing her first words, and her quick growth as she discovers the world around her. Valerie is overcome with a sense of success as Blessie begins to reveal her personality, pick up new abilities, and explore the world with wonder.

However, the journey has not been without its difficulties. When asked about the hardest part of being a mother, Valerie shared that it’s when Blessie falls ill. Seeing her baby in pain and feeling helpless to ease her suffering is an emotional challenge that weighs heavily on her. Fortunately, Valerie has not been alone in this journey. She has received invaluable support from those around her, particularly her mother, who has been her steadfast companion since the beginning of her motherhood adventure. Valerie acknowledges that without her mother’s assistance, the road would have been considerably more difficult.

Valerie's journey has also been shaped by external challenges. When she first found out she was pregnant, she was bullied by her peers and judged by everyone around her. The disappointment and criticism she received had a negative impact on her mental health. Despite the challenges, Valerie persisted in her schooling, driven by a strong attitude and the willingness to show others wrong. When we asked about her goals, she said she wanted to finish her schooling till senior high and then work. She wants to give Blessie a wonderful life in the future. And being a mom at such a young age, she hopes that Blessie does not end up like her. Because she does not want her to go through the same experiences she did.

Though her parenthood journey began sooner than intended, she has embraced it with grace and dedication, transforming what others may view as a setback into a tremendous source of strength and purpose. Blessie may have been an unexpected blessing, but she has surely become the greatest delight in Valerie's life, inspiring her to overcome obstacles and create a better future for them both.