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As the country transitions into an aging society, health experts are urging Filipinos, particularly those at risk of or living with cardiovascular disease (CVD), to take a more proactive approach to their health through regular check-ups, early intervention, and keeping up with recommended vaccinations.
Key strategies for healthier aging were shared during the on-ground activation titled “Bawat Tibok, Protektado,” organized by Healthway QualiMed Hospital Santa Rosa in partnership with Biopharma company Sanofi Philippines, which featured discussions on heart health and the importance of vaccination.
“For older adults and individuals with CVD, influenza poses a heightened risk of hospitalization and serious complications, placing added strain on the body and heart. Adults aged 40 and above face a 10-fold increased risk of heart attack within three days[1] of contracting influenza,” said Dr. Danielle Louis Villanueva, Cardiologist, Board Director of the Philippine Lipid and Atherosclerosis Society and Vice President of the Philippine Heart Association – Southern Tagalog Chapter.
In 2024, 11.42 million Filipinos aged 60 and above accounted for 10.2% of the household population[2]. CVD affects about one in six Filipinos, while ischemic heart disease was the country’s top cause of death in 2025[3].
Dr. Justin Lopez, Health and Wellness Hub, Clinic Manager at Healthway QualiMed Hospital Santa Rosa, emphasized, “As we get older, being proactive about our health becomes even more important. This includes regular doctor visits and health screenings, timely vaccination, and early detection and management of health conditions[4].”
Beyond clinical care, health education remains important in supporting healthier aging. Vanessa Gomez, Head of Vaccines at Sanofi Philippines, said, “We are happy to continue working with HMN to strengthen health education in communities. Helping Filipinos understand their health risks and the preventive measures available to them can help them make informed decisions about their health as they age.”
For older adults, maintaining good health also extends beyond the doctor’s visit. Dr. Mae Claudine Gonzales, Associate Director for Ancillary Services at Healthway QualiMed Hospital Santa Rosa, highlighted the role of families and caregivers in helping older adults manage their health at home, from keeping up with medications and appointments to recognizing changes in their condition early.
Dr. Gonzales added that beyond having a supportive environment, convenient access to preventive care is also important, particularly for older adults who may face mobility challenges or difficulty visiting clinics for regular check-ups. This reflects Healthway’s Care Beyond Cure mission of making its services more accessible. Through Healthway QualiMed Hospital Santa Rosa’s “Healthway Express” program and its dedicated home care team, consultations and vaccinations are brought directly to patients in the comfort of their own homes.
The initiative forms part of the continuing partnership between HMN and Sanofi Philippines to bring practical health information closer to communities while helping improve access to preventive care.
The activity was held at Healthway QualiMed Hospital Santa Rosa, Nuvali, Santa Rosa City, Laguna.
