Purpose beyond years

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January 8, 2026 | 12:00am

Four days into the new year, I find myself marking another milestone: my 62nd birthday. It has become a quiet tradition for me: as the fireworks fade and the calendar resets, I pause to reflect. What have I accomplished? What purpose will guide me now that I have entered this stage in my life?

While many of my contemporaries are easing into retirement, I remain fully immersed in the fast-paced corporate world – working for a utility company, no less. Each day still begins early, and my hours are filled with meetings, media briefings, interviews and the constant challenge of shaping narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. Quite demanding, yes, but it’s also deeply fulfilling, because every story we craft has the power to inform, to inspire and to influence positive change.

Some find it surprising that I still choose to tirelessly work well into my senior years when many are already slowing down, but my answer is simple: it’s because I can, I want to and because I believe senior citizens deserve to be seen not as burdens to society, but as active contributors.

At 62, working is not about obligation anymore – it’s a personal choice. I decide to keep going because every day gives me the chance to make an impact. My body may not have the energy like I had some 30 years ago, but the wisdom of years and the decades of experience are my greatest assets. And as long as I can contribute, I will keep moving forward.

According to the Commission on Population and Development (CPD), the Philippines’ demographic can be considered an aging population by the year 2030, which means that those 60 years old and above are increasing while the number of young people, or those age 15 and below, are decreasing.

While this projection is largely viewed as a challenge in terms of human capital, it also presents an opportunity to integrate more senior citizens into the workforce, many of whom can provide valuable insights to younger professionals.

Too often, society paints senior citizens as frail, irrelevant and dependent. I want to change that narrative. As a personal advocacy, I aim to spotlight inspiring stories of seniors who continue to lead, work, mentor and volunteer.

There is a wealth of wisdom and experience in old age that younger generations can surely benefit from. Industries should rethink their approach to aging employees to tap into their expertise as mentors.

I have seen firsthand how senior citizens can become active contributors not only in different industries but to society as a whole. In my own workplace in Meralco, I am privileged to be able to guide and lead my team as I offer perspective, historical context, institutional knowledge and the kind of judgment that comes from years of corporate experience. At the same time, I learn from younger communications professionals whose fresh ideas and digital savvy keep us agile and relevant. Working together, we combine wisdom and innovation to achieve more.

On a personal note, working in my senior years gives me purpose and fulfillment. It reminds me that capability and relevance are not limited by age – and should never be for anyone. Many senior citizens want to remain active, whether through work, volunteerism or entrepreneurship. What they need is support, not skepticism.

As I look ahead, I know that time will eventually slow me down and I will soon pass the baton to the younger generation. But until then, I will continue to share my wisdom and lend my voice to the larger story of senior citizens in the Philippines. Many of us are here guiding the youth, working and advocating for a better country for the next generation. Aging is not a liability but a legacy.

At 62, I am proud to be a working senior citizen. My birthday was not just a celebration of years lived, but of years still to be lived with purpose.

As I turn a year older, I hope that senior citizens are given more recognition and opportunities to help continue shaping the world around us. Let us honor the elders who continue to serve and empower the youth who will lead and build a generation that stands for truth, compassion and integrity. The best is yet to come, and together, we can make it happen.