Abstract

With the aim of understanding how Filipino elders function in the communication context, this study sought to determine their attitude about aging, willingness to communicate, and communication satisfaction, and how these variables correlated with their self-esteem. Eight hundred and one willing and able elders from different sectors of society were included in the study.  Mixed methods such as survey, interview, and observation were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data. Results revealed significant correlations between the elders’ attitude about aging and self-esteem, willingness to communicate and self-esteem, communication satisfaction and self-esteem.  Further analysis proved that self-esteem could be predicted by the elders’ attitude about aging, willingness to communicate and communication satisfaction.

Key words: Filipino elders, self-esteem, attitude about aging, willingness to communicate, communication satisfaction.