Department of Health (DOH) Central Luzon Center for Health and Development (CLCHD) shared a mobile application for boosting the health of senior citizens.
Lusog-Isip is the first mobile app for mental health and self-care culturally-adapted in the Philippines, developed by DOH in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development.
In a virtual presser, DOH CLCHD Non-communicable Diseases Cluster Medical Officer IV Cindy Canlas explained that as elders shift from being productive to becoming inactive, their psychosocial and physiological health are affected.
“Beyond its initial purpose of promoting mental health, the Lusog-Isip app is useful in serving as a scheduler or reminder for senior citizens in taking their medications, starting their exercise, and doing their hobbies,” Canlas said.
It provides access to evidence-based interventions, inspirational quotes, a daily journal, a mood tracker, referral networks, health achievements, and other self-care tools.
“Developing hobbies is important for our elders, as this makes them improve their psychosocial health by focusing their energy in maximizing their creativity and enjoying the company of their families and friends,” Canlas added.
Moreover, elders are encouraged to exercise regularly, eat a balanced and healthy diet, see their health care provider regularly, work on mental exercises, and stay in touch with peers to maintain healthy aging.
The Lusog-Isip app can be downloaded through Google Play for Android users, the App Store for iOS users, and AppGallery for Huawei users. (CLJD/GLSB-PIA 3)