Coping with Limited Means: A Case Study on the Expenditure Patterns of Senior Citizens in Barangay Buayan, General Santos City

This case study explores the spending patterns and coping mechanisms of senior citizens who reside in Barangay Buayan, General Santos City, in the context of limited financial resources. The research was conducted using a descriptive qualitative approach and employing semi-structured interviews with ten respondents to gain in-depth insights into their daily financial practices and challenges. The objective is to identify the main expenditure categories and to examine the coping strategies of senior citizens in response to financial constraints. The study’s findings reveal that food and medicine are the top spending priorities among seniors, regardless of whether their income is from government subsidies, pensions, or family support. Most respondents responded that their financial resources are insufficient to cover all their needs, making them heavily reliant on family assistance and social pensions to meet essential expenses. These include strict budgeting, prioritizing necessities, skipping non-essential purchases and stretching available resources as much as possible. The research underscores the vulnerability of this demographic and the inadequacy of existing support systems in addressing their needs. These findings highlight the urgent need for more responsive government programs and inclusive community-based support mechanisms tailored to the unique challenges faced by senior citizens. The findings of this study strongly suggest that current government support is meaningful but insufficient. The social pension allows seniors to secure essentials, but the amount is not enough to fully meet their basic needs. Moreover, those not yet enrolled in the subsidy program remain vulnerable. Support mechanisms must be expanded in cash form and through targeted services: community kitchens, accessible pharmacies, and subsidized food baskets. Local entrepreneurs also have a role to play. Small business owners can tap into this loyal, need-based market by offering affordable, essential products in convenient, senior-friendly packages to address the everyday challenges faced by this vulnerable demographic. The research provides valuable guidance to policymakers, social workers, and entrepreneurs to meet the increasing number of aging Filipinos with dignity and care.