The global aging crisis exposes the limitations of retirement models that emphasize financial security and medical care while overlooking purpose and social integration. This study developed and validated a purpose-driven retirement community framework grounded in the Japanese philosophy of Ikigai and localized through the Filipino ethos of Bayanihan. Using a convergent mixed-methods Design Science Research approach, quantitative survey data (n=70) and qualitative focus group discussions were integrated to iteratively design and refine the model. Findings indicate that purpose-aligned roles are the strongest predictor of life satisfaction and psychological well-being, followed by cooperative economic participation and access to preventive healthcare, while social participation functions as an indirect reinforcing mechanism. Qualitative results further reveal that while Ikigai provides inner meaning in life, sustaining purpose in later adulthood requires collective support. Bayanihan functions as this social scaffold, enabling purpose to be lived communally. The resulting Ikigai-Bayanihan framework reframes aging from dependency to contribution within a scalable, culturally grounded system.

Authors:
Mariza Lendez, Philippine Women's University (PWU), Philippines
Maria Victoria Rosas, Philippine Women's University, Philippines

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Mariza Lendez is co-founder of Chikicha.com and an independent researcher and writer on purpose, aging, and community design. She developed the Ikigai-Bayanihan Purpose-Driven Retirement Model, reframing aging as dignity, contribution, and shared prosperity.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Monday Schedule

Bookmark