“Turning 18” is a special time in a young woman’s life – usually celebrated in some meaningful way. For COSE, 18 years is a time to look back, reflect and be grateful for what older people have contributed to COSE. There are presently 57 Community Based programs (CBPE’s) in the Greater Manila Area and affiliates around the country – the germ of a movement of older people. But more than the statistics and organizations is the growing sense that every stage of life is important with one stage building upon the previous ones and reaching full maturity as the culmination of life. Slowly but surely older people begin to take their rightful place in nation building, in struggling not only for the rights of older people but joining together with farmers, tribal, womens, disabled and urban poor communities for a fuller life for everyone.

It is indeed a time to celebrate.