Even as the retirement age of 60 promises rest and government benefits, many Filipinos abroad continue working well into their senior years to support loved ones back home.
One of them is Prescilla Nefalar—affectionately called “Nanay Precy” by her friends—who is now 70 years old. She first arrived in Hong Kong in 1982, when the city’s skyline was still young and the domestic helper community was only beginning to grow. More than four decades later, she remains in the same profession, driven by her desire to support her sick sibling in the Philippines.
“Noong 1982, bihira pa lang ang mga buildings dito. Ngayon, nag-iba na ang Hong Kong Bank, nag-iba na ang mga hotel—marami nang nagbago,” she shared in an interview with GMA News, reflecting on how much the city has transformed while she continued working quietly in the background.
Despite her age, Nanay Precy remains healthy and capable of performing household duties. She recently completed another two-year contract and is waiting for her employer’s decision on whether it will be renewed. For her, every additional year of work is another year of helping her family survive.
But Nanay Precy is not alone. Many elderly Filipina domestic workers in Hong Kong continue working well past retirement age.
Another example is Milagros Villar, now 76 years old, who has served the same employer for more than 30 years. Nanay Milla started working for her employer when the latter was still single, and she stayed long enough to witness the family grow and have children of their own. Even as she battles arthritis and the physical limitations of old age, she continues to work abroad—though she now looks forward to finally going home after 34 years to spend time with her grandchildren.
Why many elderly OFWs continue working today
Stories like those of Nanay Precy and Nanay Milla remain common in 2026. Many senior OFWs choose to keep working because:
- They still support family members—siblings, grandchildren, or adult children who struggle financially.
- They lack retirement savings after decades of sending most of their income home.
- They fear returning to poverty due to rising costs of living in the Philippines.
- They feel emotionally tied to Hong Kong, having spent most of their adult lives there.
These realities highlight the long-term sacrifices OFWs make—sacrifices that younger generations often do not fully see until they become adults themselves.
Lessons younger OFWs need to learn from their elders
The stories of elderly domestic workers offer important lessons for today’s younger OFWs, especially those just starting their journey abroad.
- 1. Build savings early. Many senior OFWs continue working because they were unable to save consistently. Younger workers should prioritize emergency funds, retirement savings, and long-term financial planning.
- 2. Avoid supporting too many dependents. Many older OFWs supported entire extended families for decades. Younger OFWs must learn to set boundaries and avoid becoming the sole financial lifeline for everyone.
- 3. Invest in skills and career growth. Domestic work is honorable, but it is physically demanding. Younger OFWs should consider upskilling—caregiving, nursing aide training, culinary courses, or vocational certifications—to open better opportunities later.
- 4. Plan for life after Hong Kong. Many elderly OFWs struggle to return home because they have no clear plan. Younger workers should think ahead—whether it’s starting a small business, investing in property, or preparing for a second career.
- 5. Take care of your health. Years of physical labor take a toll. Younger OFWs should prioritize regular check-ups, proper rest, and healthy habits to avoid long-term health problems.
- 6. Strengthen family communication. Many senior OFWs spent decades away from their children, leading to emotional distance. Younger OFWs now have video calls, messaging apps, and social media—tools that can help maintain strong family bonds.
- 7. Know when it’s time to go home. Not every OFW needs to work abroad forever. Learning to recognize when to return—before health declines or before old age limits opportunities—is crucial.
A reminder for the next generation
The stories of Nanay Precy and Nanay Milla are reminders of the quiet heroism of Filipino migrant workers. They represent thousands of elderly OFWs who sacrificed their youth, health, and time with family to give their loved ones a better life.
For younger OFWs, their journey is both an inspiration and a warning: work hard, but also plan wisely, save early, and build a future where you won’t need to work abroad until your seventies.
