29-2-2024 (BANGKOK) Thailand is currently facing significant challenges in managing its greying population, particularly in the areas of economy, society, health, environment, and technology. The Director-General of the Department of Older Persons, Ramrung Worawat, highlighted these challenges as Thailand transitions into an ageing society. As of January this year, Thailand had 13.2 million people aged 60 and above, accounting for 20% of the total population. It is projected that by 2040, the elderly population will make up one-third of the total population, reaching 31%.
The increase in the elderly population raises concerns about its impact on the social structure, according to Ramrung. She expects the elderly population to grow by 900,000 people annually, potentially reaching 1 million per year between 2024 and 2025. Ramrung identified five main challenges in managing an aged society:
- Economy: Out of the 13.2 million seniors, over 5.3 million have low or no income, some are in debt, and lack savings.
- Society: Issues such as elderly abandonment and familial violence exist in Thailand. Approximately 12% of the elderly live with other seniors, while 24% live alone.
- Health: While over 95% of the elderly are still able to socialize, there are two groups that require additional healthcare and support from relatives. This includes those who are bedridden or suffer from conditions like dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, or mobility issues.
- Environment: Inappropriate living environments, such as restrooms without handrails, pose risks to the elderly, increasing the chances of slipping and breaking bones.
- Technology: The elderly are vulnerable to cybercrimes, including scams that trick them into transferring cash or purchasing low-quality products. Innovations are needed to improve the quality of life for the elderly.
To address these challenges, the Department of Older Persons has launched the “Ageing in Place” project, aimed at ensuring that communities are prepared to support the elderly in their own homes. The Ministry of Social Development and Social Security has also initiated a pilot project to train 40 locals in 12 provinces to provide care for the elderly within their communities. The training program is set to commence in March of this year.
Furthermore, the department is working in collaboration with the ministry to tackle the five challenges of an ageing society:
- Economy: Initiatives include encouraging entrepreneurs to hire seniors, enhancing their skills, and providing access to loans for starting businesses. More than 130,000 seniors have received financial support, with many achieving success in their entrepreneurial endeavors.
- Society: The elderly are encouraged to participate in activities at special schools and development centers. To date, 2,400 elderly schools and 2,064 elderly development centers have been established.
- Health: Over 55,000 officials with expertise in elderly care have been deployed, along with the organization of training programs in elderly care. The improvement of elderly care centers has commenced nationwide, starting in Chiang Rai, Khon Kaen, Kanchanaburi, Surat Thani, and Trang.
- Environment: Efforts are being made to improve residential facilities and provide mobility equipment to support the elderly.
- Technology: Collaboration with the private sector is underway to offer learning courses that enhance digital awareness among the elderly.
