Situation of the Thai Elderly 2010
The situation of the Thai older persons reveals a rapid growth of the elderly population at 11.9 per cent in 2010, which is projected to have doubled to 25 per cent by the next 20 years (in 2030), when Thailand fullybecomes an “aged society.” The working-age population which bears the burden in support of the elderly population will drop from 6 potential workers per older person in 2010 to reach only 2 in 2030. The change in population structure signifi es an increase in responsibility and dependency for the working-age population to carry the burden of an increasing elderly population. At the same time, the life expectancy of the elderly
population has increased among the mid-elderly and late-elderly groups. Furthermore, the gender dimension needs to be cooperated into the provision of services for the older persons as statistics reveal a rapid growth rate in female elderly population over the male counterpart. Such population structure has implications on social service provision; programs to empower the older persons, enabling them to have a good quality life; and provision of necessary healthcare and social support when they become dependent. Major policies recommendations are as follows:
1. Provision of inclusive healthcare services for older persons who are dependent
as a result of chronic conditions and age, as well as older persons with physical
deterioration and physical and emotional vulnerability
2. Building the capacity of the Thai older persons through the promotion of education
and lifelong learning
