Ageing society needs a different approach
PUBLISHED : 17 Aug 2023 at 04:00
Thailand needs to make elderly care a national agenda item with integrated approaches adopted to ensure senior people get the care they need regardless of where they live, according to the Ministry of Public Health.
The nation is already a fully-fledged aged society, with the elderly demographic now standing at around 13.5 million, or 20% of the population, said Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
This year has been dedicated to preparing Thailand for how to cope more efficiently with the challenges associated with ageing.
Efforts to protect their rights will be improved and resources pooled and exploited more efficiently, Mr Anutin said.
Certain laws, for instance, will be amended to allow more migrants to work in sectors facing a labour shortage. The amendments will also help retirees continue working where appropriate, he said.
“Not all retired people have to stop working and stay home doing nothing. Neither do they have to work as hard as they used to when they were young and risk hurting their health in a work-related accident,” said Dr Thongchai Keeratihuttayakorn, director-general of the Department of Medical Services.
Regular health checks can measure elderly workers’ ability to keep working safely.
Existing funds and new sources of financing will be managed together to create jobs and build more elderly care facilities designed for local communities across the country, Dr Thongchai said.
Community- and home-based care and telemedicine services also will play a key role in Thailand’s elderly care in the years to come.
These are the responsibility of various state agencies including the National Health Security Office and local administrative organisations nationwide.
A state-run sheltered home for the elderly will be opened in every tambon nationwide to take those who do not have anyone to look after them at home, said Mr Anutin.