Thai Society Urged to Fully Adapt to Aging Population

ThaiHealth reported that in 2024 there were about 13.68 million people aged 60 and older, representing 20.8 % of the total population, and projects that share will rise to 28 % by 2033, pushing Thailand into a “Super Aged Society.” The foundation aims to change the societal mindset from a reactive model—waiting for illness to treat and dependence to care—to a proactive “Build‑Prepare‑Repair” strategy that covers health, economy, society, and environment for all ages. This includes encouraging physical activity, proper nutrition, reducing non‑communicable disease risks, preventing falls and dementia, promoting financial planning, and supporting lifelong learning. Emphasis is placed on “Aging in Place,” enabling seniors to live safely in familiar homes and communities through a coordinated care ecosystem involving family, neighbors, local authorities, health services, civil society, and business, especially as family sizes shrink and more seniors live alone. Social‑innovation initiatives such as the “Time Bank”—where volunteer caregiving earns social credits that can be exchanged—and the nationwide network of 17 Universal Design Centers (UDC) adapt housing, public spaces, and transport to support senior independence. ThaiHealth stresses that policies should shift from focusing solely on older persons to promoting quality longevity for all—Longevity for All—viewing seniors not as welfare recipients or burdens but as valuable human capital whose knowledge, experience, and skills continue to create economic and social value.