CHIANG MAI: Even though the number of elderly people keeps rising, Thailand can become an "active ageing society" by promoting education and providing quality healthcare for its old people, an expert said yesterday.
Speaking at a regional community learning centre (CLC) conference, entitled "The Role of the CLC for Intergeneration Learning Focusing on the Elderly" in Chiang Mai, former rector of Silpakorn University Dulyakasem Uthai emphasised the value of education and healthcare for the elderly.
Education and healthcare can help ageing people remain active and spend their old age in happiness.
"Education is a weapon to wield against challenges. I encourage the elderly to remain engaged in productive activities and stay socially active. Never stop learning, even as you grow old," he said.
The true value of the elderly should be recognised by people of all ages throughout society, Mr Uthai said.
"These days, the younger generation tends to have 'unhealthy attitudes' towards the elderly, who are in reality not a problem or burden, but in fact add value to society," he said.
In many Asean countries, the former rector said, the elderly struggle for healthcare access. Many do not receive fair treatment in hospitals or from health agencies.
"A major cause of unnecessary healthcare expenses is hospitals' inefficient healthcare delivery," he said, adding that healthcare costs should be adjusted for elderly people who no longer work.
According to the Public Health Ministry, in early 2014 the number of elderly Thais was around 9.5 million. Using these figures, it is estimated that by 2024, the country will be an ageing society.
There are currently at least 15 countries with more than 10 million elderly people, Mr Uthai said, and the figure is expected to increase significantly over the next 30 years.
"By 2050, the number of elderly people in 33 countries is expected to double. Twenty two of them are considered 'developing' countries," he said.
Two Asean countries — Singapore and Vietnam — are already ageing societies, while Laos and the Philippines have the lowest number of elderly in the region.
