Thammasat Tackles Aging Society: “Build and Repair” Strategy Takes Center Stage
Thammasat University, in collaboration with Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), organized a seminar on the topic “Fall Prevention : Thailand and Preparedness for an Aging Society” as part of the “90th Anniversary Research Festival: Thammasat Innovation for the People.” This event, held at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), focused on discussing the readiness of various agencies involved in addressing the challenges of a fully aging society, which is set to transition into a Super Aged Society within the next 10-15 years.
Associate Professor Dr. Dilok Piyayotai, Director of Thammasat University Hospital, reports a surge in elderly patients, highlighting the growing need for geriatric care. To address this, the hospital is collaborating with the Ministry of Public Health, the National Health Security Office, and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to proactively screen for age-related diseases and train village health volunteers to assist with patient care. This collaborative approach aims to improve healthcare access and disease prevention for the aging population.
“Thammasat University Hospital has collaborated with the National Health Security Office to assist elderly individuals in need by providing knee and hip replacement surgeries at no cost. To date, over 750 underprivileged individuals have received knee and hip replacement surgeries,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dilok stated.
He also stated that in cases where patients suffer severe life-threatening injuries from falls, which may not be treatable, the hospital has the Thammasat Thamrak Center to provide palliative care for patients. Medical personnel are available to offer close supervision. If the patient’s family wishes to stay with them, they are also welcome to do so. Additionally, a senior care hospital is currently under construction, which will accommodate up to 150 beds by next year, providing comprehensive services. This will further enhance the elderly care services in the areas covered by the hospital, ensuring a more extensive range of support.
Bangkok is experiencing a rapidly aging population with a declining birth rate, according to Dr. Theeravee Veerawan, Director of the Health Promotion Division of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. Bang Khae, Bang Khen, and Sai Mai have the highest elderly populations. To combat this trend, Bangkok has launched an initiative focused on preventing age-related health issues. This includes educating secondary school students about the challenges of an aging society and implementing preventative measures for working-age individuals to reduce the prevalence of conditions like obesity and diabetes, which currently affect a significant portion of the population.
“To prevent the onset of illnesses and the burden of requiring caregivers in old age, the focus is on preventive measures before reaching a stage where individuals can no longer assist themselves. This emphasis is particularly directed towards the community, with the involvement of Bangkok Metropolitan Health Volunteers (BMHV) who provide education and care to the residents. For instance, falls among the elderly often result from tightness in the calf muscles. Therefore, individuals are encouraged to try sitting with their legs extended and flexing their feet upwards to experience the same tightness that the elderly may feel. Additionally, when elderly individuals stand up, they tend to lean back; thus, it is advisable to stretch their arms or legs before rising. These are critical points that many elderly individuals may not be aware of or practice. It is essential to highlight this matter, and I would like to remind those who have elderly individuals at home to remain still for a moment before walking quickly. Having someone close by is the best approach.” Dr. Theeravee stated.
Facing a rapidly aging population and declining birth rate, Bangkok is proactively addressing the health challenges of its elderly residents. Areas like Bang Khae, Bang Khen, and Sai Mai are seeing the biggest increase in elderly populations. Bangkok is tackling its aging population by prioritizing preventative healthcare. The city aims to educate residents and promote healthy lifestyles to reduce the risk of age-related diseases like obesity and diabetes.
