A cheery heart and religious beliefs make elderly happy

A HEART full of optimism, cheerfulness and delight is the best reflection of elderly Thais’ happiness, according to a recent survey.

This indicator scored 4.08 out of a possible 5 when Thais aged over 60 years old were asked about things that made them happy. 

The next best performers were compliance with religious beliefs (3.79), caring children/family (3.64), and good physical health (3.58). 

Gatherings with friends also scored well at 3.53. Also among significant factors for happiness were the ability to contribute to society and being debt-free, both scoring 3.50.

Employment and having income for self-support scored just 3.17, while having savings scored 2.98.

NIDA Poll, in collaboration with the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA)’s Centre for Ageing Society Research, interviewed 1,250 elderly Thais over the phone last month to identify their happiness, their sufferings and their wishes.

This survey marked National Elderly Day, which falls today (April 13). At present, there are about 10 million elderly people in Thailand. 

What makes elderly Thais suffer the most, according to the survey, is a lack of cash or savings. It scored 2.14 out of the possible 5.

The next strongest factors were being unemployed or lacking income to support oneself (1.99) and having debts (1.84). Living without children or grandchildren or the lack of their care scored 1.67 when respondents were asked about unhappiness. A sorrowful heart and a lack of self esteem scored just 1.42.

Nida said that most respondents lived in detached homes, and they were either the owner or co-owner of the property. Just 9 per cent of respondents lived alone. 

The survey found that most Thais, or about 86 per cent of respondents, wished for good health and a long and independent life. About 18 per cent wished for happiness for not just themselves and their families but also for all Thais and the country. 

Some 14 per cent hoped they would become debt-free and receive bigger monthly subsidies from the state. Thailand now gives elderly Thais a subsidy ranging from Bt600 to Bt1,000 a month. 

The survey found 1.9 per cent wished for luck, 1.6 per cent wished for brisk trade, and 1.2 per cent wished to see their children or grandchildren successful in life. 

About 0.8 per cent said they wished for protection from harm and 0.55 per cent said they desired many friends or carers. 

Meanwhile, National Health Security Office assistant secretary-general Dr Chuchai Sornchamni said about one million elderly Thais were bed-bound. 

“To improve the quality of their lives, the government has this year approved an additional budget of Bt600 million for the development of a long-term care system,” he said. 

Chuchai said the budget would be distributed to various local bodies to develop caregivers and extra health services for elderly and bed-bound patients. “Over the next three to five years, we will also increase the cash to cover more beneficiaries,” he said.