How two retired Thais have reinvented their lifestyles

AS THAIS look forward to a much longer life span, they should take steps to ensure that they can enjoy a good quality of life in their retirement. 
Narong Tiemmek is 72 years old and still going strong. In his retirement, Narong relishes reading books, hanging out with people his age to do various activities, and working out. 
“I am a member of a senior-citizen club. We have had many activities to do,” he said.
Being a former vice president of Mooban Chombueng Rajabhat University in Ratchaburi province and initiator of the Chombueng Marathon, Narong has been an inspiring figure. 
In his 70s, he keeps a healthy and fruitful lifestyle. Due to regular exercise, he has been in good health. He has had no problems with blood pressure, heart function, or diabetes. He has also found peace and wider perspectives from his favourite sport – running. 
“When I jog alone, I spend time with myself. I am conscious of my every move. I enjoy concentration. Running or jogging is good for me, both physically and spiritually,” Narong said.
When he started marathon running, he met a huge crowd of runners from a wide range of age groups and backgrounds. Interaction with them has expanded his horizons. 
“Running gives me a new life. It has short-term, medium-term and long-term benefits,” he said. 
On a short run (of at least 40 minutes), running helps release endorphins in his body, relieving stress and increasing happiness. On a “medium” run, his body grows stronger and allows him to work with greater efficiency. And on a long run, of many kilometres, he can avoid health problems too. 
“That’s how I can be a senior citizen enjoying a good quality of life,” Narong said. 

Seeing the world
Kanjana Panthutaecha has become a famous backpacker and blogger in her 60s, setting an example for many other Thais. She tells inspiring stories on social media and shares her views through many media interviews. She believes that senior citizens should not just spend time at home “withering” their days away. 
Aged 64, she has celebrated life after retirement with many journeys to destinations, both domestic and overseas, which she finds appealing. 
Married with two grown-up children, she has found happiness in researching information on interesting places, planning trips and exploring the world. 
“It’s better to go out and see the big world, than living a dull life,” she said in one interview. “I know people would be worried about their safety when they go out in unfamiliar places. I am worried too but that makes me plan well and take precautions. There is a way to travel safely and happily.” 
Instead of staying at home, she has stepped out of the box and travelled extensively, sometimes with a companion or two, and sometimes alone. 
Narong and Kanjana have become new role models for Thailand’s greying population. The typical view that elderly people should be devoted grandparents who only stay at home is now eroding. 
The government is busy trying to empower and energise elderly Thais. Across the county, about 45 schools have been set up with a mission to keep the elderly happy, healthy and financially independent. 
In Kanchanaburi’s Tha Maka district, the Elderly School of Tambon Nong Larn Administrative Organisation conducts classes every other Wednesday for 140 senior citizens. At the classes, older citizens meet with people their own age and learn useful things to enhance their lives. 
There are classes about morality, civic duties, nutrition, local wisdom (such as traditional Thai medicine), healthcare, and vocational skills, plus recreational activities. The school has also organised teacher visits and educational trips. 
“We focus on teaching what the elderly will need for their life and their good health. We also focus on responding to the individual needs of the elderly,” Naratip Suparan, a deputy mayor of the Tambon Nong Larn Administrative Organisation and its elderly school’s deputy director, said. 

# This is the second part of a series on elderly Thais’ livelihoods to mark National Elderly Day today.