Time Bank project offers riches for ageing Thailand 

Re: “Seniors benefiting from ‘Time Bank’ helpers”, Around Thailand, November 19.
I praise the government’s Department of Older Persons for setting up the “Time Bank” project, which could benefit generations of home-bound senior citizens as our society ages.
Individual volunteers earn one point for every hour of service, to be redeemed for the same amount of assistance when they reach old age and are in need. The volunteers have to be in good health, be able to communicate with others, be caring and service-minded, and also have enough time to devote to their elderly charges.
They are assigned to chat and read to them, and accompany them outdoors. And now the Department is focusing on looking after ailing and bedridden older people.
The volunteers sacrifice their time to ensure that the elderly aren’t left alone and isolated.
The Time Bank thus contributes to creating a happier ageing society, reducing social problems and saving state budget.
Time is not the same as money, but it is a powerful thing that can change the lives of older members of our society for the better.
Sutipunt Bongsununt