Govt to push ‘active ageing’ plan
Reporting on the recent National Elderly Person Committee Meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Jurin Laksanawisit, deputy government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek said on Monday that the number of elderly persons, defined as those over the age of 60, as of 2018 stood at 12 million or 18 per cent of total population.
“Most of those aged between 60 and 64 are still in good health and capable of working,” she said. “However, up to 41 per cent of them are unemployed or have voluntarily stopped working, meaning that they now have an inactive lifestyle. Furthermore, statistics show that many Thai people are entering old age without proper preparation.”
With the government pushing the aging society issue as a national agenda item, the meeting agreed to promote the “active aging” plan, which focuses on providing and upgrading vocational skills for the elderly as well as designing jobs suitable for them and which help promote the ageing lifestyle. “The plan also urges employers to hire more elderly staff by providing benefits, as well as encouraging seniors to sign up for the National Savings Fund (NSF) to promote sustainable financial management in old age,” she said.
Ratchada added that the Deputy PM had agreed to push the 3-year elderly person operational plan (2020-2022) which highlights adequate preparation for old age, promotion of elderly person’s careers, and development of professional carers. “The plan will be driven at both regional and community levels to make sure that no elderly person is left behind,” said Jurin. “The government firmly believes that older Thais have an important role to play in driving society forward.”