THURSDAY, March 28, 2024
nationthailand

Our ageing society will need strong family bonds

Our ageing society will need strong family bonds

Government and business are beginning to prepare for dramatic demographic shift, but every mum and dad has a role to play 

Expressway commuters in Bangkok are lately seeing another huge billboard advertising a home for retirees. It’s a rising trend in the real-estate business, and we’ll be seeing much more of same as the bulk of the Thai population ages. The only upside to the phenomenon known as “ageing societies” is that Thailand isn’t facing the challenges it poses alone. A vast share of resources is being mobilised around the globe in an effort to manage the daunting inevitability of populations gradually greying.
In less than 20 years, the number of Thais age 65 years or older is expected to account for more than 20 per cent of the population. By international custom, people in this age group are referred to as “senior citizens”, and when the senior population exceeds 7 per cent of the whole, a society is considered “ageing”. Governments and social workers begin encountering significant difficulties when the number rises above 20 per cent. Japan – at present the country hardest hit by the dramatic demographic shift – has topped 25 per cent.
In today’s Thailand, longer life spans mean the number of elderly is steadily growing. Coupled with a declining birth rate, from five children per parent 40 years ago to less than 1.5 now, we too are set to adopt the label “ageing society”. But the situation is being increasingly recognised in both business and political circles.
On store shelves now are more and more brands of adult diapers and other products designed to make older people’s lives more convenient and tolerable. The country’s oldest political party celebrated its recent birthday by vowing to tackle the economic slowdown, income disparity – and issues stemming from the ageing population. The first two items targeted by the Democrat Party were familiar enough in Thai political talk, but not the third.
It is comforting that the private and public sectors seem to be adapting in preparation for what promises to be a drastic change in our society. The ageing population forces civil servants and retailers alike to rethink and innovate. As well as different kinds of personal products and services, we’ll need changes in public transport, housing, healthcare, labour and employment benefits and education. Businesspeople and politicians will need to broaden their vision and ensure that the policies and programmes they implement are effective and comprehensive. Several neighbouring countries are pondering a hike in the retirement age, incentives for couples with children and assistance for families with elderly members.
Retirement homes for retirees are a relatively new area for property developers, and there are several intriguing approaches to consider. One residential compound in China has facilities and events that keep older and younger people constantly mingling and encourages families to continue living together.
Family relations differ considerably from East to West, even if the differences are shrinking lately. But, no matter what the social norms, there is global interest in instilling in youngsters more love for the elderly and abiding respect. Children’s strong bonds with their grandparents represent an important key to dealing with the challenges of ageing societies. Family bonds in general will be a crucial factor. No matter how well government and businesses prepare, everyone needs to adopt the right social mindset so we can manage the situation together.

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