The signs of ageing

Longevity is certainly a reason. In 323 BC, Alexander the Great died at the age of 33, like many men of the era who died at a young age. 

Still, the young population continued to grow rapidly then, as people married early and lived without contraceptives. That is something that won’t reoccur.

A UN report shows that Thailand’s ageing population, or those aged 60 and above, would hit 53.7 per cent in 2050 from 8.5 per cent in 2000. I doubt if that will come true. 

I don’t doubt the methodology of the report which was released in 2002, but I suspect the number could be higher due to changing environment.

Following the street shootings in 2010 that killed over 90 people, last week we saw the burning of a sala of a red-shirt village in the South. To me, it is a sign that political conflict is heading to the extreme, aside from heated parliamentary debates by the two arch-rival political parties. We all know that young people tend to commit most crimes. But in Thailand, those beyond “teen age” are also relentless in inflicting wounds, and our teens, absorbing these developments, could be inspired to be more selfish and violent. 

Yes, unhappy adults set a very good example. Why do teens need to care for the future, when they could end up being unhappy when they reach adulthood? Would that lead to more crimes? Would that lead to more loss of lives among teens and young adults? Does it surprise you that more and more are indulging in high-speed cars, despite the very low speed limit? 

If our young population indulges in more dangerous lifestyles, then the young population is set to fall faster, leaving only the elderly in society. That would only raise the percentage of the ageing population beyond the level estimated by the UN report. 

Likewise, when the report estimated that Syria’s ageing population would be 32.6 per cent in 2050 from 8.2 per cent in 2000, that could not be true as many, particularly young and adult, are involved in the civil war.

Wrinkles are the first signs of ageing, followed by crows-feet. Then, you lose the cognitive function and if unfortunate enough the ability to move parts of your body. Along the way, people develop the sense of belonging. The elderly tend to remember the old times well, yearn to hold back the time, and care less about new developments introduced by the young.

I witnessed this myself. Last week, The Nation’s staff was in a hectic mood, as they were moving to the new building. This introduces a big change, as the old office has existed for 21 years. Most importantly, they have to get rid of junks that have been stashed through the long period. Some looked passionately at the books they had never touched or seen it for at least five years. They could not decide whether to thrash them or keep them at home. Some happened to be passionate with the old office. They took last photos for the old time’s sake. The feeling was so immense that I was caught in that. It just reminded me that for the staff, mostly aged over 40, have developed the predominant habit of the elderly, in holding back the past and being reluctant to move on.

It is generally believed that there are three components of successful ageing: low probability of disease or disability; high cognitive and physical function capacity; and active engagement with life.

In this issue, The Nation may be full of dull reports. Please don’t be surprised. Briefly, our cognitive capacity was tainted while we lacked active engagement in life. It seems we just can’t cope with the ageing well enough. I wonder if it is the same at other organisations and other parts of Thailand.