Bangkok to prepare for the rising number of elderly population
Bangkok to prepare for the rising number of elderly population
Bangkok, 27 April 2010 (NNT) – Following the pattern of global population trend, Thailand as well as many other Asian countries have moved towards fewer young people and more senior people, as academic research indicates that the number of elderly in the country will rise dramatically.
Chulalongkorn University economist, Dr. Worawet Suwanrada stated that Thailand is facing serious demographic changes as the percentage of the elderly population , 60 years of age and older, is increasing gradually and will exceed 20% of the total population in 2023. He added in 2009 there were at least 140,000 dependent elderly in the country which were considered to be a very large number. Dr. Worawet further revealed that family, especially children, was still the most important source of financial support and security for these old people.
Meanwhile, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Bangkok, Dr. Pirapong Saicheua explained that currently the Thai government had prepared a range of programs as a part of social safety net to guarantee a certain income level in old-age. He disclosed that among employed persons, approximately one-third of them had been financially insured in the old-age. As a result, government is now trying to provide more sufficient income of Social Security Fund and Government Pension Fund to assist these people.
Dr. Pirapong further noted that more infrastructures and green areas would be expanded throughout the city. More hospitals and medical centers will be established to provide a better quality of life for elderly people. He added that Bangkok as well as the rest of the country were doing their best to prepare for this coming issue.
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Posted by Siam Daily News
on Apr 30 2010. Filed under Social Affairs.
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