Thailand Must Prioritise Elderly in Smart City Planning, Say Experts

[snoop1130]

 

Chulalongkorn University academics are urging Thailand to prioritise the elderly as the nation transitions towards a super-aged society by 2033. In collaboration with the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), they highlighted this necessity at a recent MoU signing on 'Lifelong Learning Ecosystem for Smart City Development'.

 

Thailand is poised to become a super-aged society, where one in four residents will be elderly by 2033. Addressing this demographic shift, Trirat Jarutach, Head of Chulalongkorn University's Center of Excellence in Universal Design, emphasised the need for urban planning that caters specifically to older residents. He pointed out that only 40% of hospitals have facilities to support the elderly, with other essential public spaces also lacking adequate infrastructure.

 

Jarutach underscored the urgency of this issue, stating, "Approximately 5.5 million elderly Thais experience falls at home annually, resulting in around 1,000 deaths." These statistics demonstrate the critical necessity for systems that support the safety and livelihoods of older individuals. He suggested that integrating smart city technology could be a viable solution, as many older Thais are already adept at using smartphones and digital tools.

 

 

 

 

Passakorn Prathombutr, Executive Vice President of DEPA, echoed these sentiments. He stressed the importance of smart living integrated with a smart environment, governance, mobility, energy, economy, and people. "Developing a smart city requires a clear, data-driven vision centred around the needs of citizens," Passakorn stated. He also highlighted the need to boost digital literacy to protect against scams and provide essential upskilling opportunities.

 

As Thailand advances towards becoming a super-aged society, the emphasis on creating inclusive and accessible smart cities grows increasingly vital. By focusing on the specific needs of the elderly, urban areas can improve the quality of life for all residents, ensuring safer and more supportive environments for the growing older population.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-08-30

 

 

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[hotchilli]

Thailand will do what it's always done, forget the elderly, let then get by on their own... as for labour shortages that will be taken up by migration from nearby borders.

[Will B Good]

Thailand Must Prioritise Elderly in Smart City Planning............yes, but after politicians, hisos, elites, TV stars and pop stars........then the elderly.

[Stocky]

21 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

In collaboration with the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), they highlighted this necessity at a recent MoU signing on 'Lifelong Learning Ecosystem for Smart City Development'.

Who dreams up all this <deleted>? How does this help granny living in Nakhon Nowhere?

[Will B Good]

Just now, Stocky said:

Who dreams up all this <deleted>? How does this help granny living in Nakhon Nowhere?

 

 

Who?.....TAT have to have a hand in it somewhere.

[impulse]

Decent and affordable elder care could be an absolute goldmine for Thai "tourism". 

 

I put "tourism" in quotes because it wouldn't really be tourists.  More like foreign born residents spending their golden years (and sweaty cash) in Thailand, instead of in a dreary situation back home.