The objective of this study was to explore the situation of older persons regarding access to social services. This study focused on older persons who living alone or households whose members are all elderly.
The research employed mixed methods which were obtained from the National Statistical Office. The qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews to support the quantitative results.
Results showed that the proportion of households that are inhabited by only older persons in Thailand has been increasing rapidly, from 3.4% in 1990 to five times that level by 2020. What is most alarming is that the proportion of households in which the only inhabitant was an older man or woman increased from 1.3% to 7.2% between 1990 and 2020.
In terms of psycho-social status, the older persons were aware of their vulnerability by living alone, and they fear having a life-threatening accident or dying alone. Those older persons who are active persons expressed the need for the government to support appropriate occupations and activities. In addition, older persons are inequalities to access social security affecting inaccessible the welfare state.
Thus, community-based services are the most important to give more emphasis on outreach and community-based support closer to the home of older persons. The community or neighborhood needs to be more active in organizing social services and care within and by the community. The goal is to help people remain in familiar domiciles and surroundings for as long as possible while maintaining the quality of life.

Authors:
Kanchana Thianlai, Institute for Population and Social Research (IPSR), Thailand
Sutthida Chuanwan, Institute for Population and Social Research (IPSR), Mahidol University, Thailand
Pannawat Thuenklin, Institute for Population and Social Research (IPSR), Mahidol University, Thailand

About the Presenter(s)
Ms.Kanchana is a senior professional-level researcher at IPSR, Mahidol University. Her research focuses primarily on aging, health care, and living arrangements issues. She holds a Master’s degree in Population and Social Research from MU.

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