People of both school and working age hold positive attitudes towards the young and the elderly, research has found - and in particular younger generations disagree strongly that the elderly are boring, a burden to their families, and should stay in oldpeoples' homes The elderly, on the other hand, obtain their most happiness from visits by their offspring.
The findings by researcher Kanchana Tangchontip of the Institute for Population and Social Research at Mahidol University, were presented at the annual conference entitled " Value of the Elderly from the Eyes of Thai Society."
Kanchana interviewed 614 respondents of school and working age in Bangkok and nearby provinces
and said the findings demonstrated both generations held positive attitudes towards the young and elderly. It also showed they think the experience of the elderly is valuable, especially towards the value of hardearned money. In return, the elderly get great happiness from the visits of their offspring on special occasions.
The study also found that students in a higher socioeconomic status are more likely to hold positive attitudes toward elderly, but there is no similar relationship among the workingage population.
Another study entitled "The Economic Value of Thai Elderly," presented by Kusol Soonthorndha of the Institute for Population and Social Research, showed that more and more elderly people are working because they need the income to reduce their poverty and not be a burden on their children. At the same time they want to lower the demands on public finances, reducing the age dependency ration and raising their personal dignity.
The study found factors that influence their continued participation in the work force are education, no source of income from pensions, children, debt, demands of daily living and chronic illness.
Kusol said personal and contractual savings from older people are a major contributuion towards the national income and increased economic growth.
In a bid to reduce the elderly dependency ratio and burden on the government from elderly welfare, a study conducted by Pramote Prasartkul has suggested Thailand redefine the minimum age of people called "elderly" from 60 to 65, as Thais today live longer and are much healthier.
At present, Thai law defines an elderly person as aged 60 years and over, based on the number of calendar years a person has been living. But life expectancy has increased from 58 years, a half century ago, to 73 years today.
Thai people aged 65 today have an average life expectancy of 17 more years, which is equal to those of people aged 60 a half century ago.
"If this new definition is used, the ratio of elderly in 2010 will be 8 percent of the total population, increasing to 11 per cent within the next 10 years.
The number of elderly, both at present and in the future, will be much smaller, reducing the elderly dependency ratio and burden the government has to shoulder for elderly welfare.
However, Kritaya Archavanitkul, Deputy Director of Institute for Population and Social Research, said changing the minimum age for people to be called "elderly" from 60 to 65 would affect many elderly who are currently receiving pensions and other social welfare from the government.
Revision of the term elderly must be accomplished under the 2003 Elderly Act by the House of Representatives. The attempt by the government must be made as it would affect voters directly, she said.