Ageing in place readiness in Thailand: urban and rural comparison

The concept of ageing in place is an important guideline for implementing support for an ageing society. This study examined the ageing index in place of residence in urban and rural areas at the national level.

Samples were Thai citizens age 60 years old and above by using national secondary data from the 2021 survey of the elderly population in Thailand. The Ageing in Place Index was calculated including 5 components (place, social networks, support, technology, personal characteristics).

The score for the Ageing in Place Index was higher in rural areas than in urban areas, at a high level (0.810) and at a moderate level (0.798) respectively. The indices for place and personal characteristics are at a moderate level, while the component for support, social networks, and technology are at a high level. The index score for social networks and technology is at a high level. The social networks index, with one sub-indicator being community participation, had a percentage score of 54.99% in rural areas, which is considered 'good,' compared to 46.70% in urban areas, which is considered 'fair.' Urban areas, however, had a technological readiness that is more suitable for ageing in place.

Thai older in rural areas can ageing in place better than their counterparts in urban areas. Therefore, the government should promote social participation policies for the older in urban areas, and technology for the older in rural areas. Overall, Thailand needs to ensure that there is a robust support system for ageing in place so that the older enjoy an optimal quality of life.