Thai authorities take care elderly's quality of life

BANGKOK, November 22 (TNA) - Thailand's National Health Security Office (NHSO), under the Ministry of Public Health, has joined forces with the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security and other relevant agencies to implement measures to take care of the quality of life of the elderly. NHSO Deputy Secretary-General Dr. Prachakwit Lebnak and Social Development and Human Security Minister Police General Adul Saengsingkaew signed an agreement on the cooperation in Bangkok on November 21. Under the agreement, NHSO and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security will work together to develop the quality of life of the elderly in four comprehensive dimensions, including economic, social, health and environment aspects, to comply with the Thai government's 20-year national strategy. For the role of NHSO, it will fund local administrative organisations to promote good health, disease prevention, physical therapy and public health services for dependent elderly. Besides, NHSO will provide support for long-term care for dependent senior citizens, establish the quality of life development and revival centres for the elderly and persons with disabilities (PWDs). Meanwhile, the Cabinet has approved four measures to prepare Thailand for the aging society, including the hiring of senior citizens after their retirement, the construction of housing for the elderly, loans for senior citizens and the required employment savings for those who are not members of the Provident Fund. It is expected that senior citizens should make up of one-third of the total Thai population over the next 20 years. (TNA)