"International Day of Older Persons" falls on October 1st every year, as designated by the United Nations. It was first established on October 1, 199

"International Day of Older Persons" falls on October 1st every year, as designated by the United Nations. It was first established on October 1, 1999. The United Nations defines an older person as someone aged 60 or older, regardless of gender, to highlight the value of older persons who have contributed to society in various ways from the past to the present. On October 1, 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated the theme for the International Day of Older Persons as "Take a Stand Against Ageism," emphasizing the importance and crucial roles of older individuals. In Thailand, the country began transitioning into an aging society in 2004 and is expected to become an aged society by 2024, just three years from now. Currently, Thailand is in the process of transitioning to a complete aged society, with data from the United Nations World Population Ageing indicating that, after 2009, the population of children and older persons exceeded the working-age population. In 2020, for the first time in history, the number of older persons surpassed that of children. This trend is a result of a rapidly declining fertility rate and a continuous decrease in the mortality rate, leading to a rapid increase in the number and proportion of older persons in Thailand. In 2014, there were 10,014,705 older persons, accounting for 14.9% of the population. Of these, 38.4% were still working. In 2015, 15.6% of the Thai population were older persons, with 37.3% of them still actively contributing to the countrys economy. However, some older persons who perceive themselves as burdens to others may feel that their lives lack value, putting them at risk of depression and social isolation. Research shows that older persons with negative attitudes toward aging have a life expectancy that is 7.5 years shorter than those with positive attitudes. Providing opportunities for older persons to work helps them feel valued, remain productive, and experience happiness. The global population of older persons continues to increase each year. The United Nations predicts that by 2025, there will be 1.2 billion people aged 60 or older worldwide, and by 2050, nearly 2 billion. Therefore, International Day of Older Persons is an important day to celebrate older individuals contributions to society and to raise awareness of the beauty and goodness they have brought to society throughout history. Around the world, many countries place great importance on the elderly and have designated days to celebrate and honor them. For example, the United States and Canada have "National Grandparents Day," while Japan celebrates "Respect for the Aged Day" on the third Monday of September each year. In Thailand, April 13, which coincides with Songkran (Thai New Year), is designated as National Older Persons Day. Another symbol associated with older persons is the "dok lamduan" flower, which represents them. The dok lamduan, or Melodorum fruticosum Lour, is a native Thai plant found in the gardens of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit of the Ninth Reign. It provides shade and has evergreen leaves, as well as fragrant yellow flowers that are durable and do not easily fall. It symbolizes older individuals who are wise, virtuous, and enduring, setting an example for future generations. Now that we understand the importance of International Day of Older Persons, let us reflect on whether we are showing enough care and respect for older persons. Dont wait! Express your gratitude and respect to them immediately, not just today but every day. Source: Daily News, October 1, 2021.

Taking care of the elderly requires compassion, patience, and attention to their physical, emotional, and social needs. Here are some important steps

Taking care of the elderly requires compassion, patience, and attention to their physical, emotional, and social needs. Here are some important steps to consider: 1. Safety and Comfort: 1.1 Ensure their living environment is safe, clutter-free, and easily accessible. 1.2 Install grab bars, non-slip mats, and proper lighting to prevent falls. 1.3 Provide comfortable bedding and appropriate clothing for different weather conditions. 2. Healthcare: 2.1 Schedule regular medical check-ups and screenings. 2.2 Keep track of their medications and ensure they are taken as prescribed. 2.3 Assist with mobility aids like walkers, canes, or wheelchairs as needed. 2.4 Encourage a balanced diet and stay hydrated. Address any dietary restrictions or health conditions. 3. Emotional Support: 3.1 Spend quality time with them to alleviate feelings of loneliness. 3.2 Engage in activities they enjoy, such as reading, watching movies, or playing games. 3.3 Listen actively and encourage them to share their thoughts and concerns.

During the joyful family moments, if you want to take the elderly members of your household out to open their eyes and ears to the outside world, what

During the joyful family moments, if you want to take the elderly members of your household out to open their eyes and ears to the outside world, what would be the best way to plan a trip that will please the main elders and allow the entire family to enjoy together? Lets explore how to take the elderly members of our household on a trip that will bring them happiness. 1. Pilgrimage tourism When it comes to choosing travel destinations for elderly individuals, pilgrimage tourism is undoubtedly a popular option. Visiting temples and paying respects to sacred sites is favored for its serene and relaxing ambiance, making it an ideal place for leisurely relaxation. The act of making wishes and seeking blessings from deities contributes to enriching ones life. Moreover, nowadays, there are numerous exquisitely designed temples, particularly in Bangkok, such as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and Wat Ratchabophit. These temples, located in the heart of Bangkok and its surrounding areas, offer an abundance of beauty and cultural significance. Additionally, well-known temples in various provinces showcase unique architectural styles, allowing elderly individuals to appreciate the aesthetic beauty and find contentment in their journey, combining both spiritual merit and joyous experiences. 2. Exploring the nostalgic past and reliving memorable moments from the past. Adults or seniors may want to take a trip down memory lane, revisiting the past and reminiscing about bygone days. They may wish to relive cherished memories from earlier times by visiting historical places, such as ancient palaces, valuable architectural landmarks in Bangkok, Chinatown, or nearby provinces. These places still uphold their original traditions, like old townhouses, traditional markets, or historic buildings in the Phra Nakhon district or ancient communities in Yaowarat. Exploring the various vintage markets across Thailand, such as the Amphawa Floating Market, Khlong Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, or the 100-year-old Sam Chuk Market, offers the opportunity to evoke memories of the past. This allows individuals to rekindle the happiness and nostalgia of yesteryears, bringing back a sense of freshness and joy. 3. Relax and unwind with nature while traveling. Explore simple and uncomplicated travel destinations, embracing a slow-paced lifestyle as you immerse yourself in nature. Breathe in the pure air amidst lush green mountains, vibrant blossoms, and a clear blue sky that adds a refreshing touch. Alternatively, indulge in the vast expanse of the deep blue sea, offering a serene backdrop for leisurely walks and joyful relaxation. This is your time to unwind, fully immersed in the beauty of nature, without any disruptions. Return home refreshed and rejuvenated, having experienced a truly invigorating and undisturbed getaway. 4. Embark on a culinary journey to discover delicious and nutritious delicacies. Traditional meals, whether enjoyed at home or anywhere else on a daily basis, might become monotonous for the elderly. To prevent boredom, taking them out to explore and indulge in delicious cuisine, sharing the experience with family or friends, can be a great idea. Opting for new and diverse menu options allows them to savor different flavors and styles, such as ancient recipes, local dishes like Northern or Northeastern Thai cuisine, or even international fare. However, its important to consider whether the chosen menu is suitable for the elderly, ensuring its not too spicy, overly strong in taste, causing digestive issues, or negatively impacting their health. By doing so, the dining experience can be greatly enhanced, and they can find more joy in their meals.

What nutrients should the elderly receive daily?

What nutrients should the elderly receive daily? According to WHO data, typically, older adults should not consume more than 1,850 calories per day for females and not exceed 2,250 calories per day for males. These values vary depending on daily activities and individual needs. Protein: Older adults should consume protein levels similar to those of young adults, which is around 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight, derived from both plant and animal sources. Fat: Fat is a nutrient that needs to be monitored, as it can contribute to elevated cholesterol levels. Therefore, older adults should not consume fat exceeding 30% of total energy intake. Carbohydrates: Suitable carbohydrate intake for the elderly should not exceed 55% of total energy intake and should mainly come from complex carbohydrates derived from whole grains and brown rice. Vitamins and Minerals: Vitamins and minerals are essential nutrients for the elderly. If its not possible to obtain a complete range of vitamins from food, dietary supplements are considered important aids for older adults. Dietary supplements for the elderly that can help provide additional nutrients on a daily basis. - Immune-boosting dietary supplements Because the immune system in the elderly tends to weaken compared to before, older adults often require dietary supplements to help boost their immune system so that it can function more effectively. These supplements are composed of various nutritious components that play a significant role. These various nutrients enhance the efficiency of white blood cells, enabling the body to better combat viruses, diseases, and various bacteria. Additionally, they also contribute to providing the body with nutrients such as Zinc, Vitamin E, and amino acids. - Vitamin C dietary supplement In the case of Vitamin C itself, it is another essential vitamin for the body that is no less important than other vitamins. However, since our bodies cannot produce or generate Vitamin C on their own, it must be obtained through consumption. For the elderly, it is recommended to intake Vitamin C that is low in acidity and does not irritate the stomach. This helps nourish the body, keeping it far from various diseases and conditions. Whether its preventing the common cold, protecting against bleeding gums, boosting the immune system, preventing cholesterol buildup in blood vessels, or aiding in the repair of damaged tissues, providing Vitamin C is another dietary supplement for the elderly that should be taken in conjunction with other nutrients or separately to enhance the bodys Vitamin C levels. - Dietary supplements that take care of knee health in the elderly. One of the common health issues frequently encountered in the elderly is related to knee and joint problems throughout the body. This is largely because as one ages, the bodys ability to repair soft cartilage around the joints doesnt keep up with the wear and tear, resulting in many older individuals in Thailand facing issues such as deteriorating or inflamed knees. Dietary supplements for the elderly, which are essential for knee health, are thus one of the solutions to reducing knee degeneration. These supplements stimulate the production of Type 2 collagen, enhancing joint lubrication and promoting the generation of Hyaluronic acid, which helps cushion joint impact and minimize narrowing of the knee joint space.

"Gold" Application for Thai Elderly Care You can download the "Gold by DOP"

"Gold" Application for Thai Elderly Care You can download the "Gold by DOP" application by scanning the QR code. "Gold" is an application designed to prepare and enhance readiness for entering the elderly phase of life. It promotes understanding of daily life (Lifestyle) for caregivers of the elderly and those interested. Users can track situations, news, informative content, laws, various activities, as well as access rights and benefits anytime, anywhere. Moreover, it allows users to request emergency assistance promptly. Features: Apply for and track the status of current and past entitlement requests and benefits. Update news and informative content, such as professions and employment, health, and lifestyle. Enhance legal understanding through infographic data representation. Track interesting statistics for the elderly, such as diseases to be cautious about. Call for emergency assistance through the hotline.

The Ministry of Public Health has announced the implementation of laws to regulate the elderly care business

The Ministry of Public Health has announced the implementation of laws to regulate the elderly care business, which will come into effect on January 27, 2564. The Ministry emphasizes that all new business operators must seek permission before commencing operations. Additionally, individuals involved in the operation, provision of services, or employment must undergo training and pass an examination to obtain a license from the Department of Older Persons (DOP) and register as service providers before starting their work. These regulations will be enforced starting from January 27, 2564. Thailand is poised to fully embrace an aging society in the year 2564, with approximately 3,000 establishments currently involved in elderly care or care for individuals with disabilities, such as nursing homes, senior care centers, and geriatric hospitals. These establishments must adhere to standards in terms of facilities, services, and safety. Therefore, the Ministry of Public Health has issued ministerial regulations for the operation of elderly care or disability care businesses in accordance with the Health Establishment Act, B.E. 2559, Section 3(3). New business operators are required to seek permission before commencing operations. Operators must undergo training, pass an examination, and obtain a license from the Department of Health Service Support (DHSS). All service providers or employees tasked with elderly care duties must also undergo training from DHSS-certified courses, and they must register as service providers before commencing their work. These regulations will be enforced starting from January 27, 2564. In this regard, business operators engaged in elderly care or care for individuals with disabilities, as well as employees in this profession, are required to apply for a business operation license, an operators license, and registration as service providers at the One-Stop Service Center of the Department of Health Service Support (DHSS), located at the Ministry of Public Health, 8 Sathorn Sukhumvit Road, Talat Kwan Subdistrict, Mueang District, Nonthaburi Province. For regional inquiries, please contact the Health Service Support Center 1-12 or visit the website www.esta.hss.moph.go.th. Additional information can be obtained through the HOT LINE 1426 (toll-free from all networks during official working days and hours). Source:  https://www.thaigov.go.th/news/contents/details/38642

Moderna or Pfizer? One COVID Shot May Be Safer for Older Adults

Moderna or Pfizer? One COVID Shot May Be Safer for Older Adults By Cara Murez HealthDay Reporter       THURSDAY, Aug. 3, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- While both the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines are considered safe and highly effective, new research finds the Moderna shot has been the safest and most effective for seniors. “The results of this study can help public health experts weigh which mRNA vaccine might be preferred for older adults and older subgroups, such as those with increased frailty,” said lead study author Daniel Harris. He is an epidemiologist and research scientist in the Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research at Brown Universitys School of Public Health, in Providence, R.I. Researchers compared the two vaccines head-to-head in more than 6 million older adults included in the study.