Source: Prof. Dr. Sutthichai Jitapankul          

          The average life expectancy for Thai men is approximately 80.3 years, while for Thai women it is 83.9 years. After retirement, men can live independently and move around conveniently. This period of independence lasts about 16.4 years after the age of 76.4, during which they may start needing a cane or a wheelchair, leading to some limitations in activities or requiring assistance for daily tasks. This phase typically lasts around 2.2 years, but accidents, such as slips and falls, can accelerate the onset of dependency, potentially resulting in disability, bed confinement, and the need for constant care, which may increase the risk of early death.

          Women tend to have a longer period of independent living than men, lasting about 18.2 years after the age of 78.2, followed by approximately 29 years of limited activities and another 2.6 years of dependency. This results in women having an average life expectancy that is 3.6 years longer than men, totaling 23.9 years. Factors such as self-care, diet, exercise, and, importantly, the environment play a crucial role in determining how quickly seniors may enter a state of dependency. Therefore, if seniors can

          extend... the period of independent living into their later years, both they and those around them will experience greater happiness. What does a suitable environment for seniors look like? 1. How does it help prolong the period of dependency?

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