Wimut-Teptarin Hospital is contributing to building resilience in the aging society by expanding the Smile Silver Society initiative with the launch of “Club 60⁺: No Loneliness, We Are Strong,” a space for the elderly that promotes holistic health care for body, mind, and community through workshops and activities based on the principles of 3 A's and 1 K. The aim is to create role models among the elderly who can share the power of happiness and good health with society.

Professor Emeritus Dr. Thep Himathongkham, an endocrinologist and founder of Teptarin Hospital, stated that Thailand has fully entered an aging society, with over 20% of the population aged 60 and above. Meanwhile, the number of children and working-age individuals is steadily declining. If the demographic structure of Thailand continues in this manner, the country may soon become a “super-aged society” when the population aged 60 and above exceeds 28% of the total population. This figure highlights the importance of ensuring a quality life during retirement in terms of physical health, mental well-being, and social participation.

“The key challenge during retirement is not just to extend lifespan but to ensure a good quality of life every day. With the expertise of Wimut-Teptarin Hospital, which focuses not only on treating diseases but also on encouraging lifestyle changes to prevent illness rather than waiting to treat it when sick, we initiated a social project called Smile Silver Society, supported by the Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth). We have launched Club 60⁺: No Loneliness, We Are Strong as a community for the elderly, providing opportunities for them to engage in activities that promote physical and mental health, making their later years more valuable, meaningful, and secure, with the collaboration of the medical team from Wimut-Teptarin Hospital and health networks,” said Professor Emeritus Dr. Thep.

Activities of Club 60⁺: No Loneliness, We Are Strong will be organized under the concept of 3 A's and 1 K, which is the main principle of the Smile Silver Society project, including Food to help the elderly understand appropriate dietary choices, Emotions to care for mental health, reduce stress, and loneliness, Exercise to encourage appropriate movement for their age, and Knowledge to enhance health knowledge and self-care, such as organic gardening, applied dance, karaoke, and creative workshops that stimulate the brain, create smiles, and foster social relationships among members. These activities will take place both at Wimut-Teptarin Hospital and off-site.

“The ultimate goal of the Smile Silver Society project and Club 60⁺: No Loneliness, We Are Strong is to create a model center for elderly care and to develop role models among the elderly who possess health knowledge, strong bodies, and cheerful minds, to lead the way in sharing knowledge and health care with elderly individuals in other communities. This is a way to expand a society of happiness that is strong and sustainable. Thus, this club is not just a short-term activity but a small community that supports both the physical and mental health of the elderly together,” said Professor Emeritus Dr. Thep.

Those interested in joining the project can find more details at http://silversocietyclub.com/