Imagine a golden age in the Land of Smiles, where longevity isn’t just a dream, but an everyday reality. In Thailand, this scenario isn’t a page from a sci-fi novel – it’s the future unfolding before our eyes as the nation gracefully transitions into an aged society. A staggering 20% and counting of the Thai population are enjoying their sixth decade of life and beyond, painting the demographic landscape with wisdom and experience.
In the bustling heart of Bangkok, a press conference unfurls like a blooming lotus. The ever-dynamic Deputy Dean of Siriraj’s Medical Services Mission, Visit Vamvanij, alongside a consortium of gastronomical giants known as Minor Food, stands before an eager audience. They unravel their bold roadmap for the geriatric renaissance, announcing a beacon of hope – the Siriraj Academic Centre of Geriatric Medicine. Here, in the tranquil corners of Samut Sakhon province, nine verdant acres destined for a noble cause await their calling.
Visit paints a picture of a nation on the brink of becoming ‘super-aged.’ According to his forecasts, by the turn of the next decade, over 28% of the population would be classified as elderly. The narrative, however, boasts a twist. While the prospect of a lengthy life is appealing, the true measure of such abundance is predicated on the health that accompanies it.
January will whisper tales of a soft opening, teasing what’s to come. And by mid-2024, the full spectrum of marvels within the Centre’s first phase will be unveiled. This isn’t just another clinic; it’s a sanctum where ancient souls convalescing from life’s harsh ballet will be cradled in the expertise of devoted doctors, nurses, and state-of-the-art machinery.
The reality is sobering: Up to 30% of geriatric patients revisiting the throes of the hospital within a fortnight is an unwelcome statistic. Siriraj’s comprehensive database whispers this truth—a testament to the desperate need for continuous, specialized care. This is particularly true for those navigating the aftermath of shattered bones or the labyrinth of post-stroke recovery, whose paths back to their previous lively routines are fraught with perils.
The establishment of the Siriraj Centre of Geriatric Medicine isn’t just about keeping the specter of decline at bay; it’s about rewriting the narrative for Thailand’s elders. They, too, deserve a tapestry of wellness and independence, untethered from being perceived as burdens to their loved ones.
Geared up with an intermediate care model, this Centre is set to become a launchpad for renewed vitality post-hospitalization. Picture a place humming with the synergy of medical virtuosos and a multidisciplinary dream team, all to shepherd our beloved elders back to the bosom of their communities with newfound strength.
As the horizon of the second phase beckons, it promises an odyssey into proactive health screening and wellness check-ups, casting a protective net over those teetering on the edge of their golden years—the 50 to 59-years young, prepping for their grand entry into the esteemed elderly society.
There’s even talk of an academy for caregivers—a crucible of knowledge and compassion where the art of elderly care will be imparted to the willing hearts and hands that yearn to provide respite and solace.
Prof Emeritus Udom Kachintorn, a luminary at the Siriraj Foundation, sheds light on an upward spiral of elderly needing post-acute care’s nurturing embrace. The slow dance of recovery for the aged differs from the youthful quickstep, he insists, stressing the extended choreography required for seniors to regain their autonomy.
With a budget echoing the magnitude of the project—3 billion baht and counting—every baht brings them closer to the dream. The next slice of the financial pie, a mere 2.2 billion baht, now seeks the warm embrace of public support for the finale of construction and future assurances.
Lending muscle to the monetary marathon is The Minor Food Group through their #MinorCares crusade. Their COO, Thunyachate Ekvetchavit, presents a simple yet potent recipe: savor a meal from The Pizza Company, Sizzler, or any of the ten delectable brands under their umbrella, and voila—a portion transforms into philanthropy for the Siriraj Foundation.
Yet, for those with a penchant for direct action, QR Payments stand vigilant—a beacon of convenience in branches and bubbling across social media, waiting for a tap to turn empathy into empowerment.
A nation’s heart throbs with the anticipation of cultivating a high-caliber elderly society. According to Visit, Siriraj’s deputy dean, the establishment of their Geriatric Medicine Centre is but the first stroke in the masterpiece that is Thailand’s healthcare preparedness.
With visions of a community where age is synonymous with quality and the ‘Minor Care’ campaign is a clarion call to action, we stand ready to weave the tapestry of a sustainable, vibrant elderly community, where every sunset promises the dawn of an even brighter day.
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