Key Challenges and Strategic Applications of Elderly Care Innovation in Thailand

Abstract

Thailand is rapidly transitioning into a super-aged society, with projections indicating that more than 28% of the population will be aged 60 or older by 2031. Currently, the country ranks among the fastest-aging nations in the world. Of its approximately 67 million people, about 12 million are aged 60 and older. This demographic shift poses significant challenges for the country’s healthcare, social, and economic systems. In response, various innovations in elderly care, from digital health solutions to community-based interventions, are being developed to support the aging population. This study aims to identify the key challenges in Thailand’s elderly care system, review current innovations, and propose strategies for implementing elderly care innovations tailored to the country’s socio-economic and cultural context. A narrative review was conducted using sources from Google Scholar, PubMed, and ThaiJo between 2010 and 2023, including both English and Thai literature. The selected academic articles and policy reports and research studies were thematically analyzed and synthesized in line with the study's objectives.
Thailand’s elderly care system faces persistent challenges, including caregiver shortages, financial insecurity, and low digital literacy among older adults. Although innovations such as telehealth platforms, smart home systems, and community-based care models have been developed, their implementation remains fragmented. Key barriers include insufficient digital infrastructure, cultural preferences for family-based care, and the lack of interoperability across health systems. Lessons from Japan, South Korea, and Singapore highlight the importance of structured financing, comprehensive caregiver training, and user-centered design in scaling innovation sustainably.
In conclusion, strengthening elderly care innovation in Thailand requires a context-sensitive and inclusive approach that integrates technology with human-centered services, community participation, and intersectoral collaboration. Priority should be given to digital literacy enhancement, equitable access, and continuous monitoring to ensure sustainable, high-quality care for Thailand’s rapidly aging population.