New university scheme emboldens elderly
Thammasat University (TU) has launched a programme for the elderly in response to the onset of the country’s transition into an ageing society.
Supachai Srisuchart, director of the Institute for Continuing Education and Human Resources, said yesterday the curriculum would zero in on practical skills in a bid to boost both physical and mental health among the retired.
He was speaking during a press conference on the inauguration of the programme at the university’s Tha Prachan campus yesterday.
Mr Supachai said both theory and fieldwork would be incorporated into the curriculum which is separated into three categories.
The first will focus on health knowledge such as nutrition, physical therapy and dental care.
The second would see classes in the current social and economic situation and involve the use of modern technology.
While the last would prioritise vocational skills such as cooking and also incorporate recreational activities and excursions.
All of them will be delivered through various courses such as communication, law, social benefits, the truth of the dharma and a simple life, a living philosophy initiated by the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, he added.
Mr Supachai said that the number of older people in Thailand has climbed to nearly 10 million this year, or around 16% of the total population. This number will also continue to surge over the coming years.
People of retirement age are susceptible to depression and physical injuries due to slips and falls, especially if they don’t have nearby family members to help to support them, he said.
Ch alie Char o en larpn opp arut,v ice rector for TU’s academic affairs, said a re-training course, called Genex-Academy, would also be launched to provide vocational skills for older people.
The programme, also available online, will be implemented in response to the demands of the labour market in compliance with the government’s national strategy.
Surapha Thamma samkheethi, a 75-yearold woman who has enrolled in the school, said the courses had helped her physical and emotional health and had given her practical skills and new leisure activities.