2023-07-22 04:30:00
Title: Thailand Prepares for the Super-Aged Society: Recommendations for Elderly Healthcare
Subtitle: Vimut Hospital spearheads efforts to provide comprehensive care and support for Thailand’s aging population.
Introduction:
With Thailand steadily moving towards becoming a Super-Aged Society, it is crucial to prioritize the health of the elderly population. Statistics reveal that there are currently 12,698,362 elderly individuals aged 60 or over in Thailand, accounting for 19.21% of the total population. As the proportion of elderly individuals is expected to exceed 30% in the future, healthcare planning and preventive measures become vital to combat the risks associated with aging.
Preventing Diseases in the Elderly:
The elderly often face various health challenges due to natural wear and tear, hereditary factors, and lifestyle habits. Common diseases among this age group include musculoskeletal disorders, such as muscle atrophy, osteoporosis, and arteriosclerosis. Additionally, degenerative disorders like Parkinson’s disease and dementia, as well as cancer, heart disease, vision and hearing disorders, and depression, pose significant risks.
Importance of Health Check-ups:
Regular and accurate health check-ups play a pivotal role in ensuring the overall well-being of the elderly. By enabling thorough care from specialist doctors, these check-ups allow early detection and prevention of diseases. They also contribute to reducing medical expenses, minimizing loss, and enhancing the quality of life for both the elderly and their family members.
Recommended Check-up Plans for Men:
– Prostate: Regular screening to detect prostate cancer by checking prostate size and monitoring urinary symptoms.
– Intestines: Annual stool checks or colonoscopies every 10 years, especially for those with a family history of colon cancer.
– Tooth: Biannual dental check-ups for better oral health and an improved quality of life.
– Eye: Annual eye check-ups to prevent diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, and blurred vision.
– Bone Mass: Evaluation of bone condition, particularly for males over 70 years, to detect osteoporosis and joint deterioration.
Recommended Check-up Plans for Women:
– Breast: Regular breast cancer screenings every 1-2 years, along with monthly self-palpation for early symptom detection.
– Cervical: Annual cervical cancer screenings and the option to receive the HPV vaccine for prevention.
– Intestines: Similar to men, women should undergo annual stool checks or colonoscopies every 10 years.
– Tooth: Regular dental check-ups every 6 months for optimal oral health.
– Eye: Annual eye check-ups to prevent eye diseases, which can lead to accidents and impact quality of life.
– Bone Mass: Evaluation of skeletal condition, particularly for women aged 65 and over, to detect osteoporosis and joint deterioration.
Additional Recommended Check-ups for Both Genders:
– Cardiovascular Health: Regular tests for blood sugar, blood fat, coronary heart disease risk, and stroke screening.
– Internal System Work: Monitoring kidney, liver, lung, heart, musculoskeletal, and brain function to address potential health concerns.
Taking Care of Health and Building the Health Ecosystem:
Dr. Montarat Janethaveepornkul, a family physician specializing in Wimut Hospital, offers six essential tips for maintaining good health at any age. These tips include balanced nutrition, favorable living environments, regular exercise, emotional well-being, sufficient sleep, and annual health check-ups.
Dr. Somboon Tosaborworn, the Director of Vimut Hospital, emphasizes the importance of fostering a strong health ecosystem to support Thailand’s aging society. Vimut Hospital aims to provide holistic care through disease prevention, accurate diagnosis, follow-up care, and effective treatment. The hospital’s comprehensive approach includes setting up health clinics, rehabilitation centers, care centers, nursing homes, and home-based healthcare services.
Conclusion:
As Thailand progresses towards becoming a Super-Aged Society, prioritizing the health and well-being of the elderly is of utmost importance. Regular health check-ups, along with proper healthcare planning and preventive measures, can significantly enhance the quality of life for aging individuals. Vimut Hospital, with its comprehensive care strategies, is at the forefront, ensuring that Thailand’s elderly population receives the necessary support, treatment, and preventive services to navigate the challenges of aging successfully.]
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