A new psychological study has found that feelings of loneliness lead to a significant rise in television viewing among older women, but not among their male counterparts — a finding that may help clarify gender differences in coping mechanisms during aging. The insight, most recently highlighted and discussed by PsyPost, resonates particularly as Thailand faces the challenges of a rapidly aging population and shifting family structures PsyPost Report.
As Thai society transitions to an “aging society”, with the proportion of people aged 60 and above set to comprise 30% of the population by 2035 according to the National Statistical Office of Thailand, understanding the differing ways in which older adults manage loneliness is crucial. The latest research puts a spotlight on the unique vulnerabilities experienced by older women, who are more likely to live alone due to greater life expectancies and often face reduced social support, especially in urban environments where extended family living arrangements are declining National Statistical Office and Bangkok Post coverage.
The study, which followed a significant number of older adults over time, revealed that women who reported feelings of loneliness were more likely to increase their daily television viewing hours, whereas similar associations were not observed in men. The researchers suggest that TV may serve as a form of social surrogacy or emotional comfort for older women, offering a sense of company or distraction from isolation. This aligns with international evidence that women are more likely to use passive media consumption as a substitute for social interaction, while men may resort to other coping mechanisms or remain less affected by social isolation in terms of their media choices.
Health officials with the Thai Ministry of Public Health, who monitor the mental well-being of senior citizens, express growing concern as excessive TV watching has links to a multitude of adverse outcomes, including reduced physical activity, greater risk of chronic disease, and worsened cognitive decline. “While TV can offer short-term solace, long periods of sedentary viewing amplify health risks and may even reinforce depressive symptoms,” a leading official from the department for elderly health noted in a telephone interview. This is echoed in research published in the Journal of Aging and Health which found a correlation between sedentary screen time and impaired physical function among Thai elderly, particularly women Journal of Aging and Health.
For many Thai elders, TV retains deep cultural significance, serving as a “virtual companion” in the absence of extended families, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic when social distancing intensified isolation for older adults. Soap operas (ละครหลังข่าว), game shows, and traditional music programs are often cited as sources of comfort, with many elderly women noting that familiar characters become “like family.” This cultural reliance on TV is not new, but the gender divergence revealed in new research underscores a need for tailored intervention.
Looking forward, experts warn that addressing loneliness requires more than simply limiting screen time. “We need comprehensive community programs that actively engage older women — club meetings, intergenerational activities, and neighborhood volunteering — as part of Thailand’s commitment to active aging,” said a senior consultant for a national aging society project. The government and NGOs have piloted “elderly day centers” and digital literacy workshops to strengthen social engagement beyond the screen, but rural-urban disparities remain pronounced. These initiatives are critical, as Thailand’s older women are at greater risk for social isolation due to widowhood and migration of adult children to urban centers for work.
Historically, Buddhist temples, local markets, and festivals played an integral role in the social lives of elders, particularly women. While such institutions remain important, urbanization and the disruptions wrought by the pandemic have limited access for many. Health workers recommend leveraging technology — such as LINE groups or telemedicine counseling — to create virtual “meeting points,” helping older women maintain connections without defaulting to TV as their primary coping mechanism.
As awareness grows, policy experts recommend increased funding for community outreach programs, as well as public health campaigns educating families and caregivers about the risks of excessive TV viewing as a response to loneliness. Practical actions Thai readers can take include encouraging female elders to participate in local women’s groups, exercise classes, religious events, and to stay digitally connected with friends and family. Relatives are urged to check in more frequently, both in-person and virtually, especially for older women living alone or far from children.
In sum, while the gentle glow of a television set may appear to offer solace for lonely hearts, experts stress the need for meaningful social engagement, especially for Thailand’s aging women. The next steps require collaborative effort — by families, communities, and policymakers — to ensure that the nation’s elders can age actively, healthily, and with a sense of belonging.