A groundbreaking 2025 report has spotlighted a worrying trend for older adults worldwide: chronic health conditions are becoming nearly universal with age, altering the fabric of daily life and healthcare systems in dramatic ways. According to a recent publication in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) journal, Preventing Chronic Disease, almost 80% of adults aged 35 to 64 in the United States had at least one chronic health problem in 2023, while the proportion soared to over 90% for those aged 65 and older. The prevalence of multiple chronic conditions is equally striking, with nearly 80% of those over 65 reporting two or more ongoing health issues (AARP).
These findings matter for Thai readers as the country faces an increasingly ageing population. In recent years, Thailand has officially entered the “aged society” category, where more than 20% of the overall population is 60 years or older. As in the U.S., the implications for national health, family caregiving, and the economy are profound. The growing visibility of chronic health problems among older adults challenges families and healthcare providers, especially with the Thai tradition of multigenerational living and strong filial duties.
Analyzing the details of the American research, experts report the most frequent conditions among those aged 35 to 64 are obesity (37%), high cholesterol (37%), and high blood pressure (35%). Among adults 65 and older, the top three chronic ailments shift slightly but remain in the same domain: high blood pressure (61%), high cholesterol (55%), and arthritis (51%). Notably, adults aged 85-plus are even more susceptible, with 67% reporting high blood pressure, 56% living with arthritis, and 46% experiencing high cholesterol. These numbers mirror trends observed in Thailand, where the Ministry of Public Health has reported a steady rise in hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol issues in the elderly population (กรมอนามัย).
Medical experts in the U.S. provide valuable insights into why these health issues mount with age. According to a geriatrician from Michigan Medicine, “A lot happens as we age that predisposes us to these conditions: increased inflammation, stiffening arteries contributing to hypertension, and a less active pancreas leading to insulin resistance and diabetes… The normal ageing process makes us more predisposed to chronic illness.” This view is echoed in academic studies in Thailand, which point to lifestyle changes, diet, and genetic predispositions as driving forces behind the surge in chronic illness among Thai seniors (PubMed).
The researchers also highlight hearing loss as a common and underreported issue. The National Institute on Aging estimates one-third of older adults in the U.S. experience hearing impairment, a figure likely echoed in Thailand as awareness and screening for hearing loss remain limited. Unaddressed, this condition raises risks for depression, dementia, social isolation, and even dangerous falls—a significant public health concern as falls are the leading cause of injury-related death among Thai seniors (World Health Organization).
Depression, too, is a silent burden. The U.S. report found that nearly 20% of adults aged 35 to 64 and 15% of those aged 65 or older experience depression. However, geriatric specialists warn that depression in older adults is often overlooked because its symptoms may present differently—such as excessive sleeping or a loss of enthusiasm for daily activities, rather than classic signs seen in younger populations. This nuance is crucial for Thai families who care for elderly relatives, especially since many older Thais may be reluctant to discuss mental health issues due to cultural stigma.
Another condition gaining prominence is dementia, especially among those 85 and older. The CDC report found that about 12% of adults in this bracket had dementia in 2022-23. As advances in cardiac and diabetes care enable longer lifespans, the challenge of cognitive decline becomes ever more relevant. In Thailand, where family members are usually the primary caregivers for dementia patients, the growing prevalence places a significant emotional, financial, and logistical burden on households (Thai Alzheimer’s Association).
Cancer remains a top concern, with 6% of adults aged 35 to 64 and roughly 20% of seniors 65 and up reporting a cancer diagnosis. Colorectal and other types of cancer are on the rise, but research offers hope: lifestyle modifications, especially a commitment to physical activity, may reduce recurrence rates and overall risk.
Prevention and management strategies remain at the heart of ageing well. Regular exercise is “the penicillin of healthy aging”, a Cleveland Clinic geriatrician told AARP. Physical activity lowers risks for diabetes, heart disease, depression, and arthritis while improving circulation, joint health, and mood due to endorphin release. Even simple activities like walking can dramatically reduce the danger of falls—the most effective strategy for injury prevention among seniors. These benefits align closely with traditional Thai wisdom, where community aerobic dance groups, morning walks, and “senior Tai Chi” classes are gaining popularity in city parks and temples, providing both physical and social support.
Diet is another pillar of chronic illness prevention. The Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and lean proteins, is widely endorsed. Experts also encourage older adults to ensure adequate protein intake. For Thai seniors, this means balancing cherished staples like rice and noodles with increased servings of fish, tofu, legumes, and mixed vegetables. Traditional Thai cuisine, with its abundant use of herbs, spices, and fresh produce, can be adapted for healthy ageing if mindful of sodium and sugar content (Thai Health Promotion Foundation).
An often-overlooked strategy is mindfulness and stress management. Experts warn that constant distraction and “brain switching” can elevate levels of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. Chronic high cortisol may trigger weight gain, high blood pressure, and elevated blood sugar—all risk factors for chronic diseases. Thai Buddhist practices emphasizing mindfulness, meditation, and “present moment awareness” offer culturally resonant solutions, now validated by global research for their power to reduce stress and support health.
Routine medical checkups, recommended vaccinations, and age-appropriate screenings also remain critical. Early detection and prevention are easier and less costly than treating advanced illnesses. In Thailand, the government offers annual health checks for older adults and subsidizes some vaccines and screening tests, though access in rural areas remains uneven (Ministry of Public Health). Experts urge everyone to make full use of these programs, emphasizing that robust primary care infrastructure is essential for successful ageing societies.
Despite the daunting statistics, the key message of the 2025 research is one of empowerment. While ageing inevitably brings bodily changes, most chronic health conditions can be delayed, lessened, or even avoided through proactive lifestyle management and regular health oversight. For Thai readers, this means integrating modern medical advice with cultural traditions such as daily movement, Buddhist-inspired mindfulness, family meals centered on vegetables and fish, and strong community bonds. By doing so, individuals, families, and society at large can mitigate the looming burdens of chronic disease and make ageing a time of vitality rather than decline.
Looking to the future, Thailand must anticipate a growing demand for geriatric care, physical therapists, mental health counselors, and community support services. Policymakers will need to build age-friendly cities with accessible public transportation, safe walking paths, and inclusive recreation spaces. More research and targeted programs for “smart ageing” can help keep Thai seniors healthier for longer, benefiting not just individuals but the entire country. The lessons from international data are clear: early prevention and holistic care are the cornerstones of healthy, happy ageing.
For practical steps, Thai readers are encouraged to:
- Engage in regular physical activity, ideally in community groups for social support.
- Adopt a balanced, low-salt, low-sugar diet with plenty of vegetables, fish, and lean proteins.
- Attend annual health checks and screenings offered by local health centers.
- Address hearing or vision problems early to stave off isolation or accident risks.
- Learn and practice mindfulness or meditation techniques to maintain healthy stress levels.
- Seek support for mood changes or depression, recognizing that mental and physical health are deeply connected.
- Foster family discussions and planning for caregiving as relatives age.
For deeper insights, the full article from AARP provides an accessible overview of the U.S. research that serves as a valuable point of reference for Thailand’s similar demographic and health transitions (AARP – The 12 Most Common Chronic Health Conditions Among Older Adults).