#Acai

The global narrative around aging has long been dominated by fears of a looming crisis: a “demographic time bomb” set to overwhelm economies as swelling ranks of elderly dependents outpace shrinking workforces. However, new research from Goldman Sachs challenges this view, suggesting that longer and healthier lifespans may bring more positive outcomes than commonly believed. These insights carry significant implications for Thailand, a nation perched on the threshold of becoming a “super-aged” society within the next decade.

A new wave of research reframes population aging from a crisis to an opportunity, with Thailand at the forefront of turning longer, healthier lives into economic and social value for Thai communities. As the country moves toward a “super-aged” status within the coming decade, this perspective highlights potential benefits beyond traditional guardrails of pension and healthcare costs.

Thailand already faces a rising share of seniors. By 2024, about one in five Thais was 60 or older, a figure expected to increase toward the late 2020s and 2030s. This trend, driven by lower birth rates and greater longevity, underscores the need for policies that enable older adults to stay productive and engaged. Data from national and international health bodies shows the aging population is a defining feature of Thailand’s development trajectory.