#Ageingsociety

Recent global research has unveiled the surprising power of grandparenting to shape the health, identity, and resilience of the next generation—a finding that carries fresh resonance across Thai society as families navigate urbanization, shifting demographics, and evolving intergenerational roles. In a new era marked by aging populations and increasing longevity, the influence of grandparents is being rediscovered not only as a source of emotional nourishment, but as a foundation for cognitive and social development in grandchildren, bridging family culture, and preserving critical intergenerational wisdom.

New global research highlights how grandparenting shapes the health, identity, and resilience of the next generation. This insight resonates in Thailand as cities grow, families change, and intergenerational roles evolve. With aging populations and longer lifespans, grandparents are being rediscovered not only as emotional anchors but as contributors to cognitive and social development, while helping preserve family culture and wisdom.

Thai culture has long honored elders and supported multi-generational households. Yet recent reviews and analyses show grandparents influence more than caregiving; they shape values, coping skills, and social thriving. In a Thai context, grandparents often transmit patience, gratitude, and perseverance through shared meals, festivals, and daily routines that anchor children amid a fast-changing society.

Many older Thais have consistently sought out vaccinations for diseases like shingles, influenza, and pneumonia—a strategy that is increasingly validated by a wave of new international research that also carries critical implications for the Kingdom’s rapidly aging society. These findings not only reinforce the wisdom of vaccine compliance among Thailand’s elderly populations but reveal surprising new benefits, including a reduced risk of dementia, according to recent studies published and reported globally, most notably in a major New York Times article.

A growing body of international research reinforces a simple truth many Thai seniors already practice: vaccines protect more than you might expect. Beyond preventing shingles, flu, and pneumonia, new studies suggest vaccines may also lower dementia risk. This has important implications as Thailand’s population ages rapidly.

Across the globe, older adults are increasingly receptive to vaccination. In Thailand, the Ministry of Public Health reports consistently high influenza vaccine uptake among people over 65, contributing to fewer deaths from preventable diseases during flu seasons. Recent analyses add depth, suggesting vaccines may offer broader protection, including cognitive benefits.

A landmark international study has revealed that living with combinations of chronic physical illnesses—such as heart disease, diabetes, lung conditions, or liver problems—more than doubles the risk of developing depression, underscoring the urgent need for Thailand’s healthcare system to integrate physical and mental health care. The research, published in Nature Communications Medicine and based on health data from over 142,000 adults, highlights a concerning link between certain multimorbidity profiles and future depression diagnoses, particularly when illnesses like heart disease and diabetes occur together (Neuroscience News).

A landmark international study shows that living with two or more chronic illnesses—such as heart disease, diabetes, lung, or liver conditions—more than doubles the likelihood of developing depression. The finding highlights the urgent need to integrate physical and mental health care in Thailand’s evolving health system. Based on data from over 142,000 adults and published in Nature Communications Medicine, the research identifies specific multimorbidity profiles that raise future depression risk, especially when heart disease and diabetes co-occur. Research by a team at the University of Edinburgh, drawing on the UK Biobank cohort, underscores that mental health cannot be treated in isolation from physical illness. In clinical practice, this calls for proactive screening and integrated care approaches.

A new Lancet study highlights how regular physical activity protects brain health as we age, potentially lowering the risk of dementia and other cognitive conditions. The findings are especially relevant for Thailand, where an aging population makes brain health a growing concern for families and the health system.

Thailand’s population is aging rapidly, with projections suggesting more than 20% of residents will be 60 or older by 2025. The study reinforces a long-standing Thai belief in “kaeng raeng”—robust health through movement—showing that exercise does more than keep the body fit. It activates molecular and cellular processes that shield brain tissue from age-related decline.

A new study published in The Lancet has shed light on the powerful neuroprotective effects of regular exercise, highlighting its vital role in promoting healthy brain ageing and potentially reducing the risk of dementia and other cognitive diseases. The findings are of particular significance for Thai readers, as Thailand faces an ageing society with rising concerns over brain health and dementia rates among older adults.

With Thailand’s population shifting rapidly towards the elderly—projections estimate that over 20% of Thais will be aged 60 or over by 2025—the burden of age-associated cognitive decline has become a pressing issue for families and the healthcare system alike. The newly published research underscores the importance of fitness, adding scientific weight to long-standing folk wisdom encouraging an active lifestyle for “kaeng raeng”—robust health. The study, titled “Neuroprotective mechanisms of exercise and the importance of fitness for healthy brain ageing,” explains that physical activity goes beyond maintaining muscle and heart health: it triggers specific molecular and cellular mechanisms that directly protect brain tissue from age-related degeneration.

Thai readers increasingly seek non-surgical ways to ease knee pain. Recent guidance points to gentle, low-impact exercise as an effective path to relief and better mobility. Health authorities, therapists, and international experts agree that targeted routines can prevent worsening discomfort and support daily activities.

Knee pain remains a common issue across Thailand, especially among older adults and people with conditions like osteoarthritis. With obesity and an ageing population rising, joint problems are a growing public health concern. In Thai culture, where family caregiving is central and access to advanced medical care can be limited for some, non-drug, home-based strategies are particularly relevant.

Thai readers are increasingly seeking ways to manage joint pain without invasive treatments, and recent research is providing promising, practical solutions. A new wave of medical guidance highlights the effectiveness of gentle exercise routines in alleviating sore knees, a common complaint among the Thai population as the country faces an ageing society and sedentary lifestyles. Health authorities, physical therapists, and international experts all point to targeted, low-impact exercises as key to both relief and prevention of knee discomfort.