#ThailandAging

Recent U.S. research shows a sharp rise in cannabis use among adults 65 and older. From 2021 to 2023, use grew by about 46%, with roughly one in seven seniors reporting cannabis use in the past month. This marks a dramatic shift from two decades ago and highlights new public health considerations as societies age, including Thailand, which is watching international trends closely.

Why this matters for Thai readers lies in Thailand’s evolving stance on medical cannabis. Since legalization steps began in 2018 and continued with decriminalization in 2022, access to cannabis products has increased. As Thailand’s elderly population grows, international experience offers lessons for health care, regulation, and social norms in the kingdom.

The latest findings from US-based research show that marijuana use among seniors has surged to unprecedented levels, sparking both celebration and concern within the medical community. According to multiple 2025 reports and studies, the rate of cannabis use among adults aged 65 and older rose by nearly 46% from 2021 to 2023, with approximately one in every seven seniors now reporting cannabis use in the past month. This dramatic shift, up from just 1 in 100 twenty years ago, reflects not only changing generational attitudes towards cannabis but also signals new public health challenges and opportunities for societies embracing an aging population—Thailand included (Axios, FOX News, WGAU Radio).

New research shows that combining brisk walking with muscle-strengthening activities can cut dementia risk by up to 20%. The findings highlight everyday actions people can take to protect brain health as Thailand’s population ages. Experts say regular aerobic activity plus strength work provides meaningful protection against cognitive decline.

In Thailand, dementia poses a growing challenge for families and the health system. Current estimates indicate hundreds of thousands are affected, with numbers expected to rise as life expectancy increases. Data from Thailand’s public health system underscores the need for accessible prevention measures that fit local lifestyles and resources.

New scientific research is shining a hopeful light on dementia prevention, revealing that certain types of physical activity can slash the risk of developing this debilitating condition by as much as 20%. According to the latest findings highlighted by GetSurrey, brisk walking and muscle-strengthening exercises emerged as powerful tools for keeping the mind sharp as we age.

This revelation carries immense significance for Thailand, where an ageing population and increasing rates of dementia demand effective, accessible prevention strategies. Dementia is both a personal and public health crisis, currently affecting an estimated 800,000 people in Thailand, with numbers projected to rise dramatically over the coming decades due to demographic shifts and increased life expectancy (World Health Organization, 2023). Family caregivers often carry the burden of care, and effective prevention measures can have an outsized impact on communities and the health system.