Imagine a place where the golden years truly shine, where wisdom is celebrated, and ageing is not just seen as a phase of life, but as an opportunity – welcome to the dawn of the ACAI, the Asian Centre for Active Ageing. This beacon of knowledge is set to change the game for seniors not only in Thailand but across the region, paving the way for a future that embraces every wrinkle as a badge of honor and every silver strand as a thread of wisdom.
In an era where the melody of life plays longer, the ACAI emerges as a maestro, orchestrating a symphony of policy advice, research, and innovations. It’s an initiative that sings to the tune of Thailand’s vision, under the baton of Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew and the strategic ensemble of ACAI’s management committee, with Dr. Suwit Wibulpolprasert playing the key notes.
This crescendo of ageing grace is more relevant now than ever as Southeast Asia witnesses a significant demographic shift towards an older population. It’s a change that strums the strings of healthcare, economics, societies, and the very fabric of the environment. Thailand, with its quicksilver speed towards becoming one of the world’s fastest ageing nations, takes center stage in this narrative, boasting 12 million souls over 60 among its 67 million-strong population. The land of smiles is on the brink of becoming a super-aged society with a forecast that predicts 28% of its populace will be aged 60 and above in the next decade.
In a region where the wisdom of elders is a treasure, six ASEAN nations, including giants like Singapore and Thailand, along with Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Myanmar, have stepped into the ‘ageing phase’. It’s a testament to the changing times and the shared vision of these countries for their elder citizens, a vision that was sealed with an agreement among all 10 member states on a memorable day – May 20th, last year, earmarking Thailand as the host for the ACAI.
The Department of Medical Services (DMS), Department of International Health, and Office of the Permanent Secretary are joining forces to provide ACAI with the necessary support – from manpower and budget to location. The ACAI office is set to shine on the third floor of the DMS’s Innovation and Health Technology for the Elderly Building, promising a bright future ahead.
With the Thai government pledging an annual budget of up to US$5 million (177.1 million baht) for the next five years, the stage is set for the ACAI to flourish. This investment is not just in numbers; it’s an investment in hope, in innovation, and in a society that sees ageing not as a sunset but as a beautiful dawn. So, here’s to the ACAI, a lighthouse guiding us towards a future where ageing is active, engaged, and more vibrant than ever. Let the golden years begin.
