An unavoidable burden... though it can't be avoided, it can be eased if the conversation starts today. As Thai society fully transitions into an "aging society," the term longevity may sound like good news.
But for some people—especially "only children"—it may come with an increasingly heavy question each year: "Can we handle all this care?"
Today, Thai people live longer on average. At the same time, the cost of living, medical expenses, and inflation have also surged ahead. One child must care for two parents (and sometimes more, in families where parents have separated and each has a new partner). This is especially true in families where parents haven't prepared financially or planned their retirement.
Because in their generation, financial knowledge may not have been as accessible or openly discussed as it is now.
Hard work equaled security, and dedicating oneself to the "child" was a major life focus, sometimes at the cost of neglecting their own retirement planning.
In families with siblings, the burden may be divided among them. But for an only child, the situation is different.
Everything falls on one person. Some only-child families face a life jackpot, having to care for six elderly relatives at once—father, mother, grandfather, grandmother, maternal grandfather, and maternal grandmother—all living longer simultaneously. This is not drama but a “real-life challenge” increasingly common (even when the elders have saved or planned retirement funds, managing various issues often still falls to the only child).
What exhausts many children the most isn't the numbers in the bank but the “uncertainty”: Do parents have enough retirement funds? Are there debts or obligations never mentioned? If seriously ill one day, where will the money come from? How much preparation is enough?
These questions often remain unspoken, out of fear of upsetting anyone, seeming unfilial, or facing truths no one is ready to accept. But not talking quietly makes the burden “grow heavier and heavier,” waiting until it’s too late to fix.
children's own life plans may have to be put on hold. Many want to care for parents but must trade off with
Financial burden often comes with emotional strain, especially when children must be the “pillar” with no alternatives.
Caring for the elderly isn’t solely the child’s duty, nor should it be a burden carried alone. The most important thing now is to reassess the overall situation and begin honest conversations.
Conversations today may not immediately lighten the load but will help prevent it from becoming "too heavy" in the future.
Especially as Thailand enters an aging society, people live longer, and inflation never shows mercy.
Clear conversations starting today may be the best gift a family can give—before the burden becomes too heavy for anyone.
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