Did you know that today Thailand has reached a peak as the country with the second highest growth rate of elderly population in ASEAN, second only to Singapore?" ,
From one perspective, this is a success of modern medicine in extending human life expectancy. However, from an economic and financial viewpoint, it serves as a silent national wake-up call, since the megatrend of longevity could immediately pose financial and quality-of-life risks.
If we live longer but are not healthy, suffering chronic illnesses in the last 10 years of life, we may end up depleting all our savings on medical expenses—or worse, pass down a "burden" instead of an "inheritance" to the next generation.
Thairath Money summarizes key points from the Main Stage at the year's major event, Multigenerational Fest 2026, themed 'Longevity: Living Longer, Living Joyfully.' It invites a deep dive into perspectives on options and survival strategies across health, psychology, and social policy to prepare for the second half of life, which will likely be longer than previously expected.
A major misconception in health economics is thinking that illness can be managed simply by having enough money, skilled doctors, and medication. However, Dr. Prawet Tantipiwatnaskul, psychiatrist and founder of the “Unlock with Dr. Vech” page, urges us to seek the "root causes" of disease.
“Don’t treat diseases solely by taking prescribed medicine, because drugs only address bodily mechanisms but do not fix behaviors.”
For example, diabetes caused by excessive sugar consumption: if we rely only on medication to control sugar but do not change behaviors, the long-term life costs and medical expenses will explode. In an era flooded with marketing and supplements, it's crucial to develop the ability to "distinguish medical information from advertisements."
The formula for fitting together the puzzle pieces of a healthy body up to age 100, without spending large sums on supplements according to Dr. Prawet, is a basic truth: eat, sleep, exercise, maintain relationships with people and nature, and keep learning continuously. Alongside regularly reflecting on oneself after age 40 to break down the "rules of being a good person" or past expectations, then choosing environments that support mental growth.
In the financial planning dimension of longevity, it’s not just about having money until death but also covers "passing on inheritance with dignity." Dr. Prawet offers important insights on confronting death, which most people tend to avoid or deny, leading to declining retirement life filled with fear.
Preparing for a peaceful final stage without leaving burdens to descendants can be done by managing two key issues.
At the policy and structural level, Dr. Somsak Arksilp, director of the ASEAN Center for Active and Innovative Aging (CAPSI), presented the concept of ASEAN Blue Zones—areas conducive to health and longevity.
Looking at the original five Blue Zones worldwide (such as Okinawa or Sardinia), the populations live long due to natural lifestyles and cultures.
But the most interesting case study for Thailand is "Singapore," dubbed Blue Zone 2.0 (Man-Made Blue Zone), a city intentionally designed by the government through public policies, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, parks, and a healthcare system promoting active aging.
For Thailand, Dr. Somsak believes we already have three strong "existing assets": warm family relationships, diverse delicious cuisine, and spiritual beliefs. But what we need to invest in is "community-level infrastructure," because changing the entire country is too large a task. Starting Blue Zones at the community level is the answer. Currently, there is a project developing Rayong city as a twin city with Fukuoka, Japan, to design spaces and activities that allow people aged 80 to live happily and actively, based on nine principles (Power 9), with the most important being having a "purpose in life."
Closing with sharp insights from senior politician Chuan Leekpai, 87, former Prime Minister and champion of Thailand’s elderly allowance concept, who warns and teaches younger generations about the importance of "time."
“Age and time never come back. When you are able to do something, seize the opportunity. Don’t procrastinate.”
Former PM Chuan emphasized that certain skills and sharpness in life, such as playing music or sports, require the right age window. Therefore, while you still have strength and can struggle, you must struggle and make the most of your time.
He also reinforced the medical perspective that "longevity should not be spent bedridden." Although Thai society has a culture of gratitude and caring for parents without abandonment, the best thing every Thai can do today is to take good care of themselves while still healthy—choosing food and exercising to prepare for longer life expectancy, avoiding financial burdens on the healthcare system and families in the future.
In summary, the megatrend of longevity is not just an issue for the elderly but for "younger generations" who must plan now—managing financial portfolios to support longer lifespans, investing in health assets to prevent being bedridden, and designing life goals for the second half. Ultimately, a long life is meaningless if we don’t live it joyfully and happily.
Follow the Facebook page: Thairath Money at this link.https:// www.facebook.com/ThairathMoney