Situation of Elderly Population in Chachoengsao Province, Thailand in 2007-2016

Abstract

The increase in the elderly population is a global phenomenon, including Thailand. Chachoengsao province has changed the population structure resulting in an increase in elderly population. This research aimed to study the situation of elderly population and related index of Chachoengsao province between 2007 and 2016 and comparing with the situation in Thailand by using data from registrar statistics system, Ministry of the Interior. The results found that between 2007 and 2016 the population structure of was Chachoengsao province changed. The elderly population increased from 12.05% to 15.57%, which was higher than the national average. The percentage of working-age and childhood population decreased continuously. In 2013, 53.7% of the elderly was in oldest-old group, followed by the middle-old and young old elderly (29.55% and 16.75%, respectively). The index of ageing increased from 57.80 to 85.76, which was close to the national average. The youth dependency ratio decreased continuously from 31.03 to 27.36. The aged dependency ratio increased steadily from 17.94 to 23.46. The dependency ratio increased continuously from 48.97 to 50.82, which was higher than the national average. Potential support decreased from 5.57 to 4.26, which was lower than the national average. The study indicated that Chachoengsao province has entered into the elderly society, the elderly population has increased steadily. It should be emphasized in the plan to carry out activities to support older people. And preparation of plans to support the population changed for the readiness to be the province in the Eastern Special Economic Zone.