Elderly Care in Crisis? Evaluating the Role of Policy in Addressing Demographic Challenges in Thailand and the Philippines

Author Information

Hoang-Nam Tran, Tokushima University, Japan
Kanchana Piboon, Burapha University, Thailand
Kaori Watanabe, Tokyo Healthcare University, Japan
Omar Maningo Rodis, Tokushima University, Japan

Abstract

This paper evaluates the role of policy in addressing demographic challenges impacting elderly care in Thailand and the Philippines. Both nations are experiencing demographic transitions, with Thailand seeing a rapidly aging population and the Philippines poised to experience similar shifts in the coming decades. Using a comparative and literature review approach, the research identifies the key demographic pressures, explores existing policies, and highlights gaps in care provision. Thailand has developed robust national programs, including Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and community-based elderly health volunteer programs, inspired by international models such as Japan’s community health framework. Meanwhile, the Philippines remains heavily reliant on family-based care, with minimal government intervention and fragmented social support structures. International collaborations and cultural adaptations are limited, highlighting the need for cross-sectoral cooperation and innovative approaches. The study underscores the influence of cultural values, such as filial piety in Thailand and the Filipino concept of bayanihan, in shaping caregiving practices. It also emphasizes the need to align policy with these cultural dimensions while addressing modern challenges, such as urbanization and economic constraints. The results call for enhanced policy integration, public-private partnerships, and sustainable funding mechanisms tailored to the socio-economic and cultural contexts of both countries. By examining these differences and their implications, this study provides actionable insights into how policy can address the growing demands of elderly care in Thailand and the Philippines, ensuring equitable and sustainable outcomes.

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