On July 24, 2023, the Faculty of Nursing, Mahidol University held a public forum on “Research Plan on Model Community: Supporting the Aging Society in Urban Area”.

Associate Professor Dr. Yajai Sitthimongkol, Dean of the Faculty of Nursing, and Director of Research Plan, Mahidol University, delivered remarks. Miss Kobkul Kwangsuan (Expert on the Elderly of The Department of Older Persons) reported on the policy to support the elderly society and Assistant Professor Benjamat Olanratmanee from Department of Pediatric Nursing presented the research plan on “Model Community: Supporting the Aging Society in Urban Area”.

There were sub-groups to present policy recommendations in various areas, including reducing the age gap by Lecturer Dr. Thongsuay Sithanon (Phrapokklao Nursing College, Chanthaburi Thailand), and Assistant Professor Mattaneeya Kaikaew (Faculty of Education Udon Rajabhat University). The theme of development of caregivers and health care systems for the elderly was given by Associate Professor Dr. Yupa Jewpattanakul (Faculty of Nursing Mahidol University) and Dr. Konlakorn Wongpatikaseree (Faculty of Engineering Mahidol University). The theme of the building of vocational skills and the elderly economy was given by Assistant Professor Dr. Pornthip Keangin (Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University), and Ms. Rattana (Institute for Population and Social Research).

The event was moderated by Dr. Burathep Chokthanakoon from Institute for Population and Social Research, took place at Chantana Nilwarangkool, Faculty of Nursing, Mahidol University. Participants consisted of community presidents, elderly persons, adolescents, Bangkok Children and Youth Council, leading teachers, parents, private company managers, and government employees, totaling 41 people.

This project is a collaboration between the Faculty of Nursing and the Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University, together with Department of Older Persons, Mattayom Wat Nai Rong High School, Wat Wisetkan-Wat Chimthaikawat Community, Prasarnmit Community, Ruamkua Community, and Provincial Affair Bureau. The objective is to develop the elderly and youth in the areas of raising awareness of the aging society, bridging the age gap, developing caregivers for the elderly and developing professional skills for the two-generation community, with skills in engineering, money management and savings. It is also to create a mechanism to support the coexistence of people in all ages, including developing young people to be ready to take care of themselves in order to prepare them to be elderly with good quality of life.