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Abstract

Thailand rapidly became an aging society, the majority of whom reside in rural areas in which are labelled as being dependent on the state. Policies have been implemented to address the perceived burden of the elderly on communities and the state as most elderly are engaged in agricultural work that is not covered by any formal welfare. They are assumed to be abandoned to the difficulties of their lives and struggle to live. The sustainable livelihood framework and a gender perspective were applied to investigate how various socioeconomic activities of the elderly enable them to access resources for the maintenance of their lives and contribute to society without being a burden. Focus groups and in-depth interviews with male and female elderly and carers were conducted to distinguish the various activities that serve their differing livelihood needs. The study highlights that the socioeconomic activities of the elderly at household and community levels enable them to cultivate and utilize various assets for their own and other’s needs. Gender roles determine the different socioeconomic activities that the elderly engage in and the range of assets they can access. These activities enable the elderly to maintain their lives and those of others despite insufficient state support. Both male and female elderly continue to actively engage in and contribute to families and the communities to which they belong. In implementing ageing policy in Thailand, the government needs to consider gender differentiation and abilities of the elderly.