Enhancing the built environment for promoting health and social equity of aging population in Thailand: learning from experiences of Japan and Singapore

Background: The global population is going through a significant demographic shift, with a notable increase in older individuals, particularly in Asia and Thailand. Urbanization is also rising, affecting the health and well-being of older adults. Age-friendly environments are essential for better health and social equity. Thailand, especially in rapidly urbanizing areas like Bangkok, faces challenges in promoting healthy aging through the built environment. Addressing health disparities and socioeconomic inequality is crucial. This paper underscores the critical importance of enhancing the built environment to support Thailand's aging population, drawing insights from Japan and Singapore. Creating age-friendly environments while addressing urbanization challenges can promote healthy aging and improve the quality of life for older adults both in Thailand and elsewhere.Objective: This paper analyzes Japan and Singapore’s implementation of the built environment to promote health and social equity among their aging populations. It describes their strategies, policy approaches, and challenges, and evaluates their applicability to Thailand’s context while identifying potential implementation barriers. The aim is to offer recommendations for a successful age-friendly built environment in Thailand, drawing insights from Japan and Singapore’s experiences. Methodology: The search for relevant documents that addressed the research questions. EndNote was used to organize the collected data and information. All articles included in the review were selected from 2015 onwards, in line with the data collection and analysis plan. A total of 42 articles were included in the review, and the relevant findings are presented.Conclusion: The study emphasizes the significance of enhancing the built environment to promote the health and social equity of Thailand's aging population. Drawing insights from Japan's 'Age in Place' policy and Singapore's focus on creating a livable and sustainable urban environment, Thailand can develop age-friendly policies that prioritize adaptable housing and a well-connected public transportation system. By incorporating elements of Singapore's approach, such as extensive green spaces and integrated land use planning, Thailand can foster physical activity and social interaction among older adults. Collaboration among various stakeholders is essential for successful implementation, ensuring that the interventions address the unique challenges faced in urban settings. However, Thailand needs to address potential barriers, including walkability challenges and socioeconomic disparities, to effectively implement age-friendly initiatives and promote the well-being of its aging population.