Poll: Elderly have little money, but most not depressedElderly women pose with lotus flowers in Bangkok. (Photo Apichart JinakulAn opinion survey on elderly Thais by the National Institute of Development Administration found that most of them had little or no income, and yet did not suffer from depression. Nida surveyed 1,310 people aged 60 years or more from March 30-April 2. The survey was based on a depression test, or “Patient Health Questionnaire”, by Prof Dr Manote Lotrakul of the faculty of medicine at Ramathibodhi Hospital. The survey found that:76.64% of respondents did not suffer depression16.87% had mild depression5.19% had moderate depression0.84% suffered severe depression0.46% had very severe depressionRegarding solutions to depression:42.43% of respondents said they would talk to family members36.05% did exercise34.79% met friends23.65% used Facebook21.03% used LINE chat app8.39% did chores8.14% played games, watched movies and listened to music3.88% listened to or cited prayers and meditated3.00% relaxed alone2.50% did volunteer work2.25% travelled, shopped and visited religious places1.88% used TikTok1.50% watched YouTube0.38% took vitamins or anti-anxiety drug0.25% raised pets like dogs, cats and fishRegarding their financial status:

Source: Bangkok Post April 12, 2026 04:42 UTC