Scholars examining Thailand’s rapidly aging society tend to focus on the importance of
familial relationships in the lives of older adults. But due to demographic shifts —
namely, a decrease in fertility and an increase in migration — family structures are
changing. This study explores how older Thai adults are connected to people outside of
their families, and how these relationships may impact health. The majority of the study’s
sample (n=4,235) reported daily contact with a friend or neighbor, frequent participation
in religious activities, and well-connected neighborhoods. Binary logistic regression
revealed five dimensions of social connectedness that predict optimal self-rated health:
frequency of contact with a friend or neighbor, community participation, religious
participation, neighborhood closeness, and presence of a discussion tie. Results suggest
that non-kin relationships play a health-promoting role, and they indicate a need for
culturally relevant policies and programs that help people connect within their
communities as they age.