Regional Differences in Health Expectancies across the Disablement Process among Older Thais

Benjawan Apinonkul, Mahidol University
Kusol Soonthorndhada, Mahidol University
Patama Vapattanawong, Mahidol University
Wichai Aekplakorn, Mahidol University
Carol Jagger, Newcastle University

This study examines regional differences in health expectancies based on measures that more fully cover the stages in the disablement process in Thailand. Health expectancies at age 60 using Sullivan’s method were computed from the fourth Thai National Health Examination Survey in 2009. Health measures included chronic physical impairment; cognitive impairment; depression; disability in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL); and disability in activities of daily living (ADL). Regional inequalities in health expectancies were evident. Males and females in the South ranked amongst the worst in almost all health expectancies however the region with the fewest years lived with morbidity and disability varied by health measures. Most notable was that males and females in Bangkok live the least years with IADL disability. This study provides the first regional differences in health expectancy in the Thai population using a wide spectrum of health and provides useful information to diverse policy audiences.