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The International Journal of the Royal Society of Thailand
Volume XV-2023

Training Body and Mind for the Aged

Wichien Laohacharoensombat

Abstract

As life expectancy increases, the world’s population is aging, leading to a rise
in age-related illnesses. This article aims to provide guidelines and advice for
individuals to manage themselves to achieve good life quality and happiness in

their later years. The author, a clinical practitioner with over 45 years of experience,
has observed many musculoskeletal problems, such as sarcopenia, osteoporosis,
and so on, that seem to undergo the vicious cycle of deterioration. The author will
discuss the importance of training the body and mind for the aged and provide

evidence-based interventions to prevent or delay age-related musculoskeletal
disorders so that the aged can enjoy daily physical activity and have good mental
health.

Keywords: aging; musculoskeletal disorders; sarcopenia; osteoporosis; physical
activity; mental health

Introduction

As life expectancy increases worldwide, many countries are experiencing a
significant demographic shift towards an aging society. While living longer is desirable,

the quality of life and happiness of the elderly should be considered equally important.
The ability to age well and maintain good health and happiness depends on an
individual’s intention and effort to manage themselves towards this goal. In this article,

the author provides guidelines and advice based on clinical observations and scientific
knowledge gathered over 45 years of clinical practice to help the aged maintain good
life quality and happiness.

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University.
Correspondence to Wichien Laohacharoensombat (MD), 18 Soi Sukhumvit 34, Khlong Tan Subdistrict,
Khlong Toei District Bangkok 10110, Thailand. Email: wichien.lao@mahidol.ac.th

110 Training Body and Mind for the Aged