2024 HAPI Honorable Mention
THE PROBLEM
In Thailand, the increasingly large older population faces significant challenges, especially in urban areas where traditional family support systems are eroding due to modernization and urbanization. This demographic, particularly middle-class seniors, often lacks sufficient government support and services, exacerbating issues of loneliness and mental health. The absence of community resources and opportunities for social engagement leads to increased social isolation, negatively impacting their mental and physical well-being. This, in turn, not only affects their quality of life but also places a long-term financial burden on healthcare systems and their families.
THE INNOVATION
YoungHappy is an innovative social enterprise dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Thailand’s elderly population through a blend of physical and digital solutions. Their comprehensive approach creates a supportive and engaging environment for seniors, focusing on their need for social interaction, physical activity, and mental stimulation. It comprises the following elements:
Happy Space: Community hubs, located in shopping malls, offer activities such as art workshops, health talks, board games, and exercise routines. Happy Space provides a vibrant and inclusive space where seniors can connect and engage with their peers. The programming is free, with additional options available for a fee.
YoungHappy Plus: This online platform offers daily virtual classes and workshops, including exercise routines, dancing classes, technology workshops, and health webinars. It was launched with a leading telecom partner.
Happy Space Plus Model: This hybrid model combines the benefits of physical community hubs with online engagement. Working with local community leaders, they are able to expand activity spaces across urban areas, ensuring more seniors can access our programs and maintain a broader reach through digital platforms.
Technology Integration: YoungHappy leverages technology to gather data and better understand senior needs, promoting active and healthy lifestyles. Their platforms, including the YoungHappy app and web app via LINE, make it easy for seniors to connect and participate.
The online tools allow YoungHappy to track engagement, preferences, and health metrics, allowing them to tailor the initiatives to better support the senior community. They also provide technology workshops and on-on-one support to help users navigate the YoungHappy app and web app via LINE.
Surveys of members show that 80 percent reported a significant reduction in loneliness and isolation after joining, and have increased their social participation by 50 percent. The program already has over 30,000 members in urban areas of Thailand as of early 2024, and they are working to further expand nationwide.