Technology in Healthcare: Collaborative Business Opportunities for Developing Cognitive Training Solutions for Older Adults in Cambodia

Abstract

Cambodia is on the brink of becoming an aged society, with its elderly population rapidly. According to the National Institute of Statistics in Cambodia, the percentage of older adults has risen significantly, from 6.34% in 2008 to 8.86% in 2019, accounting for 1,378,688 individuals. By 2050, this figure is projected to increase further to 23.17%, transitioning Cambodia into what is known as a “super-aged” society. This demographic shift reflects a broader trend seen globally and within the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) Member States (AMS). Globally, the aging population has become a pressing concern. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that in 2019, there were 1 billion older adults worldwide, a number projected to rise dramatically to 2.1 billion by 2050. Notably, 80% of these individuals will be living in low- and middle-income countries. Within the ASEAN region, a report from Thailand’s Department of Older Persons highlighted that in 2022, seven out of ten AMS had entered the “aged society” phase. A society can be considered as aged when older adults account for more than 10% of the total population. While Cambodia, along with Lao PDR and the Philippines, have yet to reach this threshold, the rapid increase in Cambodia’s elderly population poses potential challenges for various sectors, including government, healthcare sectors, and families who may need to provide care.