Satun: A group of elderly individuals from Satun Municipality are dedicating their free time to painting woven bags, a practice believed to potentially slow down the onset of dementia.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Somkid Nuankhao, president of the Senior Citizens Club of Satun Municipality, highlighted that the region is transitioning into an aging society, with an increasing elderly population. In Satun Municipality, there are over 4,000 senior citizens, yet only 1,000 are active members of the Senior Citizens Club. These seniors have fostered a community by regularly meeting and engaging in various activities, particularly those related to income generation. In addition to promoting physical, mental, and social well-being, these activities also offer an income. One such activity involves painting woven reed bags, a straightforward craft that adds value to otherwise ordinary bags.
The elderly participants display happiness, with their faces reflecting determination and joy upon completing each project. Group activities are beneficial as they help reduce the risk of depression and slow dementia progression by providing opportunities for planning, execution, and a sense of self-worth.
The process of painting the woven reed bags involves transferring a design onto the bag and applying acrylic paint to create diverse styles based on personal creativity. Additional embellishments, such as glitter powder, can be added for extra sparkle. The price of a painted bag varies, ranging from 250 to 800 baht depending on size and design. Interested individuals can reach out to the Satun Municipality Senior Citizens Club for more information.