Longevity of Thai Physicians: Phase 2 and Policy Impli- cations
Pornchai Sithisarankul, MD*, Veera Piyasing, MD*, Benjaporn Boontheaim, MD*, Suthee Ratanamongkolgul, MD**, Somkiat Wattanasirichaigoon, MD**
Affiliation : * Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University ** Faculty of Medicine, Srinakarintarawirot University
This is Phase 2 of the authors study on long-lived Thai physicians. After obtaining quantitative data from Phase 1, the authors approached 11 male and 5 female physicians whose ages were older than general population’s life expectancy. The authors conducted an in-depth interview using semi-structured questions asking about their life, work, lifestyle, and relevant factors. Then the authors synthesized the factors influenc- ing longevity. The authors found that they are genetic, financial stability/security, trying to be disease-free by increasing positive lifestyle (such as exercise) and decrease negative lifestyle (such as drug addict, alcohol consumption), mind-set to be non-attachment (either doing nothing or busy doing everything), and being mentally ready to die. The authors also proposed policy implications for Thai physicians and people accord- ingly.
Keywords : Longevity, Thai physician
