The application of buddhist principles for increasing the effectiveness of the elderly’s welfare operation of San Kamphaeng Subdistrict Municipality in San Kamphaeng District, Chiangmai Province

Abstract

This research aimed To 1) Study the effectiveness level of elderly welfare operations, 2) Compare the opinions of the elderly on the effectiveness of elderly welfare operations, classified by personal factors, 3) Explore the application of Buddhist principles to enhance the effectiveness of elderly welfare operations in San Kamphaeng Subdistrict Municipality, San Kamphaeng District, Chiang Mai Province. This is a mixed-methods research. The quantitative study involves a population and sample group consisting of 368 elderly individuals receiving living allowances within the San Kamphaeng Subdistrict Municipality. The research tool is a questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.966. Data analysis employs statistical methods, including frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, t-test, and F-test. The qualitative study involves 10 key informants, with data analyzed using content analysis.

          The research results revealed that:

1) The overall effectiveness level of elderly welfare operations of San Kamphaeng Subdistrict Municipality, San Kamphaeng District, Chiang Mai Province, is at a high level.

2)A comparison of the opinions of the elderly on the effectiveness of welfare operations in San Kamphaeng Subdistrict Municipality, San Kamphaeng District, Chiang Mai Province, revealed that elderly individuals with different genders, ages, marital statuses, and occupations did not have significantly different opinions on the effectiveness of welfare operations. Therefore, the research hypothesis was rejected. However, elderly individuals with different income levels had significantly different opinions on the effectiveness of welfare operations, leading to the acceptance of the research hypothesis.

3)The guidelines for enhancing the effectiveness of elderly welfare operations of San Kamphaeng Subdistrict Municipality, San Kamphaeng District, Chiang Mai Province, through the application of the four Iddhipāda. It was found that 1) Chanda: Regularly create understanding and provide continuous assistance to the elderly. 2) Viriya: Create a sense of warmth, security, and happiness for the elderly. 3) Citta: Show empathy, kindness, and speak courteously to the elderly. 4) Vimaṁsā: Guidance and advice should be provided to the elderly, and work planning should be carried out consistently.