The Integration Of Buddhist Principles In Developing Life Quality Of The Elderly Of Sri Bua Ban Subdistrict Municipality In Mueang District, Lamphun Province

Abstract

This research aimed to examine the level of improving the quality of life for the elderly,  the relationship between the four principles of Bhavanã and developing the quality of life for the elderly, and to propose the guidelines for integrating Buddhist principles to enhance the quality of life of the elderly in Si Bua Ban Subdistrict Municipality, Mueang District, Lamphun Province. This study was a mixed-method between the quantitative research was collected data using questionnaires from a sample of 339 elderly individuals who lived in the area of Si Bua Ban Subdistrict Municipality, Mueang District, Lamphun Province, the data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, inferential statistics and Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient and the qualitative research was in-depth interviews with 10 key informants, the data was analyzed using a content analysis technique, incorporating context from the transcribed texts.

          The research results found that

          1) The overall level of quality of life development for the elderly in Si Bua Ban Subdistrict Municipality, Mueang District, Lamphun Province was at the moderate level.

          2) The relationship between the four principles of Bhavanã and developing the quality of life of the elderly in Sri Buaban Subdistrict Municipality, Mueang District, Lamphun Province was the positive correlation. Overall, it was at the very high level. 3) The guidelines for integrating Buddhist principles to develop the quality of life of the elderly found that the Kãya Bhãvanã was the physical development, the municipality should have the plan to organize exercise activities that were appropriate for the physical condition of the elderly. Sĩla Bhãvanã was the moral development, the municipality should define clear principles of conduct and morality in the provision of elderly care. Cita Bhãvanã was the mental development, the municipality should have a project to promote the elderly to participate in community religious activities. Paññã Bhãvanã was the wisdom development, the municipality should organize training programs for personnel to have knowledge and the ability int the elderly health care.