An Application of Buddhist Principles to Enhance Life Quality Development of the Elderly of Makham Luang Subdistrict Administrative Organization in San Pa Tong District, Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

This research aimed 1) to study the elderly’s quality of life in the Makham Luang Subdistrict Administrative Organization, San Patong District, Chiang Mai Province, 2) to compare the elderly’s opinion regarding the development of their quality of life, categorized by personal factors, and 3) to propose ways to apply a Buddhist principle to enhance the elderly’s quality of life. This research used mixed methods. The population was 305 elderly people in Makham Luang Subdistrict Administrative Organization. The research instrument was a questionnaire with a reliability of 0.98. The analysis was done with frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, t-test, F-test, One-Way ANOVA, and LSD. The qualitative research instrument was an interview with 10 people using content analysis techniques with context.

          The research results revealed that:

1) The elderly’s quality of life was revealed to be high in all aspects. The highest rating was in the mental aspect and the lowest rating was in the intellectual aspect

2) Personal factors influencing quality of life included gender, which significantly differed in the intellectual aspect and marital status, which showed significant differences in the social aspect and intellectual aspect Age, education (except in the physical aspect), and income showed no significant differences. In the physical aspect, there were differences based on education level (but no differences were found in the mental, social, and intellectual aspects based on the mentioned factors.

3) In terms of Kāya-bhāvanā, exercise and good nutrition should be practiced. In terms of Sīlabhāvanā, mental stability and community relationships should be strengthened. In terms of Citta-bhāvanā, stress reduction should be strengthened. In terms of Paññā-bhāvanā, intellectual stability should be strengthened.