MULTIDIMENSIONAL PATTERNS AND DETERMINANTS OF ELDERLY HAPPINESS IN RURAL TRANG PROVINCE, THAILAND: AN APPLIED BUDDHIST APPROACH TO PUBLIC POLICY

บทคัดย่อ

Background and Objectives: Many countries face rapid population aging and declining birth rates, and Thailand, now an aged society with 21.44% older adults, must increasingly prioritize elderly well-being. In Trang Province, which has the highest proportion of older adults among the Andaman coastal provinces, efforts to promote quality of life are challenged by post-COVID fear, isolation,
and reduced community participation. Although active-aging policies exist nationally, there remains a gap in understanding the specific determinants that influence happiness among rural elderly populations in southern Thailand. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the patterns and determinants of happiness among older adults in Trang across five dimensions: Health, recreation, integrity, cognition, and peacefulness, to provide evidence-based guidance for improving well-being and supporting active aging in the province.

Methodology: This study employed a mixed-methods design to examine patterns and determinants of elderly happiness in Trang Province. Quantitative data were gathered from 524 older adults using multi-stage random sampling and analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Complementary qualitative data from documentary review and in-depth interviews with elderly representatives were examined through content analysis to contextualize and deepen the quantitative findings.

Main Results: The study revealed that older adults in Trang Province, a rural area of Thailand, experienced a high level of happiness, consistent with the province's vision for its residents. Among the five dimensions of happiness, peacefulness was the most prominent, reflecting older adults' ability to recognize and manage their emotions effectively, achieve inner tranquility,
and adapt to life circumstances with acceptance. Moreover, personal values emerged as the most influential factor, showing a significant positive correlation with overall happiness at the .01 level, indicating that stronger adherence to personal values is associated with higher levels of happiness among older adults in Trang Province.

Involvement to Buddhadhamma: The findings align with the framework of Applied Buddhism, which emphasizes integrating Buddhist teachings into daily life to achieve inner peace and sustainable happiness. For the elderly, who possess accumulated life experience and resilience amid social change, this integration is particularly meaningful. Despite modest financial resources, many rural elderly practice moderation and contentment, embodying core Buddhist principles such as the Middle Way (Majjhimā-paṭipadā), mindfulness (Sati), moderation/contentment (Santuṭṭhi/Mattaññutā), and Buddhist happiness (Sukha). These practices enable them to transcend material limitations and cultivate happiness through acceptance, spiritual balance, and moral integrity. Thus, religiously grounded happiness serves as a key mechanism for maintaining psychological resilience and life satisfaction in later life.

Conclusions: The study highlights that applying Buddhist principles- the Middle Way, mindfulness, moderation, and contentment-together with strong personal values can foster spiritual stability, resilience, and lasting happiness among older adults, including those in rural areas. It emphasizes the need for government policies that support active aging, emotional well-being, and community engagement. Key strategies include promoting social connection, strengthening family and intergenerational relationships, and improving access to health promotion, recreational activities, and lifelong learning. Targeted initiatives for rural elders should focus on sustaining independence and meaningful participation. Overall, these measures form a comprehensive framework for enhancing happiness and quality of life in Thailand's aging society.