Post-Retirement Province Selection in Thailand: A Decision-Making Model for Quality Longevity Living
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Abstract
The choice of a province for retirement living is not merely a matter of location or image but reflects a broader framework of long-term quality of life. Such a decision requires consideration of health security, accessibility to essential resources, and sustainable well-being. This study proposes a utility-based conceptual model comprising three core dimensions: (1) medical and health advantages, (2) transportation systems and access to essential services, and (3) long-term quality of life. The model incorporates retirees’ characteristics as moderating variables that determine the utility weights assigned to each dimension. Findings from the conceptual development suggest that the suitability of a province is not a universal attribute but rather a group-specific outcome shaped by retirees’ needs, constraints, and health risks. Consequently, a single province may be evaluated as highly suitable or less suitable depending on the prioritization of attributes. This framework provides a systematic explanation for the diversity of survey results and provincial rankings, indicating that such variations reflect the heterogeneity of decision-makers rather than data inconsistencies. Policy design and provincial development strategies for aging societies should therefore embrace diversity in retirees’ preferences and decision-making processes rather than aiming to create a one-size-fits-all model province. The proposed framework serves not only as a theoretical contribution but also as a foundation for future empirical modeling and for shaping urban and regional policies responsive to long-term aging dynamics.
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