The Research and Development of Time Bank Policy Recommendations for the Aging Society in Thailand

Abstract

This research is policy research that used mixed methods of data collection. The objectives were (1) to review the knowledge base in applying a time bank (2) distilled lessons learned from agencies implementing programs for an aging society (3) to provide policy recommendations. This research was conducted from August to November 2018.  The research was implemented in 6 steps: (1) Review literature and websites; (2) Survey of experience about time banking; (3) Conduct field-based case studies; (4) Perform content analysis; (5) Conduct brainstorming by using a triangular technique to draft the policy recommendations; (6) Finalize policy recommendations. The data collection tools include (1) Survey form; (2) Guide for focus group discussions; (3) Data collection form. The target population for the survey includes participants in a workshop on pilot projects in time banking. A total of 47 projects were reviewed.  

This study reviewed information from 550 web sites and found that 46.4% had information relevant to a time banking.  Of these, 20 projects (87.5%) emphasized the use of volunteerism, and these had elements of: (1) Collaborative assistance (85%); (2) Cash donation-driven (50%); (3) In-kind donation-driven (55%). The findings from lessons learned of 47 projects found that 23.4% had activities which related to a time banking. The core concept of the time bank is “neighbors helping each other.” A key requirement is that the time of each individual is considered equal to each other. That is one hour = one-time credit (points). Factors behind the success of the time bank approach include strong leadership. There should be good governance, including five attributes: (1) The experience of everyone can be shared with others; (2) The time as a unit of earning money is redefined as time used for volunteering activities; (3) Change in the paradigm of receiving to giving; (4) Strongly social network with sharing and exchange; and (5) There is mutual respect of those involved, and there is equality in order to promote peaceful co-existence.

The operating recommendations for setting up a time bank are:  (1) Appoint a task force for setting up the timebank; (2)  Inform local residents for their awareness and acceptance; (3) Preparedness and building of a collaborative spirit in the locality; (4) Conduct a survey of the context and create a database; (5) Appoint a time bank board; (6) Establish the timebank; (7) Open the time bank for membership and conduct activities to help society; (8) Promote a volunteer mindset; (9) Extract lessons learned, and conduct monitoring and evaluation; (10) Synthesize the lessons learned and produce progress reports.

The policy recommendations are: (1) Preparedness of the local population in all age groups to accept the situation of the aging society; (2) There should be a mobilization of volunteerism in Thai society to implement the time bank for aging society; (3) There should be advocacy for the time bank approach; and (4) There should be improvements in the infrastructure to facilitate time banks for the aging society.