FACTORS AFFECTING THE ELDERLY WELL-BEING IN NORTHERN REGION OF THAILAND

Abstract

The objectives of this research were: 1. To study elderly well-being in Northern region of Thailand, 2. To study factors affecting elderly well-being in Northern region of Thailand, and 3. To propose guideline for promoting elderly well-being in Northern region of Thailand. The research format was mixed methods research consisting of quantitative and qualitative research. The quantitative research applied survey research using questionnaire to collect data from 400 selected elderly people in Northern region. The data were analyzed by frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and regression analysis. The qualitative research was conducted by in-depth interviewing 16 key informants. The data were analyzed by content descriptive interpretation.

 Findings were as follows: 1. Well-being of the elderly in the Northern region of Thailand was at the moderate level. When considering each issue, it was also found that both issues, elderly subjective and psychological well-beings were also at the moderate levels. 2. Three factors; Bhavana 4, social support and welfare management of local administrative organizations had common affected elderly well-being. Those three factors could explain the variation of elderly well-being by 53.5 percent. 3. For elderly well-being promotion; Elderly people should frequently practice according to Bhavana 4 principle. The relatives. community and society should pay high attention to elderly people.  and the local administrative organizations should have important role in the elderly welfare management.