BUDDHADHAMMA APPLICATION FOR PROMOTING ELDERLY'S QUALITY OF LIFE OF LADYA SUB-DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY AT MUANG KANCHANABURI DISTRICT IN KANCHANABURI PROVINCE

Abstract

This research article aims to: 1. To examine the level of health among older persons at Lat Ya Sub-District Municipality, Mueang District, Kanchanaburi Province. 2. To study the relationship between Buddhist principles and the health of older persons; and 3. To propose guidelines for applying Buddhist principles to enhance the quality of life of older persons. The study employed a mixed-methods consisting of quantitative research using questionnaires administered to a sample of 288 older persons, with data analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlation coefficients, and qualitative research conducted through in-depth interviews with nine key informants, with data analyzed using content descriptive interpretation.

Findings were as follows: 1. The overall level of health of older persons based on the Four Powers (Bala 4) was at a high level. 2. The application of Buddhist principles was positively correlated with the health of older adults at a low level and was statistically significant at the .01 level (r = .243**); and 3. Health promotion based on Buddhist principles, particularly the principles of Sangahavatthu, had an impact on the well-being of older persons, with the mental dimension showing the highest level, followed by the social, spiritual, and physical dimensions, respectively. The findings indicated the potential of applying Buddhist principles to enhance the quality oflife of older persons across multiple dimensions, both physical and mental, serving as an alternative approach to promoting well-being in aging communities.