ELDERLY’S WELL-BEING DEVELOPMENT ACCORDING TO BUDDHADHAMMA OF BAN WANG LUM PHONG SUB-DISTRICT HEALTH PROMOTING HOSPITAL, CHORAKHE SAMPHAN SUB-DISTRICT, U THONG DISTRICT, SUPHAN BURI PROVINCE

Abstract

This research article aims to: 1, To examine the level of health promotion for older persons provided by Ban Wang Lum Phong Sub-District Health Promoting Hospital, Chorakhe Samphan Sub-District, U Thong District, Suphan Buri Province. 2. To study the relationship between Bhāvanā 4, Four Foundations of Meditation, and the promotion of older persons’ health and 3. To study guidelines for applying Bhāvanā 4 in promoting the health of older persons. The research methodology employed a mixed-methods design, consisting of quantitative research using questionnaires administered to a sample of 231 participants and qualitative research conducted through in-depth interviewing 9 key informants.

Findings were as follows: 1. The overall level of opinions toward Bhāvanā 4 was at a high level ( = 4.09). When ranked from highest to lowest, the dimensions were Paññā-bhāvanā, wisdom development, Citta-bhāvanā, mental development, Sīla-bhāvanā, moral development, and Kāya-bhāvanā, physical development, respectively. 2. Bhāvanā 4showed a statistically significant positive relationship with the development of older persons’ well-being (r = .233** and r = .171**), supporting the research hypotheses; and 3. Guidelines for health promotion based on Bhāvanā 4included Kāya-bhāvanā, which promoted physical activities such as breathing exercises and physical exercise; Sīla-bhāvanā, which promoted moral observance such as making merit and listening to Dhamma teachings; Citta- bhāvanā, which emphasized the continuous organization of meditation practice activities; and Paññā-bhāvanā, which encouraged learning Dhamma to develop thinking and understanding. Regarding services for older persons, the findings indicated that service recipients were satisfied with service quality, accessibility, health activity arrangements, and environmental suitability, particularly the politeness of staff, patient follow-up, and the provision of facilities conducive to older persons.