Models of Health Promotion for the Elderly in Bangkok Through the Process of Creating Knowledge on Health by the Elderly Club

Abstract

This article aimed to 1) examine the healthcare behaviors of elderly people who are members of elderly clubs in Bangkok; 2) explore models of health promotion for the elderly in Bangkok through the process of creating knowledge about health by the elderly clubs; and 3) propose models of health promotion for the elderly in Bangkok through the process of creating knowledge on health by the elderly clubs. Mixed-methods research approach in this study, which comprised quantitative research methods. Questionnaires were used as tools to investigate the data collected from 390 participants. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, including percentage, mean, and standard deviation, as well as correlation analysis to examine the relationships between variables. A correlation matrix was generated to support the structural equation modeling (SEM). Qualitative research employed in-depth interviews with 30 key informants. Content analysis was conducted, and data were presented descriptively.

The results obtained: 1) the role of elderly clubs, the process of organizing health literacy activities, the level of health literacy, and health promotion were all aligned with the health care behaviors of elderly individuals who are members of elderly clubs in Bangkok; 2) the models of health promotion for the elderly in Bangkok by health promotion were most directly influenced by the process of organizing health literacy activities, followed by the role of elderly clubs and the level of health literacy. When considering the overall influence, it was found that the role of elderly clubs had the greatest overall impact on health promotion among the elderly, followed by the process of organizing health literacy activities and health literacy, respectively; and 3) the development of health literacy appropriate for the elderly population focused on several key components: access to health information, understanding of the content, decision-making, behavioral change, and peer recommendation. These elements reflect models of health promotion for the elderly in Bangkok through sustainable health literacy development processes implemented by elderly clubs, contributing to improved quality of life in an urban society.