Development of Social-wellbeing among the Elderly and the Disabled in a Multicultural Context for New Normal Lifestyles in Chiang Rai Province

Abstract

This article aims to develop guidelines to promote social well-being among the elderly and disabled in a multicultural community to cope with this new normal era in Mae Fah Luang district Chiang Rai province. It is a participatory action research (PAR) which involved 12 key informants including the elderly, physically disabled, leaders, local government representatives, and representatives of community organizations such as the occupation promotion for the disabled group, the elderly group, and ethnic youth leaders. Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussion were employed in data collection. The obtained data were analysed qualitatively. Results showed that the Covid-19 situation affects adaptation of the disabled and elderly in the multicultural context into a new normal lifestyle both at individual and communal levels. The adaptation is suitable to the contexts in terms of social and intellectual capital, such as self-protection from Covid-19, building understanding, communication, training community leaders and improving the understanding of health care along with the development of social well-being of the ethnic groups. Factors for improving social well-being include context and needs in caring for the elderly and disabled. The results reflect the ability to take care the elderly and disabled at domestic and community levels. This study can provide insights for social organizations and development of the human potential to be more independent and social health in the new normal way of life to strengthen the community for sustainable development.