THE STATE AND ANALYSIS OF THE QUALITY OF LIFE COMPOSITION OF THE ELDERLY IN KHO WANG DISTRICT, YASOTHON PROVINCE

Abstract

This research has objectives to: 1) study the state and analyze quality of life composition of the elderly in Kho Wang district, Yasothon province, and 2) find out the ways to develop quality of life composition of the elderly living in Kho Wang district, Yasothon province. This research is considered as a qualitative research. The data collection is undertaken by using an in-depth interview with the 17 key informants and a focus group of 8 individuals. The collected data were analyzed by content analysis and verified by a triangulation method. The results revealed that: 1. The state and analysis of quality of life composition of the older people in Kho Wang district, Yasothon province composed of 1) physical state in which the elderly having a malnutrition and consuming food based on their indulgence, 2) Psychological state where some of  the elderly felt anxious of being abandoned by their offsprings, 3) Social relations state in which the elderly were happy to participate in social activities such as traditional festivals, 4) Awareness of self-worth state in which the older people were proud of their ability to look after themselves, 5) Family relationship state where most the elderly were receiving attendance, respect, assistance, warmth, love, care as well as interest from their family members, 6) Medical treatment state where most the elderly possessed an excellent health condition and received a free-of-charge medical service, and 7) Social welfare state in which the elderly received subsistence allowance from the government so they could live by and adjust themselves amid changes in economic, social and political dimension. 2. The ways to develop quality of life composition of the elderly in Kho Wang district, Yasothon province included: 1) Physical state, the older people should receive a high nutritious food, 2) Psychological state, the elderly should receive respect and obedience from their children, 3) Social relations state, the elderly should participate in social activities, 4) Awareness of self-worth state, the senior people should be proud of themselves in forms of respect and dignity provided by their children, 5) Family relationship state, family is a basic and strong network that helps liftup value in life of the elderly, 6) Medical treatment state, the elderly need a regular physical checkup and an easy access of medical services, and 7) Social welfare state, the provision of social welfare in order to assist and support the elderly to live by themselves and be able to adjust themselves toward economic, social, and political changes.