A study of the problems and health care needs of the elderly in the area of San Sai Subdistrict Municipality, Mueang District, Chiang Rai Province

Abstract

This research article aimed to 1) study the problems and health needs of the elderly and 2) propose a model for health care and quality of life development for the elderly with Thai traditional medicine in Sansai Municipality, Sansai Sub-district, Mueang District, Chiang Rai Province. This study was qualitative research from collecting information from document review and analysis about the problems and health needs of the elderly through Thai traditional medicine and focus group methods. To study the community health experiences of 150 elderly, 8 San Sai Subdistrict Municipality administrators, and 10 professional Thai traditional medicine practitioners working in the area. Analysis of data from focus group record. Most data analyzed are narrative texts from participant observation, interviews, and notetaking. The results showed that the problems of the elderly are divided into three parts: 1) the problem with non-communicable diseases (NCDs), 2) the illnesses caused by the deterioration of the body, and 3) the mood and mental health of the elderly. In contrast, the health needs of the elderly are divided into two parts: 1) treatment of diseases with Thai traditional medicine wisdom and 2) health self-reliance with local wisdom. Therefore, presenting a model of health care and quality of life development for the elderly is divided into two activities: 1) Traditional Medicine Service Center (TMSC), and 2) activities to promote health and quality of life development of the elderly with Thai traditional medicine in the community.