Problems of Elderly Persons and Community Welfare Management: Case Studies of Two Communities in Wangthonglang, Bangkok

Abstract

The objectives of this study are to study the daily living of the elderlies and problems of welfare management of the elderlies. The selected cases are in Khlong Phlapphla community and Rungmanee Phattana community in Wangthonglang District, Bangkok. The qualitative research was carried out through in-depth interviews. The study found that, 1) well prepared elderly persons have less problems in their daily living and have better quality of life than those unprepared ones, 2) the welfare from the government together with the family support are not enough for the
elderly, therefore, establishing elderly club in the community is necessary for self-help like acquiring skills to generate income, getting free health check up, promoting exercise, religious activities, having meals together and other tradition activities, 3) partnership with other community networks contributes to successful community welfare and sustainable self-help, 4) Many elderly are housebound and need to be invited to join activities that would help them to receive more inclusive welfare and build their capacity.