Quality of Life Promotion for Elderly Prisoners

Abstract

The objective of the research “Quality of life promotion for elderly prisoners” is to study the patterns of living of elderly inmates while serving the sentence and subsequently acquitted. The research thrives to understand the factors that supports the betterment of quality of living for elderly inmates and to study the measures in the improvement of quality of living for elderly inmates in order to return to the society. The research focuses on both qualitative and quantitative study. The sampling includes elderly inmates with the age of 60 or above serving their sentences in prisons within the area of Bangkok. The elderly inmates’ quality of life was closely through the indicator set by World Health Organization (WHO) which is called WHOQOL-100.
The results indicated that elders with low social status are susceptive to commit crime(s) and later on live their life serving their sentences in confinement. Other factors that are observed in predisposed elderly convicts were the fact that they only receive primary education level, and an income per capita of 10,000 baht per month or less. Most committed crimes relating to drugs. It could be easily explained that they are motivated by the desire to become wealthy and the pressure from hardships economic. Furthermore, their actions could be elucidated by their ignorance. In addition, some elderly inmates encountered many life hardship such as poor health condition and the lack of ability and availability to seek medical attention, poor living environment and economic environment, and the minimal of reliant upon the Doctrine of Faith to help guide their lifestyle. The problematic issues that most elderly inmates in the sampling group confronted includes health issues, mental health issues, freedom, and the environment they are exposed to in the prisons. The issues that were seen in elderly inmates after release consist of issues relating to health and mental health, issues of their living environment, economic environment, and the issues of relationship with other people in the society.
Factors that are corresponding to the betterment of the quality of living for elderly inmates incorporate the amelioration and provision of support for elders with low social status. The support should prioritize those who are experiencing economic hardship. It also should vigorously stride to alleviate mental health issues. These improvements could be accomplished through the usage of the Doctrine of Faith or other religious activities. Furthermore, organizations should work in correlation with elderly inmates who have long term imprisonment. This is significant because those elderly inmates would most likely need help and support after being released.