Elderly Caregivers and Valuing Meaning of Aging of Elderly: Case Study of Noen Khiri Village, Chumphon Province

Abstract

This research paper aims to study the meaning of aging of elderly caregivers in the family. Data was collected through interviews with 15 of elderly caregivers in the Noen Khiri Village, Tha Kham Subdistrict, Tha Sae District, Chumphon Province. The research findings revealed that caregivers perceive the meaning of aging based on their perceptions and experiences, both from caregiving situations and personal experiences. The meaning was perceived in 5 characteristics; 1) relationship between aging and physical and deteriorating health, 2) relationship between aging and the remaining time and lifespan, 3) relationship between aging and knowledge and accumulated experiences, 4) being the emotional support and focal point of the family and 5) defining aging in terms of active aging. From the meanings attributed to aging above, it was found that caregivers attribute both positive and negative meanings to aging. Negative meanings of aging include deteriorating health or vulnerability, which may lead to the categorization or separation of elderly individuals from other age groups. On the other hand, positive perspectives on aging reflect the recognition of the value of aging, both for the elderly and for themselves as caregivers.