dc.description.abstract |
The data of the research project entitled “Approaches for Developing the Social Well-Being of the Elderly in Huai Chorakhe Mak stream Area in Buriram Province” were collected from a case study group of 136 elderly who are living along the upstream, midstream, and downstream of the Huai Chorakhe Mak stream by using purposive sampling technique. In-depth interview and a survey of the conditions of housing and community’s environment were employed. The 2 objectives of the research were 1) to examine, analyze, compare, and synthesize knowledge derived from well-being situations of the elderly from the 4 research areas which were posed in the framework, and 2) to publicize the knowledge gained from the research project synthesis under the predetermined plan through public broadcasting. It was found that most of interviewees from the 4 areas were females aged 60-70 years. They completed the primary education. The proportion of married elderly who still live with their spouses and widowed elderly was similar. They have 4-6 children and live with their descendants in their domiciles. There were 3-6 family members living in each house. Most of the elderly were physically strong but had congenital diseases. The most common congenital diseases were diabetes, heart diseases, and high blood pressure. However, they were hopeful and felt neither sad nor dispirited. Eight elderly from ten still could help with the house works, participate in decision making regarding the family problems. They viewed that they still had values because they were accepted by their families and their descendants took care of them. They were willing to help other people and had good relationships with their neighbors through merit making activities, participating in traditions organized in the community, and participating in festivals or activities organized by their neighbors. At the present, most of the elderly did not have an occupation or a hobby that could generate incomes. Therefore, they did not have enough personal expenses allowance. More than half of the elderly have not saved their money before getting old. Their houses were built 30 years ago. The home ownership belonged to the elderly. The houses were built on the elderly lands. The conditions of the houses were associated with the economic status (income) and social status of the elderly. From the aforementioned conditions, most of the houses have not been improved in order to provide convenience and security to the elderly to be in line with other areas. Factors promoting self esteem in the elderly were having a healthy and strong body and being able to provide assistance to family members, community, or society. It was suggested that Local Administration Organization or people in the society should support the elderly more in terms of physical well-being by providing health care knowledge, mental well-being regarding recreation and leisure activities, and economy regarding finding a job for generating income. Moreover, the lonely and isolated elderly must not be abandoned. The people in the community should join hand to be the caregivers for these elderly. |
en_US |