Occupational Potential Development based on Community’s Resources for Elderly People in Mai Dat Sub-district, Bang Rachan District, Sing Buri Province

Abstract

This research aimed to: 1) develop the occupational potential based on community resources for elderly people in Mai Dat Sub-district;  and 2) analyze production costs and returns from community resource-based occupations among the elderly. Key informants consisted of 10 individuals, including community leaders, government officials, and representatives of elderly groups in Mai Dat Sub-district, Bang Rachan District, Sing Buri Province. Research instruments included focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, interview guides, and questionnaires. The results revealed that elderly participants were able to produce funeral wreaths with accuracy and proficiency and could perform the tasks independently, reflecting achievement in the psychomotor domain of Bloom’s Taxonomy. Cost analysis indicated that the total production cost per wreath was 330.58 baht, while the selling price was 430 baht per unit. Furthermore, follow-up and evaluation of the participatory community-based occupational development showed that elderly groups were able to generate income through product sales to local temples and flower shops, with strong support from community networks. These findings demonstrate positive long-term outcomes of the occupational potential development based on community resources for the elderly.