An Activity Model Development Base on Kāyagatāsati Kammaṭṭhāna To Reduce the Risk of Falls from Walking in the Elderly Adults

Abstract

     The study aimed to achieve 3 objectives. 1) to examine the characteristics of fall risk and the activities that help reduce fall risk among older adults using the principles of Kāyagatāsati Kammaṭṭhāna (mindfulness of the body), 2) to develop a set of activities based on Kāyagatāsati Kammaṭṭhāna to reduce the risk of falls during walking among older adults, and 3) to measure and evaluate the effectiveness of this activity model in reducing fall risk among older adults in Nonsi Subdistrict, Kabin Buri District, Prachin Buri Province. This research employed a mixed-methods research. The key informants comprised 250 older adults who participated in the survey, 35 selected participants for in-depth interviews, and a group of experts who participated in focus group discussions. The instruments and data collection techniques included (1) a questionnaire, (2) an in-depth interview form, (3) a focus group discussion, (4) an activity model, and (5) an activity manual. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis.
     The study found that;
     1) Most older adults in the area experienced problems related to falling. These incidents were primarily caused by occupational activities and health conditions that affected balance, leading to an increased risk of falls. Providing educational support was considered highly important because no organization or agency had previously provided knowledge or training about falls or fall-risk reduction for older adults.
     2) From the fieldwork, older adults participated in various activities designed according to the principles of Kāyagatāsati Kammaṭṭhāna (mindfulness of the body). The activities included: (1) developing mindfulness of breathing, (2) contemplating the body as impure, (3) recognizing fall risks associated with walking, (4) learning about appropriate nutrition for the elderly, and (5) practicing awareness of 4 minors bodily movements (iriyāpatha) are maintaining mindfulness of the four main postures—walking, standing, sitting, and lying down. Observation and assessment during the program revealed that older adults demonstrated significant improvement and were able to apply these mindful practices effectively in their daily lives.
     3) The findings indicated that the participants showed clear progress. Overall, the measurable results showed that most elderly adults no longer had a high risk of falling. Statistical analysis revealed that the average post-test scores were significantly higher than the pre-test scores at the significance level of 0.000. Therefore, it can be concluded that the developed activity model was successfully applicable to older adults in Nonsi Subdistrict, Kabin Buri District, Prachin Buri Province. Moreover, the fall risk among participants was meaningfully reduced, corresponding to the project’s slogan: “Nonsi seniors live well, with no falls.”