The Development of Elderly Quality of Life in Wang Nang Sub-district Municipality, Mueang District, Maha Sarakham Province

Abstract

The research aimed to study the needs and suggestions on developing the quality of life of the elderly in Wang Nang Sub-district Municipality, Mueang District, Maha Sarakham Province. The research was conducted on mixed-method research, quantitative and qualitative research. Concerning the quantitative research, the sample was 400 elderly people. The instrument used for data collecting was a questionnaire. Statistics in data analysis were frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Concerning the qualitative research, data were collected from a semi-structured interview. Key informants were 8 elderly people. The data obtained from the interviews was used to analyze, synthesize, categorize and present in a descriptive design. The study found that 1) the needs on developing the quality of life of the elderly were overall at a high level. Classified by each aspect, there were 3 aspects at the highest level of needs, arranged from the highest mean to the lowest mean, which were good physical health, good livelihood, and good emotional health. Besides, there were 3 aspects at a high level of needs, as arranged from the highest mean to the lowest mean, which were interpersonal relationships, social gatherings, and self-decision-making. And 2) Significant suggestions were (1) government agencies and volunteers should have regular visits to look after the health of the elderly; (2) the elderly allowance should be increased to cover current expenses; (3) a vocational training courses and training courses; (4) outdoor space should be provided for the elderly, and (5) an elderly school should be established in the community for knowledge exchange in healthcare.

The study found that 1) Opinions about the needs on developing the quality of life of the elderly were overall at a high level. Classified by each aspect, there were 3 aspects at the highest level of needs, arranged from the highest mean to the lowest mean, which were good physical health, good livelihood, and good emotional health. Besides, there were 3 aspects at a high level of needs, as arranged from the highest mean to the lowest mean, which were interpersonal relationships, social gatherings, and self-decision-making. And 2) Significant suggestions were (1) government agencies and volunteers should have regular visits to look after the health of the elderly; (2) the elderly allowance should be increased to cover current expenses; (3) a vocational training courses and training courses; (4) outdoor space should be provided for the elderly, and (5) an elderly school should be established in the community for knowledge exchange in healthcare.