The Model of Recreation Activities on Stress Management of Older Persons in Chanthaburi Province

Abstract

The work was a semi-experimental research. It aimed to study the stress level of the
elderly in Chanthaburi province through Thai local sports. The samples in the research were
40 people aged over 60 who could participate in the activities. The subjects were obtained
by a purposive sampling. The research instruments were divided into two sets: 1) the stress
gauging instrument, 2) the recreational activity program on Thai local sports. The instrument
had a confidence value equivalent to 0.95. The recreational program had confidence value
equivalent to 0.93. Statistics used in data analysis were percentage, mean, standard deviation,
and t-test.
The study found that: 1) A majority of the subjects were males aged over 81, married,
completed a primary education and suffered from personal diseases. 2) As for the stress level
of the subjects following their participation in the program, it was found that their stress level
was down; statistical value was equivalent to 15.95 with a statistical significance of .05. It can
be concluded that the recreational activities in the study had a positive effect on the subjects’
mental health. With the recreational activities performed correctly and suitably, the elderly
under study had a better life quality, and stronger mental states.