The Role of Local Administrative Organizations in Enhancing the Quality of Life for the Elderly: A Case Study of the Elderly School, Wang Sapung Municipality, Wang Sapung District, Loei Province

Abstract

This research aims to 1) study the historical background of the Elderly School,                 2) investigate the operational processes of the Elderly School, and 3) analyze the role of local administrative organizations in supporting the social development of the elderly in Wang Saphung Municipality, Wang Saphung District, Loei Province. The sample group consisted of 40 participants, including administrators, public health and environmental officers, social welfare officers, executive committee members of the Elderly Club, and the members of the Elderly School in Wang Saphung Municipality, Wang Saphung District,                Loei Province. Purposive sampling was employed as the sampling method, and the primary research instrument was an interview.

The research findings indicate that the Elderly School of Wang Saphung Municipality was established to promote lifelong learning for the elder persons. The school was initially founded as the Life Quality Development Center for older persons, and later renovated into the elderly school. The curriculum is structured into three levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. The school is managed by a principal in collaboration with an assistant principal. In the administration of the Elderly School, regulations and mutual agreements were made for the members to live together, along with shared responsibility. Various activities were organized to promote health and enhance the quality of life for the local elderly.  There are advisory committee, comprising administrators from Wang Saphung Municipality and external agencies working together with external networks in cooperation with the Loei Provincial Office of Social Development and Human Security, Wang Saphung Hospital, and Loei Rajabhat University to provide education on healthcare rights and organize continuous health promotion and physical exercise activities for the elderly. Mental well-being is fostered through recreational activities, while each of the elderly is encouraged to create valuable things for their community and society, as well as promote the transmission of elderly wisdom in areas such as handicrafts, arts, culture, agriculture, and herbal medicine to preserve and pass on local knowledge. Wang Saphung Municipality allocates resources including budget, personnel, and facilities to support the teaching and learning activities of the Elderly School.