BUDDHIST-BASED RECREATION: A NEW DIMENSION IN ENHANCING THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF THAI ELDERLY

Abstract

Thailand has officially entered an aging society, making the promotion of older adults’ quality of life a critical challenge. Spiritual and cultural dimensions, though essential, are often overlooked, despite Buddhism being a core foundation of Thai life and especially significant for older adults who deeply value religious teachings and practices. However, the integration of Buddhist principles into recreational activities remains underdeveloped and lacks systematic study, even though it holds high potential to enhance holistic well-being in physical, mental, social, and intellectual dimensions. This article aims to synthesize and propose the concept of “Buddhist recreation” as an integrative framework that merges Dhamma with recreational activities to enhance the quality of life among the elderly in Thai society. Through literature review and case studies, such as the Silp Song Tham project, the Buddha Art Gallery, and community-based programs, the article highlights practical applications of Buddhist teachings, including the Four Noble Truths, the Four Divine States (Brahmaviharas), and the Four Bases of Social Solidarity (Sangahavatthu) within recreational activities encompassing art, culture, and social participation. The article also analyzes key success factors, such as leadership development, network building, and the design of responsive and inclusive activities. Furthermore, five policy recommendations are proposed, including the integration of Dhamma into recreation, the development of community support systems, intersectoral collaboration, the promotion of innovation and research, and the cultivation of social awareness. These proposals have the potential not only to guide the implementation of Buddhist recreation at the local level but also to contribute to national frameworks that support the sustainable development of elderly well-being in Thailand.