LIFE QUALITY OF THE ELDRY IN PATHUM THANI PROVINCE

Abstract

This research objectives were (1) to analyze the life quality of the elderly in Pathum Thani Province, (2) to reflect problems on the life quality of the elderly in Pathum Thani Province, and (3) to provide recommendations to promote the life quality of the elderly in Pathum Thani Province. The research was qualitative. The key informants in this research were 4 executives and staff of the Office of Social Development and Human Security, Pathum Thani Province, 4 executives of local administrative organizations in Mueang Pathum Thani District and Nong Suea District, 4 personnel of local administrative organizations in Mueang Pathum Thani District and Nong Suea Subdistrict, and 10 elderly men and women aged 60 and over living in Mueang Pathum Thani District and Nong Suea District, totaling 22 people. The purposive selection was used. The research instrument was a semi-structured interview. Data were analyzed using data interpretation and presented descriptively.

 The research results found that (1) the life quality of the elderly in Pathum Thani Province included: the elderly had chronic health problems, problems in accessing health services, lacked of close family relationships, the elderly relied on government welfare and wanted to increase their incomes and social relationships through organizing activities from government agencies and religious activities. Elderly schools and digital technology were channels for developing new skills, environmental issues, housing problems and pollution affect the lives of the elderly. Opportunities must be created to participate and felt valued in society, (2) the problems on the life quality of the elderly in Pathum Thani Province included economic problems, health problems, access to public health services, social isolation, lacked of resources, and problems of rights that the elderly should receive, (3) the recommendations to promote the life quality of the elderly in Pathum Thani Province included strengthening community cooperation, providing equipment and facilities for the elderly, supporting family participation in caring for the elderly, organizing activities for the elderly to play a role in the community, establishing volunteer groups in the community and training in additional occupations, developing social and economic support systems.