THE IMPLEMENTATION FOR UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE (U3A) OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES IN PATHUMTHANI PROVINCE

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to: 1) Study driving for the conditions according to University of the third age, 2) Study the factors affecting for driving according to University of the third age, and 3) Present the driving mechanism according to University of the third age of Local Administration in Pathumthani Province. Collecting data from schools and universities for the elderly were under the supervision of Local Administration in Pathumthani Province in a total of 7 locations by using research methods in term of research and development encompassing 4 stages: 1) A review of relevant literature and field studies, complemented by in-depth interviews with 7 key informants; 2) The use of questionnaires to design activity models, targeting a sample of 104 participants, analyzed through multiple regression analysis; 3) The implementation of the Third Age University model through training activities at the seven elderly schools; and 4) The presentation of a driving mechanism for the Third Age University model via focus group discussions with 11 experts. The results found that: 1) Local Administration had driven schools and universities of the elderly to be University of the third age by collaborating with educational institutions and various organizations to progress respectively. 2) Factors affecting for driving according to University of the third age was organizational strategy policy factor(s) and management resources with statistical significance at the .01 level, and 3) The driving mechanism according to University of the third age of Local Administration in Pathumthani province consisted of knowledgeable and public-minded leaders, continuous operation, elder people’s participation in term of supporting from their families, community participation, networks from outside organization and the implementation proposed that consideration be given to the recruitment of members aged 55 and above, and the preparation for adaptation to unforeseen circumstances.