MODEL AND INNOVATION FOR DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNITY MODEL ON ENHANCEMENT OF BUDDHISM-INTEGRATED NEW NORMAL LIFE QUILITY FOR SPIRITUAL HAPPINESS AND FRIENDLY SOCIETY CREATION FOR ELDERLY IN ANCIENT LOEI RIVER COMMUNITIES

Abstract

This research and development (R&D) study, utilized a multi-phase mixed-methods approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative methods. The research pursued three main objectives: 1) To study the current situation and conducive factors for enhancing the new normal quality of life of the elderly, 2) To develop a model and innovation for a prototype community, integratively enhancing the new normal quality of life based on Buddhist principles for spiritual well-being and the creation of a Kalyanamitta society for the elderly in the ancient community of the Loei River Basin, and 3) To evaluate the developed model and innovation. The informants comprised five groups: 1) Ninety-five elderly respondents (questionnaires), 2) Nine key informants (interviews), 3) Nine experts (model validation), 4) Thirty participants (experiment), and 5) Nine esteemed experts (model evaluation). The tools used were questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, and connoisseurship. The data analysis involved frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and content analysis. The results of the research revealed the following:
1) The current new normal quality of life of the elderly in all four aspects was found to be at a good level. The aspects were ranked by mean value from highest to lowest as follows: social relationships, environment, mental health, and physical health, respectively. The factors that were found to be conducive to enhancing the new normal quality of life included factors within the family, factors within the community, and support factors from both government and private sectors. 2) The developed model was comprised of four components: an introduction, content, a process for model implementation, and conditions for success. The developed model has a research design and process that are consistent and appropriate for the variables and target population being studied. The innovation that was developed was comprised of three types: a booklet, a pamphlet, and a poster. and 3) The developed model and innovation were assessed to have the highest level of suitability, consistency, feasibility, and utility in all aspects.