Community Capital and Promoting the Quality of Life of the Elderly: The Process of Applying Community Capital of Hua Don Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Khueang Nai District, Ubon Ratchathani Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research article are to (1) examine the forms and attributes of community capital, (2) examine the application process of community capital, and (3) examine the changes in community capital following application. The participation of local stakeholders is the main emphasis of this participatory action research study, starting with problem identification and continuing with data collecting, operational design, monitoring, and evaluation. Four groups of stakeholders are included in the target population: employees of local government organizations, staff members of the Subdistrict Health Promotion Hospital and village health volunteers, leaders in the community, and older people and their carers. The findings indicate that there are three different kinds of community capital: (1) human capital, (2) physical capital, and (3) social capital. Following the procedure, community capital has changed: Human capital demonstrates that older people possess the knowledge and abilities to take care of their physical, mental, and intellectual needs as well as their safety. The practitioner team believes that the public must enhance the quality of life for senior citizens, teamwork working on databases and designing developments in line with community context and potential. Physical capital shows that elder living was improved, the care support and rehabilitation center have been established, and the service areas have been broadened and covered. Social capital revitalizes and broadens social networks, providing support to older people, creating a public sphere for learning exchange, establishing mutual relationships between local government entities, and extending collaboration with external network partners.