INTEGRATION OF FOUR BHAVANA PRINCIPLES FOR ELDERLY WELL-BEING DEVELOPMENT: A CASE STUDY OF THAMMAMUN SUBDISTRICT MUNICIPALITY, CHAI NAT PROVINCE

Abstract

Objectives of this research article were: 1. To examine the level of well-being among the elderly; 2. To investigate the relationship between the Four Bhavana Principles and the well-being of the elderly; and 3. the integration of Buddhist principles to promote the development of elderly well- being in Thammamun Sub-District Municipality, Mueang Chai Nat District. Mixed method research was conducted. The quantitative research used questionnaires to collected data from 324 samples who were elderly participants. The qualitative research, data were collected by in-depth interviewing 9 key informants. The research instruments had a reliability coefficient of 0.937. Data were analyzed using basic statistics such as mean, standard deviation, Pearson’s correlation. The qualitative data were analyzed by content descriptive interpretation.

The findings revealed that: 1. Overall, the elderly’s well-being was at a high level. They showed good physical well-being, exercised regularly, possessed positive mental well-being through social interaction, demonstrated social well-being by participating in community activities, and gained spiritual well-being through inner peace and access to social services. 2. The overall relationship between the Four Bhavana Principles and elderly well-being was very low (R=0.186**). When considered by aspect, spiritual well-being had the highest positive correlation (R=0.435**), followed by social well-being (R=0.262**), physical well-being (R=0.260**), and Panna Bhavana (R=0.148**). 3. Kaya-bhavana-continuous promotion of elderly health; Sila bhsvans, support for religious and traditional activities to foster community unity; Citta-bhavana-holistic care for the mental growth and flourishing of the elderly; and Panna Bhavana-provision of welfare to improve their quality of life and ensure their happiness.