APPLICATION OF PRAYER 4 TO PROMOTE HOLISTIC HEALTH THE ELDERLY OF THEP NAKHON SUBDISTRICT MUNICIPALITY AT MUEANG DISTRICT IN KAMPHAENGPHET PROVINCE

Abstract

Objectives of this research article were: 1. To examine level of Bhavana 4 application for promoting the elderly’s holistic well-being; 2. To compare perceptions of the application of the Four Bhavana across different personal factors; and 3. To propose an appropriate model for applying Bhavana 4 to enhance the holistic well-being of older adults at Thep Nakhon Sub-District Municipality, Mueang District, Kamphaeng Phet Province. The sample comprised 333 older adults. Research instruments included a structured questionnaire and an interview script. Data were analyzed using a statistical software package, with interpretations made based on mean scores.

Findings were as follows: 1. The overall level of well-being was high ( =3.89, S.D. = 0.18). When considered by dimensions, all aspects were at a high level, ranked from highest to lowest as follows: Wisdom Development Panna-bhavana ( =3.90, S.D. = 0.25), Moral Development Sila-bhavana; ( =3.89, S.D. = 0.27), Mental Development Citta-bhavana; ( =3.89, S.D. = 0.27), and Physical Development Kaya-bhavana; ( =3.87, S.D. = 0.25); 2. The comparison of public opinions toward the application of the Bhavana 4 across personal factors; gender, age, educational level, and occupation showed no statistically significant differences, thereby rejecting the proposed hypotheses; and 3. The model for promoting the well-being of older adults through the application of Bhavana 4 consisted of four key recommendations: 1. Kaya-bhavana, physical Development: promoting knowledge of nutrition, exercise, and healthy behavioral modifications; 2. Sila-bhavana, moral development: establishing senior clubs or networks for moral activities, cultivating restraint in body, speech, and mind, and fostering community solidarity; 3. Citta-bhavana, mental development, organizing meditation and mindfulness practices, providing psychological counseling, and supporting continuous participation in religious activities; and 4. Panna-bhavana, wisdom development, encouraging older adults to study key Buddhist teachings such as Lokadhamma, the eight worldly conditions and Tilakkhana, three characteristics, to apply wisdom in solving life problems, understanding the reality of existence, and living happily.