MONKS’ ROLES IN PROMOTING ELDERY’S QUALITY OF LIFE AT BANG PA-IN DISTRICT, PHRA NAKORN SI AYUTTHAYA PROVINCE

Abstract

Objectives of this research article were: 1. examine the level of quality of life promotion for older adults, 2. investigate the factors influencing such promotion, and 3. present the roles of monks in enhancing the quality of life of older adults in Bang Pa-in District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative research. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, as well as inferential statistics through multiple regression analysis, were used. Data were collected from 379 older adults via questionnaires and 10 key informants through interviews.

Findings were as follows: 1. The overall level of quality of life promotion among older persons in Bang Pa-in District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, was high ( = 3.94, S.D. = 0.59); 2. The Four Foundations of Meditation (Bhāvanā 4) and quality of life promotion jointly and significantly predicted the roles of Buddhist monks at the 0.01 level of statistical significance, accounting for 83.2% of the variance in the dependent variable, while the remaining 16.8% was explained by other factors. The Four Foundations of Meditation showed no significant influence, whereas quality of life promotion was the only predictor with a statistically significant positive effect, and 3. The roles of Buddhist monks in promoting the quality of life of older persons were holistic in nature, encompassing physical, mental, social, and intellectual dimensions. These roles were implemented through the integration of meditation principles, moral cultivation, health promotion activities, social participation, and community networking. Such practices contributed to improved physical health, emotional stability, social connectedness, and an overall enhanced quality of life among older persons.