The Model of Elderly Development Based on Buddhist Ethics of Khon Kaen Municipality, Mueang District, Khon Kaen Province

Abstract

The purposes of this research were 1) to study Buddhist ethics in developing the elderly, 2) to study the elderly development model of Khon Kaen Municipality, 3) to present the Buddhist ethics development model for the elderly of Khon Kaen Municipality. It is qualitative research. Research tools were in-depth interviews. Key informants were academic groups of 20 figures/person, action group of 20 persons, and elderly group of 20 persons. Descriptive data were analyzed by inductive method.
The results revealed that:
1. Buddhist ethics is a principle used as a method for developing the elderly to have a quality of life in three aspects: health, participation. Stability in life consists of 4 cultivations, path of accomplishment (4powers), and concentration of the Dhamma (5 samadhis), leading to complete and sustainable development.
2. Models for the development of the elderly in Khon Kaen municipality in 3 aspects: health, participation and security it is a model that the municipality implement but the elderly should be developed in terms of both physical and mental potential at the same time to create balance and coverage in the dimensions of health care that are desired, stable, and sustainable forever.
3. The model for developing the quality of life for the elderly according to Buddhist ethics of Khon Kaen Municipality, it was found that the 4 meditations, namely body, mind, and wisdom, There are recreational activities to develop good mental health for the elderly and being aware of the conditions of the world and life. The 4 Iddhibādas are methods of reinforcing the longevity of the elderly with satisfaction and following the advice of physicians in order to free themselves from various diseases. Elderly people who have the potential or have the ability to perform their functions in the physical able to perform daily activities by themselves, reducing dependency on others and also to reduce social isolation by participating in activities in the community, clubs, resulting in more satisfaction and more well-being in life.