THE INNOVATION FOR DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES LEADERS TO PROMOTE HEALTH FOR THE ELDERLY IN PONG SAENTHONG SUD-DISTRICT, MUEANG DISTRICT, LAMPANG PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aimed to: 1) investigate community phenomena relevant to the development of physical activity leaders' capacity to promote health among the elderly; 2) design and validate an innovative process for developing the capacity of physical activity leaders; and 3) study the implementation of the innovation in enhancing the capacity of physical activity leaders. The study involved 63 key informants, including five community leaders, 20 physical activity leaders, three cultural experts, five personnel working with the elderly, and seven innovation evaluators selected through purposive sampling. Additionally, 23 elderly participants were recruited through volunteer sampling. Research tools included questionnaires, interview guides, evaluation forms, group discussion records, and an innovation manual. Statistical methods used were percentage, mean, and standard deviation. The findings revealed that: 1) Community Factors: Community organizations provided supportive factors such as group cohesion, accessible venues, and leader readiness. Challenges included insufficient and inappropriate physical activities for the elderly and a lack of skills among leaders in designing activities tailored to the elderly, as well as limited hands-on learning opportunities. 2) Innovation Development and Validation: The innovative capacity development process consisted of five steps: (1) SWOT analysis, (2) leadership capacity-building training, (3) activity design by leaders, (4) activity implementation by leaders, and (5) evaluation of leadership capacity development outcomes. 3) Implementation Outcomes: Physical activity leaders designed three activities for the elderly: a knowledge set on physical activities, an aerobic dance activity incorporating Muay Thai, and a mixed exercise activity integrating Northern Thai dance "Fon Jerng". The leadership capacity scores after implementing the innovation were higher than the pre-implementation scores. Outcomes for Leaders: The innovation enhanced leaders' awareness of physical activities, fostered positive attitudes toward leading a healthy lifestyle, improved self-esteem, and strengthened their sense of community belonging. Outcomes for the Elderly: The elderly participants benefited from knowledge exchange, learning opportunities, and positive behavioral changes in managing their physical health.