Development of a Participatory Model for Age-Friendly Community by Multi-Sectoral Collaboration in Health Region 2.

Abstract

      This study aimed (1) to examine the development process of an age-friendly community model through the participation of network partners in Health Region 2, and (2) to evaluate the outcomes of its implementation in two representative communities of the region: Thung Luang Subdistrict Municipality, Sukhothai Province (semi-rural area), and Wichian Buri Municipality, Phetchabun Province (semi-urban area). Research design was applied under the conceptual framework of Participatory Action Research (PAR) following the guideline of Crane and O’Regan. The process consisted of five key steps—Observe, Reflect, Plan, Act, and Share—and was implemented in three phases: (1) situational and contextual analysis, (2) participatory development of the age-friendly community model, and (3) evaluation and lesson learned of the model. Data were analyze by mixed method.

      The study found that the development of an age-friendly community model through the participation of network partners in Health Region 2 resulted from collaboration among multiple sectors, including local administrative organizations, health service units, religious institutions, private sectors, and community members. A participatory approach was applied throughout all stages based on the World Health Organization’s Age-friendly Cities Framework (WHO, 2007), covering eight domains of age-friendly communities. Thung Luang Subdistrict Municipality emphasized community mechanisms and volunteer participation, while Wichian Buri Municipality focused on integrating health service systems and environmental management. The post-implementation evaluation revealed that the quality of life among older adults in both areas significantly improved (p < .001) across all dimensions: physical health, psychological well-being, social relationships, and environment. In Thung Luang Subdistrict Municipality, the mean quality of life score increased from 93.15 (SD = 10.53) to 119.51 (SD = 6.17), while in Wichian Buri Municipality, it increased from 91.64 (SD = 14.28) to 98.58 (SD = 7.92). These findings indicate that the developed model effectively enhanced the overall well-being and quality of life of older adults in a comprehensive and sustainable manner = 14.28) to 98.58 (SD = 7.92), with notable improvements in physical health and environmental domains.