STRATEGIC APPROACHES TO THE PROVISION OF SOCIAL WELFARE FOR THE ELDERLY IN PHETCHABUN MUNICIPALITY, PHETCHABUN PROVINCE

Abstract

This study examines the accessibility of social welfare among elderly residents of Phetchabun Municipality. The objective was to explore their perceptions, problems, needs, and suitable approaches to social welfare provision in this area. A qualitative research methodology was employed, using in-depth interviews with 15 elderly individuals aged 60 and above who voluntarily participated in the study. Content analysis within a conceptual framework was applied to synthesize key findings in the local context. The results revealed three main findings: (1) the elderly participants demonstrated varying levels of awareness regarding social welfare, which could be categorized into three groups: those with comprehensive understanding, those with partial understanding, and those unaware of their entitlements; (2) major challenges included lack of clear information, limited access to healthcare services, economic hardship, and an unsupportive living environment; and (3) key needs included increased living allowances, improved access to nearby healthcare services, essential living provisions, and greater participation in community activities. Based on these findings, six strategic approaches are proposed to improve the elderly welfare system: (1) promoting the role of the elderly from passive recipients to active participants; (2) transitioning from universal welfare to targeted group-specific schemes; (3) developing a digital system and centralized platform; (4) empowering the elderly and their families; (5) establishing real-time evaluation and adaptive policymaking mechanisms; and (6) building multisectoral collaborative networks. The findings of this study have significant implications for policy planning and the design of welfare systems that are responsive to the specific local context of the elderly population.