Learning Management Guidelines for Potential Development and Empowerment of the Elderly in an Aging Society under the New Normal

Abstract

The purposes of this research article were 1) to study the problems and needs of learning management to develop the potential of the elderly in Phrae Province; 2) to analyze the components of learning management; and 3) to create a mechanism to promote and develop the competencies of the elderly towards Healthy Aging and Active Aging through the participation of local communities to support an aging society under the New Normal in Phrae Province. This was a mixed-methods research, collecting data through interviews with 29 key informants and discussions with 11 leaders of senior citizen clubs, using interviews and focus group discussions with stakeholders. The research findings revealed that 1) the learning management challenges for the elderly were at a moderate level ( = 2.65), particularly inconsistent participation, while the need for learning was high ( = 3.45), by requiring the most support from responsible agencies; 2) the components of learning management and competency assessment for the elderly, aimed at Healthy Aging and Active Aging, consisted of eight elements, namely principles of physical health care, mental health development, knowledge and skill development, six dimensions of recreational activities, self-care in health, hygiene, living happily, and career and wisdom development. These led to the development of three subject categories: life skills, vocational skills, and academic skills, aligning with the potential and needs of the elderly; 3) the mechanism for promoting and developing competencies comprised nine key approaches, ranging from needs assessment and learning objective setting to content and process design, learning environment and media arrangement, networking, research and development, and evaluation and lesson learned. The goal was to create a concrete and sustainable "Thai elderly society with active aging."