Enhancing the Quality of Life Based on Buddhist Ways for the Rural Agricultural Elderly to Achieve Self-Reliance

Abstract

This research article aimed to enhance the quality of life based on Buddhist ways for the rural agricultural elderly to achieve self-reliance. It was an action research consisting of four stages: Stage 1: planning; Stage 2: implementation; Stage 3: observation, monitoring, and evaluation of the effectiveness of the activities; and Stage 4: reflecting the results of the activities. The research instruments included the Business Model Canvas, a vocational training program, a satisfaction evaluation form with a reliability coefficient of .98, field observation records, a CIPP Model evaluation form, and a lessons learned form. Statistics used in analyzing the data were percentages, frequencies, and descriptive content analysis. The research results found that the mechanisms and processes for enhancing the quality of life based on Buddhist ways for the rural agricultural elderly to achieve self-reliance included 1) creating shared attitudes and awareness among the target group (elderly) and community members, resulting in consensus on the following: 1.1) establishing a mentoring team, 1.2) analysis results showed that the goal was lifelong learning of the elderly, focusing on self-reliance, with the indicator being not depleting savings but creating activities to generate new income, and 1.3) activities to create jobs, careers, and income were scheduled as supplementary learning hours at the Nong Nom Wua Subdistrict Elderly School, totaling 10 times; 2) mechanism development was divided into 3 components: 2.1) upstream, consisting of (1) creating a shared attitude and awareness among the target group (elderly) in the Nong Nom Wua Subdistrict Elderly School, and (2) scheduling and coordinating with speakers; 2.2) midstream, which was product development/product upgrading; and 2.3) downstream, consisting of marketing promotion, and (3) observation, monitoring, and evaluation; 3) lessons learned, consisting of 3.1) problems and limitations, namely the time constraints of the elderly and the health conditions of the elderly; and 3.2) success factors, namely a strong mentoring team, clear needs of the elderly, support from the Subdistrict Administrative Organization/Temple, flexibility in operations, and sharing society.