Temple for the elderly : Model of the sustainable and appropriate activities for aging society

Abstract

            The objectives of this research were as follows: 1) to study the concept and paradigm of activity management for older persons in Buddhist temples; 2) to synchronize and develop an appropriate model for aging society in Buddhist temples; and 3) to create A Handbook of Activity Management for  Older persons  in Buddhist Temples for Subsistence Needs. The methodology was mixed method of qualitative and qualitative data. The samples were 236 older persons who were residents of Bangkok metropolitan region and took parts in activities organized by Buddhist temples.  The in-depth interview with 5 informants was also used. Research instruments were questionnaires and structured interview format which by the internal reliability of Cronbach’s alpha is 0.97 and Cronbach’s alpha of 7 factors is between 0.81-0.94.The used statistics were descriptive statistics, frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation.

           The results of research were found as follows:

           1) The activity management in Buddhist temples had a concept for propagation of Buddhism to develop mind by practicing Kammathana and studying Abhidhamma  by general people; the process of this activities are run by the abbot and his assistants in his temple area except in case of Wat Dhammamonkol.

           2) A model of activity management for older persons in Buddhist temples for subsistence needs was based on the principle of 7 Suppayas as significant factors especially by using Iriyapada-sappaya and Puggala-sappaya as the main conditions in conducting appropriate activities for the needs of older persons for creating subsistence.

           3) A Handbook of Activity Management in Buddhist Temples for Older Persons for Subsistence Needs comprises 5 Chapters: Chapter I and Chapter II deal with A General Knowledge of Older Persons, Chapter III deals with A Concept and Theory of 7 Sappayas; Chaper IV deals A Model of Activity Management for Older Persons  ; and Chapter V deals with A Conclusion.