Health-Promoting Behavior of the Elderly in Semi-Communities Semi-Rural Town Ban Thung Khao Tok Nong Yaeng Sub-district, San Sai District, Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research were: 1) to study health promotion behaviors among      the elderly, (2) to examine self-care behaviors among the elderly, and (3) to propose a model  for organizing health promotion activities for the elderly based on the “3อ” principle (food, emotion, and exercise). The sample consisted of 159 elderly individuals from Village 4, Ban            Thung Khao Tok, Nong Yaeng Subdistrict, San Sai District, Chiang Mai Province. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to determine mean, percentage, standard deviation, and data distribution.

The findings revealed that: 1) the overall self-care behavior of the elderly was at the “regular” level, with a mean score of 2.64. The elderly typically ate three meals a day and arranged their houses for good ventilation, 2) Regarding health promotion behaviors, most elderly participants had access to exercise areas or equipment, convenient transportation to hospitals, and community health activities. Overall, health promotion behavior was at the “regular” level, with a mean score of 2.73. The highest score was for disease surveillance in the community conducted by village health volunteers, at the “regular” level, with a mean score of 2.94, and 3) The model for health promotion activities based on the “3อ” principle showed that in terms                 of food, behaviors were at the “often” level, with a mean score of 2.56. The elderly and their families often consumed pesticide-free vegetables and fruits, with a mean score of 2.84. In terms of emotional well-being, behaviors were also at the “often” level, with a mean score of 2.46. The elderly frequently participated in religious rituals in the community, such as chanting and making merit at temples, with a mean score of 2.74. However, in terms of exercise, behaviors were at the “never” level, with a mean score of 1.75. During their free time, the elderly engaged in leisure activities with family members, such as brisk walking, traditional dancing, and cycling, with the highest mean score of 2.19.