THE PROMOTION OF QUALITY OF LIFE OF THE ELDERLY THROUGH THE CULTURAL IDENTITIES OF THE FOUR TRIBES IN SISAKET PROVINCE

Abstract

The objectives of this research included: 1) To study the cultural identities of the four tribes in Sisaket province; 2) To study the model of promoting the quality of life of the elderly of local government organizations in Sisaket province; and 3) To analyze the quality of life enhancement of the elderly through the cultural identities of the four tribes in Sisaket Province. It was a qualitative research through the study of documents and related research including dialogues with target groups. Results of the discussion were analyzed and the information was presented in descriptive writings accompanied with the researcher’s concept aiming to respond the objectives and the identified problems needed to be known. The study found that cultural identity was a specific characteristic expressing the feelings of a group or the prosperity expressed in forms of language, beliefs, traditions and arts that have been inherited, practiced and accepted at the individual and social levels. The model for promoting quality of life of the elderly of local administrative organizations could be divided into 4 aspects including: (1) Promotion; (2) Protection; (3) Treatment; (4) Rehabilitation. There were three components of the elderly including: 1) Physical aspect; 2) Spiritual aspect; and 3) Sociological aspect. Healthcare, therefore, was to simultaneously maintain bodies and minds for enhancing a wholesome life. The promotion of life quality of the elderly through the cultural identities of the four tribes of local government organizations in Sisaket province aimed to promote self-reliance among the elderly