THE ROLE OF THE ELDERLY IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: A CASE STUDY OF SRI-THAN COMMUNITY, NAI MUANG SUB-DISTRICT, MUANG DISTRICE KHON KAEN PROVINCE

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to investigate the role of the elderly in community development, and to study the problems and obstacles in the activities. The elderly in Sri Than Community, Nai Muang sub- district, Muang Khon Kaen, this study is qualitative study sample of 44 people, including 4 community leaders and 40 elderlies, data collection by interview. The data obtained from the interviews were analyzed, classification and interpretation of the content. The study indicated that Elderly in Sri Than community leadership roles mind and spirit. The dispute was settled in the community who are rearing children is a discipline that has occurred since childhood, growing up as a person of quality. The elderly in community were base their practice is a good model to measure the merit and cultural traditions and local knowledge. The role of elderly is in succession to community members learned. Barriers to the development community with underlying health problems. When standing or sitting for a long time, family conditions are not conducive to such participation because they must look after of young children. There was no documented transmission of wisdom. Local authorities should be regularly screened for the disease. So community leaders, local administration organization and families to promote healthy behavior so far the disease.