The Development of a Buddhist-Integrated Mechanism for Retirement Preparation Through Community Participation in Lampang Province.

Abstract

ABSTRACT

This research article aimed to: 1) examine the problems and needs of individuals preparing for retirement; 2) develop a system and mechanism for retirement preparedness through community participation; and 3) integrate Buddhist principles into a community-based mechanism for retirement preparation in Lampang Province. A qualitative research design was employed, incorporating document analysis, in-depth interviews with 26 key informants, and participatory action involving 25 participants. Data were analyzed using content analysis.

The research found that:

1. The key problems and needs included policy and quality-of-life development plans focusing on disease prevention, income generation and economic stability, community participation, environmental development, and care systems. Factors influencing retirement preparedness comprised knowledge and attitudes, health, economic conditions, social context, housing, and access to information and services.
2. The development of the system and mechanism was grounded in community participation and consisted of: 1) factors influencing system development; 2) a design process involving situational assessment, participatory planning, and strategic direction in health, financial, social, and environmental dimensions, along with organizational structure, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation; 3) a participatory development process emphasizing community engagement, enhancing understanding among older adults, and incorporating community context through needs assessment and network building.
3. The integration of Buddhist principles into the mechanism comprised four domains: physical development (kāyabhāvanā), promoting mindful health and physical well-being; moral development (sīlabhāvanā), fostering ethical and harmonious social living; mental development (cittabhāvanā), strengthening emotional stability, mindfulness, and inner peace; and wisdom development (paññābhāvanā), cultivating insight into life and reality, promoting appropriate use of technology for well-being, reducing ego attachment, and encouraging purposeful and meaningful living.