Application of Buddhist Philosophy and Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy for Elderly Health Development Senior Education School Na Aor Subdistrict, Mueang District, Loei Province

Abstract

This research article was to study 1) guidelines and processes for the development of the well-being of the elderly and 2)applied Buddhist philosophy and philosophy of sufficiency economy to develop the well-being of the elderly at Elderly Studies School, Na-Or municipality Sub-district, Muang Loei District, Loei Province. Data were collected by qualitative research method, deep interview, focus group, brainstorming participation from 25 key informants, and descriptive data were analyzed.
The results of the research were as follows:
1. Na-Or municipality Sub-district established guidelines and processes for the development of the well-being of the elderly by applying Buddhist philosophy and philosophy of sufficiency economy for the development of internal health consisting of emotion, 4-factor consumption, behavior, and guideline for the development of external health consisting of environment, economy, and society. There was a process to develop internal well-being namely invited keynote speakers proving knowledge to both monks and lay people to give lectures, health promotion activity was Yoga, learning activities were math games, drawing and painting, recreational activities were standard Thai folk dance, indigenous games, and the process to develop external health consisted of community relations activities such as garbage collection, home visit, handicraft activities such as tray of gift (Beng), wickerwork, family economy promotion activities such as organic vegetable growing etc.
2. The guidelines and processes based on Buddhist philosophy and the philosophy of sufficiency economy as mentioned above made the elderly had internal health consisting of mindfulness and consciousness, control of their emotions, empathizing with others, be aware and adapting to the actual situation, understanding the cycle of things that have happened, three marks of existence, let oneself on all of the sufferings, external health consisting of talking with friends, enjoy learning, use things wisely, have a good relationship with neighbors, be generous, rejoice with each other in times of sorrow, take care of oneself according to the condition.