Model Development for Promoting the Quality of Life of Elderly in Elderly Club Ubon Ratchathani Province

Abstract

The research aimed to study model development for promoting the quality of life of the elderly in Elderly Club of Ubon Ratchathani province. Randomly selected sample group of the study were 400 members of the club. The research instruments were questionnaires, in-depth interviews, focus groups and model evaluation. Collected data were analyzed by using percentage, mean, standard deviation, and content analysis. The research findings were as follows: The developed model comprised 4 elements including principle, objective, operation and success condition. 1) Principle referred to the use of participation focusing on self-reliance following self-sufficiency economy in order to promote the quality of life of elderly members in terms of economy, recreation and activities, health, and ability in self-reliance and social relationships. 2) Objective was to promote the elderly's quality of life in the aforementioned aspects. 3) Operation consisted of (1) economic promotion done by providing knowledge about self-sufficiency economy, occupation, income generation, financial management, and elderly club's fund establishment; (2) recreation promotion and activities operated through developing leadership potential, recreational activities, volunteer activities and elderly club networks; (3) health promotion by organizing activities covering helping friends, paying homage to the elderly, improving home environments, and dharma practice and meditation; (4) self-reliance and social relationships promotion by enhancing savings, self-reliance, home-visit, motivational encouragement in joining the club, social relationships, life-long learning, self development and self-esteem. 4) Success conditions involved members attending provided events and strictly following the rules; coordinating with various sectors, potential leaders, and members bringing gained knowledge to action. The strategy evaluation assessed by experts resulted in a higher level of suitability and possibility (mean 4.41 and 3.81 respectively).