Factors Influencing the Life Quality of Senior Citizens in Muang Maha Sarakham Municipality, Maha Sarakham Province

Abstract

Background and Aims: Currently, Thailand is transitioning to a completely aging society, with the proportion of the elderly population increasing in Thailand. Meanwhile, the working-age population tends to decrease rapidly compared to other countries in the ASEAN region. Moreover, the effects of Thailand's transition to an aging society may occur faster and more severely than in many other countries. The Thai government has given importance to the transition into an aging society and has begun issuing countermeasures. The objectives of this research are (1) to study the quality of life of the elderly, (2) To compare the quality of life of the elderly classified by personal factors, and (3) to study recommendations for improving the quality of life of the elderly.

Methodology: This study studied the area of Maha Sarakham Municipality, Maha Sarakham Province. The sample group consisted of 393 elderly people living in Mahasarakham Municipality. Data were collected using a questionnaire. Data analysis by statistical methods, t-test, and F-test.

Results: (1) The overall quality of life of the elderly is at a moderate level, when arranging the averages from highest to lowest, they are as follows: environmental, social relations, physical, and mental, respectively. (2) The results of comparing the quality of life of the elderly classified by gender found that there were differences that were statistically significant at the 0.05 level in two areas: social relationships, and the environment. As for the classification by age, it was found that overall, there was a statistically significant difference at the 0.05 level. (3) Suggestions for improving the quality of life of the elderly of Maha Sarakham Municipality as follows; (1)Promote health and physical activity, (2)Promote learning and social activities, (3) Promote community participation, (4) Providing health care services, (5) Promote professional work or volunteer activities, (6) Providing knowledge about finances and financial planning in life after retirement, (7)Family and caregiver support, (8)Creating opportunities to work with related organizations, and (9) organizing activities for the elderly on municipal day.

Conclusion: Overall, the quality of life for the elderly is at a moderate level, with statistically significant differences in average scores in the areas of environment, social relationships, physical health, and mental well-being. Gender and age-based comparisons reveal statistically significant differences, and recommendations for improving the quality of life for the elderly in Maha Sarakham Municipality include promoting health and physical activities, supporting social learning, encouraging community participation, providing health care services, promoting work and volunteer activities, financial education, family support, collaboration with relevant organizations, and organizing activities for the elderly on Municipal Day.