QUALITY OF LIFE OF ELDERLY IN BAN MUANG MON ETHNIC COMMUNITY, RATCHABURI

Abstract

Ageing society problems impacted to economy and society, including rural area. This article aimed to study quality of life of elderly in Ban Muang Ethnic Community, Ban Pong District, Ratchaburi Province. Research methodology was qualitative method. Key informants were 34 elderlies and representatives of some organizations that concerned caring elderly in Ban Muang Community. Semi-structure guideline interview was used to collect data. Descriptive method was used to analyze data. Research results showed that most elderlies in Ban Muang Community had good quality of life, such as healthy mental, supporting themselves and their family, relationship their neighborhoods, and participation in traditional and cultural activities many times. However, some elderlies had some physical problem from body degeneration, working hard when young age, and health behaviors, and stress problem about their family. That elderlies had not face with serious problem because community and some concerned organizations could take care them as well.