Developmental Model of The Mental Health of Buddhadhamma for the Old Aged People : A Case Study of Banprue Sub-District, Krasang District, Buriram Province

Abstract

The purposes of this research were 1) to study the principles of Buddhism and local wisdom in the development of mental health of the elderly; 2) to study the mental development process of the elderly in the temple and community of Ban Prue Subdistrict, Krasang District, Buriram Province; and 3) to propose the development of mental health of the elderly in accordance with the Buddhist principles and local wisdom in the temple and community of Krasang District, Buriram Province. The data of this qualitative research were collected by using interview method.

             The result suggested that

1. Buddhist principles and local wisdom in the development of mental health of the elderly applied four main development namely: 1) Physical development with physical training that made healthy living; 2) Moral development which was set in the discipline by not bullied or caused any problems to others; 3) Emotional development in which training the mind, strength, stability to be flourished with virtues, compassion, diligence, patience, concentration and refreshment, joyful, bright, have a good mind, and clear mental health, and 4) Intellectual development was to train the wisdom to acknowledge the reality in nature and the world at present. The local wisdom was occurred from the experience, and then inherited. It is based on the belief in Buddhism and the tradition, worship, culture, and important Buddhist days.


2. Mental health development process of the elderly at the temple and community of Ban Prue was that the District Health Promotion Hospital organized activities on important Buddhist days for the elderly to have the opportunity to relax and often participate in activities such as exercising, massaging, singing and dancing. They had fun with friends at the same age.

          3. Mental health development model was to eat moderately, do the exercise regularly and participate in the community activities.