A Model to Promote Holistic Well-being for the Elderly Affected by Physical Health

Abstract

The objectives of this research studies were 1) to analyze the holistic well-being of the elderly affected by physical health; 2) to synthesize Buddhist and psychological principles to enhance the holistic well-being of the elderly affected by physical health; and 3) to present a Buddhist Psychology model in promoting the holistic well-being for the elderly affected by physical health. This study is a Qualitative research. Using 4 research tools including 1) literature review 2) in-depth Interviews 3) focus group discussion, and 4) connoisseurship to collect data. The advanced data analysis techniques including the 6' C technique, Triangulation technique, and the Yonisomanasikara principle are employed.

             The study findings were as follows:

1. The elderly have two types of physical deterioration including 1) Inevitable deterioration and 2) Evitable deterioration. Physical deterioration affected the holistic happiness in 5 aspects consisting of 1) physical, 2) mental, 3) emotional, 4) social, and 5) intellectual.
2. The 4 principles of Buddhism for enhancing the holistic happiness comprised 1) developing in 4 domains, namely, the body, the precept the mind and wisdom, 2) the 4 Noble Truths which as understanding of suffering and resolving and pass to be free from suffering, 3) Understand the Three Characteristics of all things to be commonly impermanent,  and 4) Brahmavihara 4, namely, Metta, Karuna, Mudita, and Upekkha integrated with 2 psychological theories, namely, positive thinking and self-efficacy for enhancing the elderly to get well prepared in term of 4Ps including preparing for physical, preparing for money, preparing for mindfulness, and preparing to die, in order for the elderly to have a holistic happiness sustainably.
3. A Buddhist psychology model to promote holistic well-being for the elderly affected by physical health resulted in the integration of four Buddhist principles and two psychological theories as confirmed by experts to be correct, suitable, feasible and useful model and as a new knowledge.