Health Enhancing Program for Elderly Living Alone Based on Buddhist Psychology

Abstract

          The objectives of this research are: 1. to study the current situation, problems, and health-related causes of elderly individuals living alone, 2. to develop a health promotion program for elderly individuals living alone based on Buddhist psychology, and 3. To evaluate the effectiveness of the health promotion program for elderly individuals living alone based on Buddhist psychology. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, utilizing participatory workshops and an experimental design in the form of a One Group Pre-test Post-test Design. The sample consisted of 51 elderly individuals from the Thung Maha Charoen community, with 15 participants selected based on specific criteria to join the health promotion program. The health promotion program consisted of six activities: 1) Awareness, 2) Commitment to good practice, 3) Adapting attitudes as routine, 4) Acting with wisdom, 5) Being a good friend, and 6) Developing the mind to let go. The program included practical sessions lasting 120 minutes each, over a 2-day, 1-night period.

            The research findings showed that the average mental health score of elderly individuals living alone before participating in the program was 42.33 points, and after participating in the program, it increased to 46.00 points. This difference was statistically significant at the 0.01 level. Additionally, the elderly participants were able to apply the knowledge gained from the program to their daily lives, such as adjusting their attitudes and adopting a more positive outlook, which resulted in improved mental health and better social relationships.