Development of Environment and Facilities for the Elderly Society in Ruamkuea Village Community, Thawi Watthana District, Bangkok
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Abstract
This research aimed (1) to study the quality of life of the elderly in Ruamkuea Village Community, Thawi Watthana District, Bangkok, (2) to design an environment and essential facilities for the elderly society in the community, and (3) to develop a prototype area suitable for elderly living. The study employed a qualitative research methodology within the framework of Participatory Action Research (PAR). Key informants consisted of 35 selected community members. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, non-structured observations, and focus group discussions, and analyzed using content analysis.
The results revealed that (1) a database on the elderly’s quality of life was developed, reflecting the real living conditions in the community while fostering community participation in every step, (2) the physical environment and facilities were improved to better support the elderly in terms of mobility, accessibility to public spaces, and safety, and (3) practical design guidelines for age-friendly environments and facilities were proposed, which can be applied as prototypes in other urban communities.
Therefore, integrating Participatory Action Research with elderly environmental development contributes to new academic knowledge on “Participatory Age-Friendly Design,” which connects real-life practices with the concept of an aging society. In terms of policy implications, this study provides a community-based model for local policy-making to promote age-friendly communities, supporting Thailand’s transition toward a complete aging society.
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