Happy Seniors: A Process in Mind-Developing for Self-Reliance of Elderly People in Ladya Subdistrict, Muang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi Province

Abstract

This research aimed (1) to study the context of enhancing self-reliance among the elderly in Ladya Subdistrict, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi Province; (2) to develop activities for enhancing mental self-reliance of the elderly based on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness (Satipatthana 4); and (3) to evaluate the outcomes of the activity program titled “Happy Aging: Enhancing Mental Self-Reliance of the Elderly”. The study employed a mixed methods research design, integrating both quantitative and qualitative data. The sample consisted of 50 elderly participants from the Ladya School for Elderly Well-being, selected through purposive sampling. Research instruments included a self-reliance questionnaire, a happiness questionnaire, and an in-depth interview guide. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, such as percentages, means, and standard deviations, as well as inferential statistics, including t-tests to compare pre- and post-intervention means and F-tests to examine variance among independent variables.

The results revealed that (1) the contextual study showed most elderly participants were female, had completed primary or secondary education, and earned less than 10,000 baht per month. The majority were retirees or unemployed. In-depth interviews indicated that self-reliant behaviors in daily life fostered a sense of pride and self-confidence. (2) The development of the “Happy Aging” program integrated concepts from aging theories, Erikson’s psychosocial development theory, Buddhist principles of self-reliance, and Buddhist psychology. The eight-week program consisted of thirteen structured activities based on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, including mindful walking, emotional journaling, group sharing, and the application of Buddhist teachings in daily life. The activities also incorporated innovative approaches such as using selected Buddhist scriptures and Jataka stories for emotional healing, thereby fostering holistic learning across physical and mental domains. (3) Evaluation results showed a statistically significant improvement after participation in the program. The elderly demonstrated enhanced self-reliance in cognition, family relationships, community engagement, social participation, and basic daily living skills. Furthermore, their overall happiness increased in all dimensions inner happiness, family happiness, and social happiness indicating that the mindfulness based activity program effectively strengthened mental self-reliance and overall well-being among the elderly.