Elderly Farmers Model Building for the Promotion and Development of Foundational Economic Potential to Prepare for the Elderly Society A Case Study: Older Farmers in Bo Luang Subdistrict, Hot District, Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

      This study primarily aimed to develop a model for elderly farmers to enhance grassroots economic potential in preparation for an aging society, with a case study of elderly farmers in Bo Luang Subdistrict, Hot District, Chiang Mai Province. The research was grounded in a participatory approach, with data collected from 30 elderly farmers and related stakeholders selected through purposive sampling. Data collection methods included interviews, focus group discussions, and knowledge exchange activities. The data were analyzed using inductive synthesis. The findings revealed that elderly farmers faced limitations in physical capacity, technology use, and access to markets. These insights were used as a basis for designing appropriate development activities, such as promoting user-friendly agricultural tools, strengthening online marketing skills, facilitating access to financial resources, and building networks connecting elderly farmers with younger generations. The outcomes demonstrated that elderly farmers gained new knowledge and skills applicable to daily life, along with increased confidence and motivation to continue agricultural work. Moreover, the project fostered intergenerational knowledge transfer, integration of local wisdom with modern innovations, and significant community-level collaboration. Overall, the project was recognized as well-suited to the local context and represented a practical approach that could be expanded to drive sustainable grassroots economic development in the long term.