ELDERLY FREELANCE: STRENGTHENING THE SYSTEM AND MECHANISM FOR REDUCING ECONOMIC INEQUALITY THROUGH THE INDEPENDENT CAREER PROMOTION PROCESS OF THE ELDERLY IN BAN POM SUBDISTRICT PHRA NAKHON SI AYUTTHAYA PROVINCE : PHASE II

Abstract

This Article aimed to study 1. To study the system and mechanisms of self-employment enhancement of the elderly., 2. To design an area-based activity to reduce inequality among the elderly: case study in Ban Pom Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province., 3. To develop learning potential of the management of systems and mechanisms to promote independent careers of the elderly. This research is community-based research (CBR) using the Participatory Research (PAR) process.

The research results according to Objective 1 are as follows: In traditional wisdom system and way of life are related by food wisdom is a body of knowledge used in cooking that was invented by ancient people to match the climate and terrain. Most of the raw materials used in cooking are medicinal plants in the household and this wisdom has been passed on from generation to generation. There are 3 levels of mechanisms for promoting freelance occupations for the elderly at Ban Pom: Agriculture Community Development District and the research team, (2) internal mechanisms, including the group of elderly people who are leaders and followers, (3) internal mechanisms, including the mechanism of humanity, the mechanism of awareness of the value of being the elderly, and the mechanism that What is important is the heart to live a life of value, meaning and happiness every day. The system for promoting independent careers for the elderly at Ban Pom has 2 systems: (1) the external system, including the relationship of the wisdom system and traditional way of life, the relationship system of the elderly with local agencies, the system of the relationship of the elderly with the research team., (2) internal system, including pride, openness, self-worth (self-esteem) being accepted by the community and living a meaningful life.

Research results according to objective number 2 are as follows: Design spatial activities with 3 levels of cooperation (1) cooperation in learning and joint development of the community (2) cooperation and learning with CBR nodes (3) Collaborating with network partners, the research team also designed a design for the elderly to know themselves through 3 knowledges: “self-awareness, self-efficacy, self-esteem” and conducted a self-analysis to see the power of the community through the principles “RQ-Community Power-3I” such as "I have-I am-I can" and design activities according to the community plan.

Research results according to objective number 3 are as follows: This research uses the process of change to occur in the Ban Pom community in the dimension of the elderly to be able to be self-reliant, reduce household expenses and have additional income through the restoration of wisdom food. To increase value and dignity, operate cooperatively with communities and network partners in the area by having 4 processes as follows: the process of building people, the process of creating knowledge, the process of creating learning, and the process of using knowledge and having the power to strengthen, resulting in "From Freelance to Freeland to Freedom for the Elderly" that focuses on "Creating Happiness - Supplementing Income" with 4 powers including the power of learning for change, the power of friends. (Network partners) The power of joint operations, creating happiness - enhancing careers and the power of grouping.