Assessment of living arrangement on social well-being of rural elders at Bangkontee district, Samut Songkram
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Abstract
Thailand is facing aging society under the circumstances where the perspective of caring for older persons by the family is different from the past. The mobility of socio-economic condition has put profound impact on the well-being of older persons when their adult children are not the main caregivers for the older parents. The objective of this research is to identify the pattern of living arrangement and its impact on well-being of Thai rural elders. The research was based on semi-structured interviews with Thai citizens 60 years and older in Bangkontee district, Samut Songkram province. The findings indicated that living arrangement had significant impact on the health and financial condition of the rural elders. Older persons residing in a household without family members had less satisfaction for their health status and financial security. However, the findings had shown that the older persons’ ability to conduct daily activities independently were significant. Hence, they were able to attend social activities provided by the local administrative organization and enhance their social well-being. Policy recommendations include supporting local government to establish social networking activities for the elderly regularly and promoting elderly values within the family institutions.
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References
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