An Application Mindfulness in the Face of Elderly Emergency Sickness

Abstract

The research article consisted of the following objectives: 1) to investigate the concepts about elderly emergency sickness according to the modern health science; 2) to explore mindfulness and healthcare according to Theravada Buddhism; and 3) to apply mindfulness when confronting elderly emergency sickness. Documentary research was used content analysis method. 

From the study, the following results are found: 1) According to modern health sciences, emergency sickness of elderly has two characteristics: (1) Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) and (2) Accident. These are the results of changes that damage both the physical body and the mind. As social conditions change, more elderly people are living alone, resulting in a lack of health care, knowledge, and understanding in healthcare; 2) Theravada Buddhism places a strong emphasis on using mindfulness in all 4 areas of healthcare which are physical health, morality, mentality, and wisdom. One will not be careless in his life if he practices mindfulness; and 3) The use of mindfulness in the face of emergency sickness in the elderly can be used both preventively and in response to the elderly with and without underlying disease. This involves accident prevention for the elderly through cultivating the four foundations of mindfulness, which will result in stability in 4 elements of life: (1) physical body through eating, moving body, excretion, resting, and keeping the surroundings safe; (2) living life in the society through emotional management; (3) mind through self-reminder of mindfulness of death; and (4) wisdom through regular health check. The body of knowledge gained is called “OCFE Model” which consists of four stages: (1) Observation; (2) Calling; (3) First Aid; and (4) Emergency Medical Services.