Enhancing Mental Empowerment and Promoting Happiness among Elderly in Hom Kred Subdistrict Elderly Club, Sam Phran District, Nakhon Pathom Province
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Abstract
The study aims to: 1) investigate the factors affecting the quality of life of elderly people participating in the Elderly Club in Hom Kret Subdistrict, Sam Phran District, Nakhon Pathom Province; 2) examine the “Five Dimensions of Happiness” activities for the elderly organized by the Elderly Club; and 3) propose guidelines for the sustainable implementation and promotion of the Five Dimensions of Happiness activities. The study employed a qualitative research approach, using the concepts of empowerment and quality-of-life development among the elderly as its conceptual framework. The research was conducted at the Elderly Club in Hom Kret Subdistrict, Sam Phran District, Nakhon Pathom Province. The participants consisted of 30 elderly participants and 10 key informants, selected through purposive sampling. Three research instruments were employed: (1) a workshop, (2) in-depth interviews, and (3) observation. The data were analyzed using content analysis and presented through descriptive analysis.
The findings revealed that: 1) Factors affecting the quality of life of the elderly in Hom Kret Subdistrict Elderly Club included social, economic, and health factors, all of which were directly associated with the level of happiness among the elderly. 2) The Five Dimensions of Happiness activities for the elderly at Hom Kret Subdistrict Elderly Club included monthly birthday celebrations, “Young Face Yoga,” laughter therapy, SKT meditation therapy (SKT1/SKT2), learning about Thai medicinal herbs, and online scam awareness. These activities helped enhance the elderly’s sense of self-worth while promoting appropriate physical and mental well-being and lifelong learning. 3) Guidelines for promoting and sustaining the Five Dimensions of Happiness activities for the elderly should involve collaborative planning through the AIC (Appreciation–Influence–Control) participatory planning process, support from government and private sectors, the use of digital technology for communication, and the establishment of mobile elderly clubs or smaller interest-based groups.
The body of knowledge derived from this research is a model for implementing the Five Dimensions of Happiness activities that can be adapted for use in elderly clubs in other areas. The model aims to enhance the quality of life of the elderly, enabling them to live happily, meaningfully, and with dignity within society.
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