THE BUDDHIST INTEGRATED APPROACH TO DEVELOP QUALITY OF LIFE FOR THE ELDERLY BY MONKS IN SAMUTSONGKHAM PROVINCE

Abstract

Objectives of this research were to study the general condition, development and present Buddhist integration. The research methodology was the qualitative research by which the researcher collected data from 25 key informants by in-depth interviewing with structured in-depth- interview scripts that had scale-level content validity index of 1.00 as the data collection tool, and the data received was analyzed by content with context analysis technique. Twelve academic dignitaries participated in the focus group discussion, and the data received was analyzed by content with context analysis technique.

The research result finds that 1. The Sangha with the potential to improve the quality of life for the elderly, both physically and mentally, but the shortage of budget. 2. The life development for elderly of Sangha, according to Bh van  principle, it was found that the process of physical development, morality, mentality, and wisdom. 3. The Buddhist integrated to quality of life development for elderly, it was found that it was a form of cooperation of the network in improving the quality of life for the elderly by integrating the Bh van  principles covering all 7 aspects of life elements of the elderly as following; Education, Health and sanitation, Housing aspect, Work and income aspect, Social security, Social services aspect, and Recreation.