A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ELDERS’ LIFESTYLE IN URBAN AREAS OF THAILAND AND FOREIGN COUNTRIES

Abstract

The objectives of the study were to compare the lifestyle of elders who lived in Khlong-toei area with the lifestyle of elders who lived in overseas and to study innovation that were suitable for housing construction in urban areas. The methodology was Qualitative, field Research, collecting data from document related to history of community, in terms of socio-economy and culture. The field research was used to collect data through participant observation including in-depth interviewing the elders. The Block 19-22 of Khlong-toei community was used as the unit of the study.

Findings were that Khlong-toei community was one of Thailand’s historical slum areas.  The history of community was related to the construction of Port and the expropriation of land at Khlong-toei and Bang-Chak sub-districts. The port was constructed for Sea Freight purposes and later was promoted to be ‘Port Authority of Thailand’. The elders living in the area mainly stayed in their rooms and only participated in necessary activities. After comparing the lifestyle based on the innovations supported elders between Thailand and foreign countries, the study was found that the efficient innovations that helped elders to live safely were housing tools and transportation aids. However, Khlong-toei community had a community capital which has been the strong foundation of the community until today.