The Study of Ageing Local Wisdom, Values and Challenge in Modern Urbanized Society: A Case Study of Tambon Bang Rak Noi, Nonthaburi Province

Abstract

The purposes this study were to study: 1) ageing local knowledge and wisdom of Tambon Bang Rak Noi, Nonthaburi Province;       2) values of community local wisdom; 3) values of ageing in the community; and 4) the challenge facing ageing local wisdom in modern urbanized society. The key informants were community leaders and elders having local wisdom. Data was collected by in-depth interviews and participant observation. The results of this study found that: 1) local wisdom of the community consisted of Durian Non wisdom, Yai Glam mango wisdom, rolled banana wisdom and Thai traditional foods; 2) values of community local wisdom as the following: community identity value, historical value, economic value, preserved natural and environmental value, social value; 3) values of ageing in the community consisted of historical value and previous experience, natural conservation and environment value, local philosopher expert, preservation of local wisdom and community identity value, cognitive and intellectual value; 4) the challenge of ageing local wisdom in modern urbanized society consisted of urbanization transformation, population structure change, environmental and natural resources change, the loss of local wisdom and neglecting of elders in the community.