The Method of Elderly Income Generation using Community Products in Samut Prakan.

Abstract

          The objectives of this research plan were 1) to develop Samut Prakan elderly group’s community product marketing strategies, 2) to develop a web application prototype on a mobile phone for elderly income generation, 3) to study a cooperative network management model to develop the business potential of the elderly in Samut Prakan, and 4) to study the guideline for generating elderly income from community products in Samut Prakan by synthesizing the results of the study according to objectives 1, 2 and 3 and using the data to create an interview form. The result from interviewing 30 people related to community products in Samut Prakan was analyzed using qualitative data as a basis.

          The result pointed out that 1) elderly entrepreneurs should develop products from local raw materials by mixing wisdom with culture to specify product positioning. Products should be developed in various types and prices. The price should be set correspondingly with the quality and quantity of the product, considering the production cost together. The government should support by providing up-to-date technology for producing and selling products. A local online product distribution center should be established under the support of a specified agency. 2) web application prototypes were developed with the highest level of quality of data, systems, and services. 3) the cooperation network management model consists of 3 parts: the framework for developing the business potential of the elderly, network elements, and network constructing processes. 4) elderly should focus on working ages and tourists as their target customers. Networks with both local and non-local suppliers of raw materials should be established in order to have enough raw materials for good quality products. Government agencies and private sectors should work together to support the elderly to generate their income by inviting and educating them to use web applications for online marketing. A cooperative network with the responsible sector is also needed to support and strengthen teamwork in order to generate sustainable income for the elderly.