Traveling in Bangkok to Provide Holistic Aging Society

Abstract

Abstract

The purposes of this research are (1) to study the characteristics of the elderly and the family in the administrative district of South Thonburi area. (2) to survey travel patterns of the elderly the administrative district of South Thonburi area. (3) to survey the environment related to the travel of the elderly in the administrative district of South Thonburi area. The sample of was 400 people with aged more than 50 years old, living in 4 the administrative district of South Thonburi area ; Thonburi, Khlong San, Phasi-Chareon, Bangkhae with good healthy. There are total score of Barthel ADL index 12 point up. The sample had travelling activity and consented to be a sample of the research. The data were analyzed by percentage, mean and standard deviation.

The resulted of research found that

1. Elderly and family characteristics of the sample were mostly female, elementary education. The most common source of income was the elderly subsistence allowance. The health and self-care data of the sample found that most of them thought they were healthy. Expenses found that mostly were from family. The exercise of the sample found that most of the exercise was walking. Out-of-home activities were found two times per week was walking.
2. The pattern of travelling of the sample was found as follows: 1) Walking, the level of satisfaction was moderate. 2) Using private car, the level of satisfaction with outing by using private car was moderate. 3) Using taxis, the level of satisfaction with traveling out of the house by using the taxi was moderate, 4) Using motorcycle, the satisfaction with travel by using motorcycle at moderate. 5) Taking bike, the level of satisfaction with traveling by using bus at the moderate level. 6) Using the bus, the level of satisfaction with travelling out of the house by using the bus was moderate. 7) Using minibus, the level of satisfaction with travelling out by using minibus was moderate. 8) Using of van, the level of satisfaction with travelling out of the house by using the van was moderate. 9) Use of motorcycles, the level of satisfaction with travelling out of the house by using the motorcycles was moderate.     10) Using BTS, the level of satisfaction with travelling out of the house by using the BTS was moderate. 11) Using  MRT, the level of satisfaction with travelling out of the house by using the MRT was moderate. 12) Using boats, the level of satisfaction with travelling out of the house by using the boat was fair.
3. Environment related to travel of the elderly is appropriate. The pedestrian walkway with a ramp in the connecting point and junction made the wheelchair accessible including bike could drive easily. The BTS had standard lift that the wheelchair could pass. The researchers suggested that: 1. continue to promote mental health activities for the elderly. 2. Hospitals should be proactive to find the disease of the elderly quickly. 3. Department of Rural Roads should develop public buses containing large number of people to be convenient 4. Department of Rural Roads should adjust the road surface smoothly. 5. Adjust the connection points. 6. The community should encourage the elderly to use their bicycles to travel more to promote quality of life and help alleviate environmental problems.