Boonhom: Process for Improving the Quality of Life of the Elderly with Participation in Maesan Subdistrict, Hangchat District, Lampang Province

Abstract

This study is a participatory action research which aim to create a learning process for improving elderly quality of life in terms of self-esteem as well as to establish a learning centre for improving elderly quality of life. Participant were 90 elderly persons of Maesan sub-district Administration. Observation of group discussion, in-depth interviews and brainstorming sessions were applied. Data were analyzed using triangulation. The results revealed that a driving force of Boonhom elderly school, regarding to glorifying elderly as a precursor who emphasizing love in merit, fun and cheerfulness and having a good friendship were a main point to improving elderly quality of life. Up to date, Boonhom elderly school becomes Boonhom family according to providing teaching status to elderly to teach each other through their experiences by circulation in a specific group and a clearly role play as students and teachers. Academic content has been transformed into an informal as a story which is fun and free for expressing their own values and ideas. This learning process creates a local teacher who is an identity of improving elderly quality of life in Boonhom family and being a base line for a community development which emphasize on community culture.