Abstract:
The objective of this research was to study self-care behavior and quality of life of the elder in order to identify variable that have impact on their self-care behavior and quality of life. The sample was selected by simple random sampling giving 405 elderly people in Ladkabang Bangkok. Interview technique with structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistics (Chi-square test) were applied for data analysis with the significance level of 0.05. The result of this study show that most of the elderly can live on their daily activities (87.7%) and their exercise behavior and activity are in good level 76.5% while their food-consumption behavior are in percentage of 53.8. In health status, it showed that most of elderly have complication in hypertension, osteoarthritis and diabetics. In mental health, most of elderly have some problem of loneliness, which can be protected by meditation or discussion. From the study of differences in basic factors and environmental factors of self-care behavior in elderly, totally, it showed that age and accomplishments health care are statistically significantly different. (P < 0.05) Concerning the quality of life, most of the elderly had a moderate level in quality of life (87.4%). From the study, the relationship between basic factors and quality of life in elderly was found that age, income, their life style, accessibility of health service, self-help ability and exercise were significantly related to quality of life. (P > 0.05) It is suggested that comprehensive health care services should be provided to elderly in the aspect of food consumption behavior, exercise, participation in elderly club and psychological status in order to enhance their well-being and quality of life. In addition, individual basic factors should be considered appropriately.