Abstract:
This research has manifested on the application of Buddhist principles on
promoting the elderly health in Ubonratchathani province. Mix methodology
research has been used by gathering data in two forms: the quantitative research has
consisted of the questionnaires designed for the four hundred selected samples.
Cronbach's alpha has been formulated by a computer program in analyzing the
value of percentage, average, standard deviation and; the qualitative research has
been employed by the open-ended questions through in-depth interviewing twenty
samples of the representatives of the elderly.
Findings of this study include:
1. Application of the Buddhist principles in promoting the elderly health in
Ubonratchathani in overall aspects is averagely moderate (x=3.44). It can be
analyzed by aspect as follows: economic support is averagely high (x =3.69); physical
support is averagely moderate (X =3.41); and mental support is averagely moderate
(x =3.35). The lowest average is in social support but still moderate (x =3.33)
2. Related Buddhist principles promoting the elderly health including: 1)
physical support consisting of the Four Noble Truths, the Three Characteristics as
natural law of creatures, the Five Aggregates that should not be clung; 2) mental
support, composed of the root causes of evil, the bases of meritorious action 4, the
Path of Accomplishment 4, the Foundations of Mindfulness 4, and mindfulness on
the cessation of consciousness; 3) social support, consisting of the Worldly
Conditions 8 as the truth to be met, and the four noble sentiments and Dhamma
that leads to graciousness from within and without; 4) economic support, abstaining
from vicious ways of conduct but follow the virtues leading to temporal welfare or
sources of happiness in the present life
3. Application of Buddhist principles in promoting the elderly health in
four aspects including:
3.1 Physical support; the elderly normally face physical problems. To
understand and consider the changing of their bodies as well as to carefully remind
themselves that we normally face the pain, old aging, death and accepting daily
symptoms were, thus, useful to them. Although the body and health of the elderly
have naturally changed, the medical care must be appropriately made for their aging.
The most important thing is that the elderly must daily care themselves and be
attentive on promoting their health.
3.2 Mental support; most of the elderly feel lonelier than other
groups of age. This could be the cause of the physical and mental problems.
Meditation and taking care of their minds is crucial for their peaceful mind.
Consideration of the impermanence, suffering, and the changing of all creatures
would be helpful to understand better about their life and accept the changing of all
things and be ready to face the future phenomena
3.3 Social support, entering the aging period, the role and importance
of the elderly in society is generally limited and changed. The losses of family
relationship and social status in retired age, lower social relationship, lower income,
loss of respected positions and honor and the lack of stability and secured mind.
The elderly, thus, need to control their minds to understand the natural law that all
creatures are impermanent.