Abstract:
Objectives of this research were: 1. To study elderlys quality of life development of Local Administrative Organizations in Chanthaburi Province 2. To study the causal relationship of elderlys quality of life development of Local Administrative Organizations in Chanthaburi Province and 3. To propose the Buddhist integration for elderlys quality of life development of Local Administrative Organizations in Chanthaburi Province.
Methodology was the mixed methods: The quantitative method, data were collected from 390 samples who were elderly persons living at the sub-district municipality, sub-district local administrative organizations where the elderly schools were located with questionnaires that had reliability value at 0.952. Data were analyzed by frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviation, SD. And Structured Equation Model (SEM) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). The qualitative research, data were collected from 17 key informants with structured in-depth-interview script by face to face in-depth-interviewing and from 9 participants in focus group discussion. Data from both steps were analyzed by content descriptive interpretation to confirm the model after data analysis.
Findings of this research were as follows:
1. The elderlys quality of life development of Local Administrative Organizations in Chanthaburi Province, by overall, was at high level, ( x bar = 3.374, S.D. = 0.614), considering each aspect of the research, it consisted of readiness preparation of elderly, elderly development, social protection for elders. management for elderly development, development and dissemination of knowledge to elderly persons were found at high level in every aspect
2. Causal relationship of elderlys quality of life development of Local Administrative Organizations in Chanthaburi Province were found that 1) The elderlys quality of life development consisted of physical, mental social and environmental development affected the elderlys quality of life development at 11 percent. 2) Welfares for the elderly consisted of modern welfares management, elderly care from organizations, elderlys satisfaction and accommodation for elderly affected the elderlys quality of life development at 83 percent, 3) Tisikkha 3 principle consisted of Silasikkha, behavioral training, Samadhisikkha, mental training, Pannasikkha, wisdom training affected the elderly quality of life development, by overall, at 40 percent
3. Buddhist integration model for the elderlys quality of life development of Local Administrative Organizations in Chanthaburi Province was found consisted of 5 dimensions that were 1) citizen preparation for being old age persons, 2) older persons development promotion, 3) social protection for older persons, 4) management for elderlys welfares development, 5) development and dissemination of knowledge to elderly with 2 factors, development and welfares for the elderly. Also, there was integration of Buddhist principles that was Tisikkha to develop the elderlys quality of life in line with principles and Dhamma principle that were Silasikkha by organizing Buddhist activities by inviting monks to give sermons and Dhamma discourse with ordained persons, Dhamma practice, precept observing at monasteries every Buddhist Sabbath day and chanting, alms offering and Dhamma practice in the group. On special occasions. 2) Cittasikkha, opening rooms for chanting and meditating while waiting for doctors to perform physical check-up, promoting arts of sewing and needle work, Thai cake preparation and Dhamma practice for elderly person every Buddhist Sabbath day, 3) Pannasikkha, organizing activities to promote physical and mental health for physical and mental changes with local wisdom. Local wise persons and resource persons were invited to share knowledge and experiences about self-care