Abstract:
The objectives of this research study are, 1) to study the quality of life of elderly male inmates in Nakhon Pathom Central Prison, 2) to study the quality of life development of elderly male inmates in Nakhon Pathom Central Prison according to four Bhavana principles, and 3) to propose a model of quality of life development of elderly male inmates in Nakhon Pathom Central Prison according to the four Bhavana principles. This study is a qualitative based research by studying from the documents, in-depth interview with 20 key informants, and focus group discussions with 10 individuals. The data analysis was conducted using descriptive content analysis technique.
The research findings showed that
1) The quality of life of elderly male inmates in Nakhon Pathom Central Prison has been found to be as follows: (1) In terms of healthcare, the majority of elderly inmates have received knowledge in self-care, undergone through physical health examinations, and received basic medical treatment when necessary. (2) In terms of livelihood, elderly inmates have received basic welfare support and assistance, in line with the context and environment, as per the policies of the Department of Corrections. (3) In terms of social values, preparations are made before inmates return back to the society. Measures such as temporary release and placement in rehabilitation centers have been implemented. Promotion of vocational skills and employment opportunities are provided.
2) The development of the quality of life for elderly male inmates in Nakhon Pathom Central Prison, based on the four Bhavana principles, includes the following aspects:
(1) In terms of healthcare, there are activities that serve as fundamental factors in daily living, such as establishing healthcare facilities within the prison, conducting activities based on the royal Initiative for happiness, organizing physical exercise activities, and providing knowledge on self-care for the elderly. (2) In terms of livelihood, there are activities that focus on caring for the four basic factors, including quality food inspections, orientation programs for new inmates, and lectures on Dhamma principles. (3) In terms of social values, there are activities that emphasize vocational training, such as projects promoting agriculture in line with the footsteps of the late King, "Khok Nong Na: Oasis of Compassion and Hope," project the "Phatcharatham" project, and vocational training programs for inmates.
3) The development model of the quality of life for elderly male inmates in Nakhon Pathom Central Prison, based on four Bhavana principles, includes the following aspects: (1) Physical development aspect: The quality of life for elderly inmates should have physical well-being and happiness. Activities that align with the physical development aspect include health examination programs, orientation programs for new inmates, and the royal Initiative for happiness project. (2) Moral development aspect: The quality of life for elderly inmates should have social well-being and happiness. Activities that align with the moral development aspect include living according to Buddhist moral principles, the "Buddhist oriented prison" project, and daily important activities related to Buddhist rituals like offering alms. (3) Mental development aspect: The quality of life for elderly inmates should have mental well-being and happiness. Activities that aim to develop the quality of life for elderly inmates and align with the mental development aspect includes the "Phatcharatham" project, the " Buddhist oriented prison" project, and programs for mental development such as the Sakkhasasamadhi meditation course. (4) Intellectual development aspect: The quality of life for elderly inmates should have intellectual well-being and happiness. They should be able to continue their lives with an honest and virtuous profession based on the knowledge and training they have received. Activities that align with the intellectual development aspect include projects promoting agriculture in line with the footsteps of the late King, the "Khok Nong Na: Oasis of Compassion and Hope" project, and vocational training programs for inmates.
The knowledge obtained from the research can be applied to benefit individuals by incorporating the principles of four Bhavana into training programs specifically designed at elderly inmates. This approach can serve as a guideline for their personal development in conjunction with internal prison regulations, leading to an improved quality of life and readiness for return back to society. Additionally, it is important to emphasize the support and encouragement for elderly inmates, as they are in a vulnerable stage of life and requires motivation in navigating their life. Therefore, it is recommended to have inclusive and integrated activities that align with the principles of Buddhism for inmates to have increased participation.