Abstract:
The study consisted of the following objectives: 1) to investigate problems and obstacles of the elderly care by Makhueajae Subdistrict Municipality, Mueang Lamphun District, Lamphun Province; 2) to explore the administration of elderly care by Makhueajae Subdistrict Municipality, Mueang Lamphun District, Lamphun Province; and 3) to propose a model of elderly care according to the Buddhist integration of Makhueajae Subdistrict Municipality, Mueang Lamphun District, Lamphun Province.
The study employed a qualitative research method by studying from related documents, concepts, theories, and Buddhadhamma. The research tools were in-depth interviews with 12 key informants and focus group discussions with 5 experts. The obtained data were analyzed by using content analysis together with studying the context in order to provide opinions, suggestions, and guidelines for managing the elderly care according to the Buddhist integration of Makhueajae Subdistrict Municipality, Mueang Lamphun District, Lamphun Province.
From the study, the following results are found:
1) The problems and obstacles of the elderly care by Makhueajae Subdistrict Municipality, Mueang Lamphun District, Lamphun Province found that the situation of the elderly is entering the complete-aged society with the following problems: the number of elderly caregivers is insufficient to meet the growing need; the elderly appear to have more mental issues as a result of changing society, which causes them to live alone more often; a considerable number of the elderly do not benefit from the Makhueajae Subdistrict Municipality's welfare fund, and many do not have a sufficient income or a stable career. The obstacles in taking care of the elderly include the wide spread of the Covid-19 epidemic in Makhueajae Subdistrict that has caused many people in the community to get infected, requiring even more care for the elderly and some projects/ activities have had to be cancelled or postponed e.g., merit making rituals within the community, etc.
2) The administration of elderly care by Makhueajae Subdistrict Municipality, Mueang Lamphun District, Lamphun Province found that the municipality has adopted the tools in managing elderly care according to POSDcoRB principle which consists of the following: Planning, Organizing the organization, Organizing the personnel, Supervising, Coordinating, Reporting, and Budget. All of this leads to effective administration that can meet the needs of the elderly. Makhueajae Subdistrict Municipality has prepared to deal with the elderly by encouraging and assisting families and communities to recognize the importance and value of the elderly in society.
3) A model of elderly care according to the Buddhist integration of Makhueajae Subdistrict Municipality, Mueang Lamphun District, Lamphun Province tries to solve problems in elderly care across all dimensions; therefore, a model of elderly care according to Bhāvanā (4 developments) is applied with the POSDcoRB principle as follows: 1) Kāya-bhāvanā (physical development), where the elderly are trained how to self-practice for better and stronger health; (2) Sīla-bhāvanā (moral development), where the elderly are trained how to maintain order in order to coexist happily in society; (3) Citta-bhāvanā (emotional development), where the elderly should be trained to have a pure and bright mind in order to have morality; and (4) Paññā-bhāvanā (wisdom development), where the elderly should be developed to see things and life as they really are in order to solve problems by using wisdom. A model of elderly care according to the Buddhist integration of Makhueajae Subdistrict Municipality, Mueang Lamphun District, Lamphun Province is the process of creating holistic well-being, whether physical, mental, social, spiritual, or wisdom, via the participation of social capital and local community potential.