The Well-Being of the Elderly in Bangkok Model

Abstract

Thailand is fully emerged as an aging society population. It is predicted that in a few years Thailand will become an aged society population when the population aged 60 years and over will increases to 20 percent. The objectives of this research were to: 1) study the level that the economy, society, mental health, and physical health have on the well-being of the elderly; 2) study the influence of socio-economic, mental health, physical health, and the well-being of the elderly; and 3) the well-being pattern of the elderly in Bangkok. This research employed a mixed research methodology combining a quantitative and qualitative research methods. The quantitative research was used to answer the research questions, and qualitative research to clarify the results.  In quantitative research method, the stratified random sampling was employed in this study.  The sample consisted of 300 elderlies, aged between 60-79 years old. The sample size was calculated by using criteria 20 times of the observed variable. The questionnaires were distributed, and data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and a structural equation model. The results were verified with qualitative research. In qualitative research method, the in-depth interviews and structured interviews were conducted with 15 executives and community leaders. The research findings indicated that: 1) the well-being pattern of the elderly was at a high level; 2) economic, social, mental health and physical health has influence on the well-being of the elderly; and 3) the pattern of well-being of the elderly in Bangkok was an important indicator of daily life and reflects the satisfaction and success in life related to self, family, and community. The results reflected the benefits to improving the quality of life of the elderly for future well-being. It is beneficially for the government, and private agencies to implement, improve and meet the goals so that the elderly can be empowered, protected, and defend their rights to live a stable life and have a good quality of life and well-being.