Use information technology to enhance the quality of life in the aging society in Nong Wa sub-district, Benjalak district Sisaket Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research were 1) to investigating the current state of utilizing information technology to enhance quality of life among aging society, 2) to examine the demand for employing information technology to improve the quality of life among aging society, and 3) to explore the guidelines for leveraging information technology to enhance the quality of life among aging society. The study sample for the Objectives 1 and 2 comprised 286 elderly people living in Nong Wa Subdistrict, Benchalak District, Sisaket Province, while Objective 3 involved 7 participants from various community occupational groups, including 1 information technology expert, 1 elderly expert from the Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospital, and 1 head of the Subdistrict Administrative Organization, totaling 10 participants. Research instruments included questionnaires and focus groups, with statistical analyses employing percentages, averages, standard deviations, and descriptive methods to summarize the findings.

The research outcomes revealed as follows: 1) The current state of information technology usage to enhance the quality of life among aging society indicated a predominant use of the YouTube application. Most participants utilized information technology for health and entertainment to communicate and access agricultural information. 2) The demand for employing information technology to improve the quality of life among aging society expressed a desire to access information regarding government-provided welfare for the elderly, entertainment, social communication, and skills to learn technology for a better quality of life. 3) The guidelines for leveraging information technology to enhance the quality of life among aging society revealed that 3.1) Concerning the physical well-being aspect, the utilization of tools aims at promoting physical well-being, such as multimedia platforms focusing on promoting physical fitness; 3.2) Concerning mental well-being aspect, the organizing group provides activities for the elderly facilitated by agencies, and incorporating stress-relieving applications; 3.3) Concerning social relationships and enhancing quality of life aspect, the promotion of communication activities to utilize information technology. This includes utilizing various applications to connect with relatives and friends, thereby promoting an unrestricted quality of life within the aging society; and 3.4) Concerning environmental quality of life aspect, the encouragement elderly people to join online businesses and facilitate self-development to increase income.