Buddhist Innovation for Social Vaccine Development to Strengthen Immunity for Holistic Health of the Vulnerable Elderly for Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases in At-Risk Communities in Chiang Mai

Abstract

           The objectives of this research are: 1) to study the potential of social vaccine management, 2) to study Buddhist innovations in social vaccine development for the elderly, and 3) to propose the Buddhist innovations in social vaccine to boost well-being immunity of the vulnerable elderly. The research instruments consist of questionnaire, in-depth interview form and group discussion form. The samples used in the study are: 1) 250 elderly in the area and 2) 20 experts from the concerned units. The quantitative data were analyzed by instant computer program and the qualitative data were analyzed by content analysis.

            The results of the study were found that: 1) The potential of social vaccine management based on temple and community was at a moderate level. When considering in details by descending order, the highest level was on building peaceful community, followed by building safe community, building understanding community, community network use, community potential use, and building hopeful society respectively. 2) The development of social vaccine for the elderly consists of management of community area and environment for safety and suitability, enforcement of community regulations and rules, supporting the elderly to manage their emotion, stress and worry with mindfulness, encouragement the elderly with positive power in taking care of themselves and their family and being ready to cope with problems. 3) The Buddhist innovations in social vaccine to boost well-being immunity of the vulnerable elderly are: 3.1) In physical well-being; the development should be focused on the relation between life and environment concerning COVID-19 Pandemic, 3.2) In social well-being; the social life behaviors should be adjusted with Khanti Dhamma or patience when staying home, 3.3) In intellectual well-being; mindfulness in sense-objects should trained based on the four foundations of mindfulness in order to realize one’s mind and emotion and to live a life with carefulness, and 3.4) In intellectual well-being; the principles of Buddhist teaching in Kalama Sutta should be applied to sense-objects or any information received with mindful consideration and wisdom .