The Improving Quality of Life for Elderly in Health, Housing and Recreation Corresponding the Sustainable Development in Bangkok

Abstract

          This research is qualitative and has several objectives: 1) To study health development guidelines for urban elderly individuals, focusing on the living costs faced by urban residents in the current era within the context of sustainable development in Bangkok; 2) To explore suitable housing development guidelines for urban elderly that align with sustainable development principles in Bangkok; and 3) To investigate development guidelines for activities and recreation in urban elderly that are consistent with sustainable development in Bangkok. The study was conducted across three communities: Lert Suksom Community, Mittakam Community, and Trok Suera Community. The informants included two primary groups from these communities: 45 community leaders and 45 elderly, totaling 90 participants. Research methods included documentary studies, observations, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions.
          The study found that: 1) The health development guidelines for urban elderly individuals across all three communities include promoting self-care for physical health, encouraging self-care for mental health, enhancing community welfare for the elderly, advocating for dietary changes appropriate for seniors, promoting culturally relevant exercise, fostering religious practices to mitigate brain degeneration in the elderly, and forming a group of Bangkok public health volunteers. 2) The housing development guidelines for urban elderly individuals in all three communities involve establishing a community technician group and creating a housing community welfare fund. 3) The guidelines for developing activities and organizing recreational opportunities for the urban elderly in all three communities include establishing a community knowledge management center and organizing events during significant religious festivals.