Holistic Development Approach for Promoting Elderly Well-Being in Model Elderly Schools through the Integration of the King’s Philosophy in Samut Prakan Province

Abstract

This study aimed to: 1) examine the level of well-being among elderly individuals in model elderly schools in Samut Prakan Province; 2) investigate the application of the King’s Philosophy as a guideline for promoting elderly well-being in model elderly schools in Samut Prakan Province by integrating the King’s Philosophy into the foundation of the schools’ holistic development; and 3) develop approaches to enhance the well-being of the elderly in model elderly schools in Samut Prakan Province by integrating the King’s Philosophy into the foundation of the schools’ holistic development. This study employed a mixed methods approach, utilizing both questionnaires and in-depth interviews. The sample was divided into two groups: 300 elderly individuals, selected through multi-stage sampling for quantitative data collection, and 32 key informants who were board members of the model elderly schools for qualitative data collection. Quantitative findings showed that the elderly had a high overall level of well-being (x̅=3.92, S.D.=0.56), with the psychological dimension scoring the highest (x̅=4.18, S.D.=0.67). Qualitative findings contributed to the development of a holistic approach to promoting elderly well-being in model elderly schools by integrating the King’s Philosophy as a foundation for comprehensive development across mental, social, cognitive, emotional, spiritual, and physical dimensions, aiming to foster sustainable happiness within the local community context.