THE DEVELOPMENT OF A BUDDHIST INTEGRATED PROCESS FOR ENHANCING THE WELL BEING OF THE ELDERLY IN UBON RATCHATHANI PROVINCE

Abstract

This research article to examine the status and problems of promoting well-being among older adults in Ubon Ratchathani Province, to identify Buddhist principles that facilitate such promotion, and to propose a Buddhist-integrated process for enhancing older adults’ well-being. A mixed-methods design was employed, comprising documentary research drawing on the Pali Canon and related texts; a quantitative survey using a questionnaire administered to a simple random sample of 400 older adults determined by the Taro Yamane formula from a population of 324,974; and a qualitative strand using semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 12 key informants, namely Buddhist studies scholars/monastics, health-promotion scholars, local politicians, and community leaders.

          The research findings were as follows:

1. Older adults’ overall well-being is at a high level (M = 4.05, SD = 0.55). Key strengths are support from family, community, and religion. Priority bottlenecks are regular physical activity, access to health services and transport, health-related economic constraints, and health and digital literacy. The overall level of obstacles is also high (M = 3.49, SD = 0.65).
2. Buddhist Principles Conducive to Well-being. The Four Bhāvanā (Bhāvanā 4) function as a central framework encompassing physical, mental, social, and intellectual dimensions of well-being. These are further reinforced by the Four Brahmavihāras, the Four Iddhipāda, and the Four Saṅgahavatthu. In addition, the concept of Dhamma medicine serves as a psychological healing approach, helping to alleviate stress and enhance morale among older adults.
3. Process-Oriented Proposals. The proposed process includes participatory diagnosis based on four-dimensional data, as well as the establishment of collaborative mechanisms among local administrative organizations, temples, schools, subdistrict health-promoting hospitals, and elderly clubs. It also involves the development of weekly programs integrating the Four Bhāvanā with light physical activities, the provision of proactive community-based healthcare services, and periodic screening for depression and quality of life. Furthermore, it emphasizes strengthening health and digital literacy through village health volunteers and senior digital mentors, alongside support mechanisms for healthcare and transportation expenses. These integrated efforts are expected to sustainably enhance well-being from a high level to the highest level, grounded in local cultural contexts.