Guidelines for Preparation for Entering the Aging Society in Kong Krailat Subdistrict Municipality, Kong Krailat District, Sukhothai Province

Abstract

This research aimed to: 1) examine the level of preparation for entering an aging society; 2) compare such preparation across personal factors; and 3) investigate guidelines for preparation among residents of Kong Krailat Subdistrict Municipality, Kong Krailat District, Sukhothai Province. A mixed-methods design was employed. The quantitative sample comprised 307 residents aged 40–59 years, while five key informants participated in the qualitative component. The research instruments were a questionnaire and an interview form. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, t-test, one-way ANOVA, and descriptive analysis. 
The findings revealed that: 
1) the overall level of preparation for entering an aging society was high (   = 3.64). Economic preparation had the highest mean ( = 3.73), followed by social ( = 3.64), psychological ( = 3.62), and physical preparation ( = 3.59)
2) respondents with different gender, age, marital status, education, occupation, average monthly income, living arrangements, and family characteristics did not differ in their preparation
3) the proposed guidelines covered health promotion, transportation, financial systems, communication and learning, and psychological development, with appropriate use of technology and innovation to support daily life before entering older age.