A Platform Development for Elderly People to Enhance Emotional and Social Skills (Soft Skill) in the Digital Age Society

Abstract

The objectives of the research were as follows : (1) to study information about the ability to use technology and the internet access status by using various forms of technology among the elderly people in communities, Thonburi area; 2) to create a model platform for the elderly people to promote emotional and social skills (soft skill) in the digital age society by using the life skills training in 4 aspects; and 3) to assess satisfaction towards the elderly platform from the samples group. There were 430 elderly people who were used in the study of the model data, the elderly platform promoting emotional and social skills (Soft skill) in the digital age society with the Life Skills Learning Training form. There were four aspects and used to assess the satisfaction of 30 elderly people with the platform. Research tools were questionnaire which was used for study information about the elderly people in communities in Thonburi area. The pre-test and post-test after skills training in the elderly people, interview form about the model elderly platform, platform elderly satisfaction survey data analysis using the  percentage, mean,  standard deviation and t-test. The results of the research were found that firstly, most of the elderly people were female (63.6%), aged between 60-69, etc. Secondly, the results of the analysis of data on building a prototype platform for the elderly people to promote emotional and social skills (Soft skill) in the digital age society, the results of the data were obtained from the pre- and post-learning test. Life skills in four areas of learning which were exercising, eating food according to nutrition, adequate sleeping and the brain promoting mental and emotional health after learning life skills training. The mean scores of after skill training was higher than before skill training with an average of 31.77 ( = 31.77) which indicated that exercises contributed to skill development for the elderly people. The information was obtained from activities to enhance learning life skills of the elderly in 4 aspects by using interviewing 1) in terms of exercising, it was found that in the early stages, most of the elderly were exercising at the home and doing housework, move their body with various postures according to the video clip to make exercising easier, and their health were still stronger resulting in fewer number to visits doctor. 2) in terms of eating according to nutrition principles, it was found that after elderly people participated they took more healthy food than bofore. 3) in terms of  adequate sleep, in the first phase, after practicing activities to enhance learning life skills, there are many changes, such as less playing on the phone, no daytime sleep, not eating before bed. Phase 2 after practicing activities to enhance learning life skills by practice sleeping according to the clip by sleeping on time, go to bed early. The result showed that it can reduce stress before bedtime and help to sleep better. 4) in terms of the brain promotes mental and emotional health, most of the elderly after following the skill training video felt very good with clear mind. Thirdly, the results of data analysis on the satisfaction of the elderly people towards the Elderly Platform for Promotion Emotional and social skills (soft skill) and life skills training form in 4 aspects of leaning among the elderly were exercising, eating, sleeping, and mental exercising promoted both mental and emotional health, the overall result was found that there was a high level of satisfaction in all aspects (= 4.46 ,S.D. = .570).