Chuleekorn danyuthasilpe. Healthy aging from rural thai elderly's perspectives : a case study of Northern village, Thailand . Doctoral Degree(Public Health Nursing). Mahidol University. Mahidol University Library and Knowledge Center. : Mahidol University, 2008.
Healthy aging from rural thai elderly's perspectives : a case study of Northern village, Thailand
Abstract:
This ethnographic study was conducted to explore the meaning of healthy aging
and its cultural influence contributing to health as perceived by the older-old people
(defined as people>75 years old) and their families in rural village, located in Northern
region of Thailand.
Data were collected from March 2007 through February 2008 by using in-depth
interviews, focus group discussions, field observation, and field notes. Data analysis was
performed simultaneously throughout the fieldwork. A total of seven healthy older-old adults
were interviewed until information was saturated. In addition, seven primary family caregivers,
health personnel, community leaders, and community people who worked with the elderly
participated in interviews.
According to content analysis, healthy aging was described by older-old elderly as a
continuing process across time to carry out daily activities to maintain their physical, mental, and
spiritual health. Nine components of healthy aging were (1) positive perception about growing
old, (2) being able to do or choose something meaningful, (3) having Kum-lung, (4) having a
strong heart, (5) absence of disease, (6) having a harmonious family, (7) having a peaceful mind,
(8) faith in ancestors and spirits, and (9) having a sense of pride. Family and community people
primarily defined healthy aging as health outcomes of the aging process whereas health personnel
focused on biological changes. Ways of healthy aging were classified as (1) engaging in culture
and religious activities, (2) maintaining self care activities, and (3) promoting interdependence.
Family intervention with cultural considerations is important for health personnel among the
older-old group. Social and spiritual needs of the elderly must be emphasized to maintain their
interdependence and independence. The findings suggest the significance of family and
community participation, with cultural sensitivity, to promote health among rural elderly