Abstract:
The study consisted of the following objectives: 1) to investigate the lifestyle of home-bound elderly at Ban Rai Sila Thong Community, Phichai Subdistrict, Mueang Lampang District, Lampang Province; 2) to develop the potential in the lifestyle of home-bound elderly at Ban Rai Sila Thong Community, Phichai Subdistrict, Mueang Lampang District, Lampang Province; and 3) to present the potential development in the lifestyle of home-bound elderly at Ban Rai Sila Thong Community, Phichai Subdistrict, Mueang Lampang District, Lampang Province.
From the study, the following results are found:
The lifestyle of home-bound elderly at Ban Rai Sila Thong Community, Phichai Subdistrict, Mueang Lampang District, Lampang Province is overall at a high level. The following is the mean sequence from highest to lowest: 1) the lifestyle of home-bound elderly on social relations; 2) mentality; 3) environment; 4) overall health; and 5) physical health. The opinion levels toward the lifestyle of home-bound elderly will benefit their development.
From collecting data with a sample group of 70 home-bound elderly at Ban Rai Sila Thong Community on the potential development in the lifestyle of home-bound elderly at Ban Rai Sila Thong Community utilizing questionnaires, the findings revealed that there are five aspects which are: 1) quality of life on physical health; 2) quality of life on mentality; 3) quality of life on social relations; 4) quality of life on environment; and 5) quality of life on overall health. From exploring the outcomes of growth in each aspect, it is revealed that the quality of life on physical health should be developed the most, while the other aspects are at a high level.
The elderly will be in good health if they practice sīla-bhāvanā (moral development). Citta-bhāvanā (emotional development) is a practice that aims to develop the mind such that it is moral, strong, happy, and joyous. The elderly must have faith in Buddhism in order to have a serene mind, and this faith will help them cultivate loving-kindness. Meditation, cultivating loving-kindness, and practicing concentration will provide the elderly with a longer life, a peaceful mind, and the ability to solve problems. Paññā-bhāvanā (wisdom development) helps in the health of the elderly by allowing them to see things as they really are, form comprehension, and build problem-solving skills. Paññā-bhāvanā helps the elderly to develop knowledge, understanding, contemplation, and problem-solving skills in order to have a tranquil mind and experience less sufferings, since wisdom is the true problem solution.