Factors affecting the desire to work among elderly people in Thailand 10.55131/jphd/2024/220316

Main Article Content

Phot Parkpoom
Wongsa Laohasiriwong
Roshan Kumar Mahato

Abstract

Globally, the number of elderly people is increasing. It is important for elderly people to be financially active to enhance their values and health. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the factors affecting the desire to work among elderly people in Thailand. The present study was a cross-sectional analytical study conducted using the 2017 Elderly Population Survey database of the National Statistical Office, which includes 32,035 individuals. The statistical analysis was performed by a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM). This study revealed that 31.05% of the elderly participants desired to work (95% CI: 30.54-31.55). Statistically significant factors influencing this desire included demographic characteristics such as gender (female, AOR=1.76), age groups (middle elderly stage, AOR=3.13; late elderly stage, AOR=8.88), and literacy (ability to read and write, AOR=1.21). Marital status also played a role, with married (AOR=1.39) and single (AOR=1.37) individuals showing a higher desire to work. Health-related factors were equally important. Those with better physical health had a much higher likelihood of wanting to work compared to those with very poor health (AOR=5.81). Furthermore, engaging in exercise (AOR=1.30), participating in social groups (AOR=2.50), and community activities (AOR=1.11) were positively associated with the desire to work. Sensory abilities, such as clear vision (AOR=1.14) and hearing (AOR=1.42), as well as residing in rural areas (AOR=1.23), also influenced this desire. Approximately one-third of the elderly people were willing to work. Factors that were associated with the desire to work included gender, age, reading and writing ability, marital status, physical health, engaging in exercise, ability to participate in social groups, participation in community activities, vision and hearing ability and location of residence. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach that considers these factors should be undertaken to promote suitable work for elderly people to enhance their values and health.

Article Details

How to Cite
1.
Parkpoom P, Laohasiriwong W, Mahato RK. Factors affecting the desire to work among elderly people in Thailand: 10.55131/jphd/2024/220316. J Public Hlth Dev [Internet]. 2024 Sep. 9 [cited 2024 Nov. 21];22(3):187-201. Available from: https://he01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/AIHD-MU/article/view/269194
Section
Original Articles
Author Biographies

Phot Parkpoom, Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kean, Thailand

Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kean, Thailand

Wongsa Laohasiriwong, Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kean, Thailand

Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kean, Thailand

Roshan Kumar Mahato, Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kean, Thailand

Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kean, Thailand

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