วิถีอายุวัฒน์: การศึกษาเชิงคุณภาพเกี่ยวกับวิถีชีวิตและเคล็ดลับที่ทำให้อายุยืนยาวของผู้สูงอายุในจังหวัดหนึ่งในภาคเหนือของประเทศไทย

Ganokwun Buntuchai; Apichart Chotchuen

Authors

Ganokwun Buntuchai Faculty of Sports and Health Science, Thailand National Sports University, Chiang Mai Campus https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3572-0679
Apichart Chotchuen Faculty of Sports and Health Science, Thailand National Sports University, Chiang Mai Campus

Keywords:

Lifestyle, Longevity, Elderly

Abstract

Thailand's future will be inevitably be a longevity society. While the number of older adults is continuously increasing, qualitative studies on the lifestyles and factors contributing to longevity remain limited. This study focuses on identifying the lifestyle and secrets to longevity. The qualitative research collected data from individuals aged 80 and above living in northern Thailand. Sixteen participants were selected using the snowball sampling technique. All were healthy, communicated clearly, and were cognitively assessed with the Mini-Cog test. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, focusing on in-depth discussions, and analyzed using inductive content analysis.

The results revealed five components of lifestyle: “eating well, regular bowel movements, quality sleep, staying active, and maintaining happiness,” as follows: 1) Demonstrates the capacity to consume varied diet without monotony, with an emphasis on locally sourced foods and seasonal vegetables 2) No problems with bowel movements, or if there are, there will be tips for maintaining regularity 3) Go to bed early and wake up early 4) Stay active, have a routine, do activities constantly, have life goals, socialize, and regularly meet and talk with neighbors or relatives 5) Find motivation from things that support mental well-being, make life happy, and avoid things that cause suffering. Moreover, critical secrets to longevity include consuming bananas, regular exercise, and mental resilience. These findings can be used as guidelines for promoting health across all age groups in preparation for entering a longevity society.

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