The Potential for Enhancing the Quality of Life among the Elderly in a Local Government Organization in Phitsanulok Province

Abstract

This research aimed to: (1) study the potential of local government organizations in developing the quality of life of the elderly, and (2) present recommendations for enhancing the potential of local government organizations in developing the quality of life of the elderly. This study was quantitative research using a survey method. The sample consisted of 260 persons selected through multi-stage sampling, comprising cluster sampling and simple random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The statistics employed included descriptive statistics presented using mean, percentage, standard deviation, minimum value, and maximum value.

The findings revealed that the overall potential of local government organizations in developing the quality of life of the elderly was at a moderate level (x̄ = 3.35; S.D. = 0.82). In terms of specific dimensions, leadership and policy formulation scored the highest (x̄ = 3.36; S.D. = 0.92), followed by management ability (x̄ = 3.33; S.D. = 0.84), and collaboration through networking and community linkages (x̄ = 3.30; S.D. = 0.98). Regarding recommendations for enhancing the potential of local government organizations in developing the quality of life of the elderly, the overall level was rated high (x̄ = 3.89; S.D. = 0.97). The highest-rated item was that local government organizations should promote community relationships to establish mechanisms for caring for the elderly (x̄ = 3.92; S.D. = 0.92).

The recommendations from this study are as follows: 1) strengthening the capacity of older persons; 2) promoting life security for older persons; 3) providing budget support for career creation; 4) establishing agreements or coordinating cooperation with external agencies and organizations; 5) building readiness to support the formation of occupational groups; 6) providing appropriate assistance and addressing the individual problems of each older person; 7) supporting elderly clubs and communities to serve as the primary caregivers for older persons; and 8) promoting the concept of social enterprises to assist society.