PARTICIPATORY HEALTH PROMOTION GUIDELINES FOR OLDER ADULT THROUGH HEALTH TOURISM INTEGRATED WITH CULTURAL TOURISM AND THAI WISDOM: CASE STUDY OF AYUTTHAYA PROVINCE

Abstract

        This qualitative research aims to study and find out the guideline for promote health of the older adults through participatory health tourism combined with cultural tourism and Thai wisdom. The informants were older adults and stakeholders who involved with tourism and Thai traditional medicine (Executives and staff from agencies related to health and tourism in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province and Thai traditional medicines working in community hospitals), a group of 12 people, totaling 36 people. Data were collected by focus group discussions using semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed by content analysis and checking the credibility with triangulation methods.

        The result revealed that the guidelines for promoting health of the older adults through participatory health tourism combined with cultural tourism and Thai wisdom are as follows: 4H (Four-H) principles as follows: 1) Create a health tourism activities in accordance with the context, area and target groups, 2) Focus on the holistic to promote physical health, mental health and income for the older adults, 3) Focus on behaviors modification linking to Thai cultural and wisdom and, 4) Strengthen the new generation of health leaders, continue to sustain Thai cultural and wisdom.   This guideline is not only focuses on meeting the real needs approach of older adults and their network partners, but also involve the older adults to take part in tourism management both leadership and member roles in the health tourism combined with cultural tourism and Thai wisdom. As a result, the elderly can take care of themselves and perform various activities more efficiently. In addition, it also creates strength in both physical and mental health and helps the elderly to be involved with the community and society, be secure, have sufficient income to live, able to maintain the function of various organs, and live independently of their own potential.