Analysis of the Elderly Clubs Capacity in Southern Region for Moving Towards Active Aging

Abstract

This mixed method research aimed to determine the implementation outcomes of the elderly clubs according to health indicators, health promoting behaviors, and risky behaviors among the elderly club members of the 6 elderly clubs in Southern region. Research implementation had 2 phases. Phase 1: Qualitative research, informants were those who who were involved in implementation of the elderly clubs and who were member and non-member of the elderly clubs with a total of 171. Research instruments included in-depth interview questions, guided focus group, and elderly club assessment questionnaire. Data were collected through focus group discussion and were analyzed using content analysis and description according to the topics of study. Phase 2: Quantitative research, sample were 132 the elderly club members of the 6 elderly clubs. Research instruments were health promoting behavior questionnaire and risky behavior questionnaire which had test-retest reliability of .85. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and description. Results revealed as follows;

1. The implementation outcomes of the elderly clubs according to health indicators consisted of 1) all elderly clubs were strengthened club for the prototype. Most elderly clubs implemented according to written administration indicator. However, club activities, fund raise, and community participation were not implemented with written administration indicator. 2) Health model activities, mental health assessment, perception of right, and fund raise were not implemented for some clubs. 3) Most clubs collaborated with networks. 4) Various types of exercise which were congruent with local culture and tradition and satisfaction of activities. 5) Most clubs emphasized care of the bed-bound elderly working in conjunction with multidisciplinary team, family members, and temples in community.

2. Overall and each aspect of health promoting behaviors were at a moderate level (52.27%). For each aspect, it was found that spiritual growth, interpersonal relationship, and stress management, behaviors were at a high level (69.70%, 57.58%, 52.27%, respectively). Risky behaviours of smoking and alcohol drinking tended to reduce.

The study findings indicated guideline for capacity development model of the elderly clubs for moving towards active aging and pushing national elderly policy. Further research should investigate clubs that are not the prototype.