DEVELOPMENT OF APPROPRITATE SOCIAL SERVICE POLICY FOR THE ELDERLY IN SAKHRAI DISTRICT, NONG KHAI PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aimed to study: 1) the level of problems related to social service policies for the elderly, 2) the level of needs for social welfare and services for the elderly, 3) suggestions for appropriate social service policies for the elderly, and 4) to propose guidelines for developing appropriate social service policies for the elderly in Sra Khrai District, Nong Khai Province. The sample consisted of 366 elderly individuals, calculated using Yamane's formula, and 12 key informants, selected through a purposive sampling method. Questionnaires, with a reliability of 0.976, and interviews were used as research instruments. Quantitative data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation, while qualitative data were analyzed using descriptive and discussion methods.

            The research findings were as follows: 1) The overall level of problems related to social service policies for the elderly was high. 2) The overall level of needs for social welfare and services for the elderly was high. 3) Suggestions for policy development included: adjusting the elderly living allowance to be in line with the current economy and increasing the budget in the state welfare card to be sufficient for daily living. 4) The guidelines for developing social service policies were: (1) Developing the income of the elderly from a burden to an economic force. (2) Providing proactive healthcare, not waiting until they are sick. (3) Developing education to leave no one behind in the digital world. (4) Developing housing to support safe aging in place. (5) Developing recreational activities to help them feel valued and not forgotten. (6) Developing accessible and trustworthy support centers. (7) Developing services with a compassionate heart, not just by fulfilling duties.