SOCIAL WELFARE PROVISION AND ELDERLY DEVELOPMENT AFFECTING THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF ELDERLY IN NAKHON RATCHASIMA PROVINCE

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to 1) study the quality of life level of the elderly in Nakhon Ratchasima Province; 2) analyze the provision of social welfare and the development of the elderly that affect the quality of life of the elderly in Nakhon Ratchasima Province; and 3) study the approaches to improving the quality of life of the elderly in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. This study employed a mixed-methods research design. The population consisted of individuals aged 60 years and over who were registered residents in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, totaling 529,645 people. The sample size was calculated using Yamane’s formula, resulting in 400 participants. Additionally, interviews were conducted with 20 local/community leaders. The research instruments included questionnaires and interview forms. Qualitative data were analyzed by content analysis. Statistical methods used included frequency distribution, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and multiple regression analysis.

          The research findings revealed that: 1) the quality of life level of the elderly in Nakhon Ratchasima Province and the overall provision of social welfare were at the highest level; 2) the analysis of social welfare provision and elderly development found that the aspect of promotion and development of the elderly had a statistically significant positive relationship with the quality of life of the elderly in Nakhon Ratchasima Province at the .05 significance level; and 3) to study the approaches to improving the quality of life of the elderly in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, it is recommended that the elderly in the area be promoted to conveniently access various educational information of the province through the database systems of each agency. The operational formats should be modern, fast, and aligned with the current changing environment.