DEVELOPMENT OF ELDERLY CARE AND ELDERLY WELFARE AFFECTING THE LIFE QUALITY OF THE ELDERLY IN UTHAI THANI PROVINCE

Abstract

This study aimed to: 1) Examine the level of quality of life among older adults in Uthai Thani Province; 2) Analyze the factors influencing their quality of life through elderly care development and welfare provisions; and 3) Propose developmental approaches for improvement. A mixed-methods design was employed. The population consisted of older adults aged 60 years and above residing in Uthai Thani Province. The quantitative sample included 400 respondents selected through probability sampling, and data were collected via questionnaire, while qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews with 20 key informants, including local leaders, subdistrict heads, village heads, and older adults. Statistical analyses comprised frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that: 1) the overall quality of life of older adults in Uthai Thani Province was at a high level (  = 3.52, S.D. = 0.259), with the mean scores ranked from highest to lowest as mental, physical, environmental, and social relationship aspects; 2) Elderly care development (  = 3.45, S.D. = 0.215) and elderly welfare (  = 3.46, S.D. = 0.165) were also found to be at high levels. Key factors influencing the quality of life included the development of quality health services for older adults with health problems, financial assistance through living allowances, housing support, and appropriate occupational training, all of which significantly affected their quality of life at the 0.05 significance level; and 3) The study recommended strengthening elderly health service systems, promoting suitable occupational opportunities, and encouraging desirable health behaviors to enhance the overall well-being of older adults in Uthai Thani Province.