Ethical Arts Process for Community Mobilization (EAP-CM) : A Social Innovation for Enhancing the Value of Older Persons and Strengthening Intergenerational Relationships in an Aging Society DOI:

Abstract

In the context of Thai society that is moving toward a fully aged society, the intergenerational transmission of knowledge and values has become crucial for sustainable community development. This study has four objectives: (1) to study and evaluate the Ethical Arts Process for Community Mobilization (EAP-CM) in the Pak Nam Prasae community; (2) to analyze the enhancement of roles and values of older adults; (3) to explore the impacts on intergenerational learning and the factors influencing the transmission of local wisdom; and (4) to propose approaches for expanding the outcomes to other communities with similar contexts. This research is a qualitative participatory study conducted over 10 months. Data collection methods included in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and reflective assessments with 60 purposively selected participants, consisting of 30 older adults, 20 youths, and 10 community stakeholders. The research instruments were validated by three experts, and the data were analyzed using qualitati. The findings reveal that: (1) the EAP-CM process was implemented through three stages building trust, connecting knowledge, and synthesizing lessons—with most participants reporting that the activities facilitated openness and mutual understanding; (2) older adults were elevated from recipients to “knowledge teachers,” gaining pride and self-worth; (3) youths developed greater respect and understanding toward older adults while also learning local wisdom such as mangrove forest knowledge and seafood processing, which they further applied through contemporary media; and (4) key social innovation outcomes included the emergence of a “four-generational classroom” and an ethical arts network linking schools, temples, and local museums. The study suggests that scaling up should include training community leaders and integrating the EAP-CM process into provincial-level elderly development plans.