The Buddhist Integrated Enhancement for The Modern Elderly’s Quality of Life Through Golf

Abstract

This research article has three objectives: 1) to investigate concepts and theories related to enhancing the quality of life of the modern elderly through golf, 2) to study Buddhist training principles for improving the modern elderly’s quality of life and 3) to present knowledge on the Buddhist integrated enhancement for the modern elderly’s quality of life through golf. This qualitative research utilized in-depth interviews with 19 key informants and analyzed data to present in descriptive analytics.
The research findings highlight that 1) golf is a suitable exercise for the modern elderly. Golf involves outdoor activity in natural settings through walking which enhances physical and mental strength. It requires players to use their intellect for planning and problem-solving. Moreover, golf is a sport that fosters integrity as players must uphold honesty without constant supervision of referee, and promotes social interaction among peers, fostering new communities. 2) The Buddhist Tri Sikkha (The Threefold Training) —the training system in Buddhism— which consists of Adhisilasikkha (Training in higher morality), Adhicittasikkha (Training in higher mentality), and Adhipannasikkha (Training in higher wisdom) promotes holistic development by emphasizing ethical conduct and wisdom. This training system can be evaluated using Pawana 4 (The four cultivation and Development): Guypawana (Physical development), Silapawana (Moral development), Cittapawana (Emotional development), and Panyapawana (Cultivation of wisdom). 3) Golf aligns well with this Buddhist training and can be applied to enhance the quality of life for the modern elderly.
The insights gained from this research are encapsulated in the model “F.B.E.” (Fun Balance Enlightenment) which outlines the Buddhist integrated enhancement for the modern elderly’s quality of life through golf. Fun signifies playing with integrity towards oneself and others, adhering to rules and etiquette, maintaining discipline in practice, and prioritizing physical health and nutrition. Balance means living a balance life both physically and mentally; involves good physical health, mindfulness, present-moment awareness, and seeing circumstances as they truly are. Enlightenment includes realistic evaluation, appropriate planning, and effective problem-solving during play which can lead to living without carelessness and being ready to handle all the future uncertainty that comes at the final stage of life.