A Participatory Action Research in Community Mobilization for Promoting Active Aging in Saithong community, Nonthaburi Province

Abstract

This research aims to study the condition of the community and develop a community mobilization model to promote active aging for the elderly in the Sai Thong community of the province of Nonthaburi. Through participatory action research was with community leaders, community committees, village public health volunteers, elderly volunteers, and personnel of the Public Health Service.

The results revealed that Sai Thong community was a semi-urban and semi-rural community. Groups of elderly were formed and engaged in health, environmental, and economic development. By the community mobilization model to promote active aging with 6 components: (1) the problems and needs of the elderly in the community were inspected; (2)  networks of volunteers and leaders were formed; (3) planning meetings for activities to promote active aging were arranged; (4) activities were organized; (5) activities were reviewed and enhanced based upon the evaluation results; and (6) the process for community mobilization to promote active aging was evaluated. In the long term, the elderly in the Sai Thong community appeared to be efficient, independent, and self-sufficient in terms of heath, finance, and social engagement. Moreover, it was revealed that other elements leading to a successful community mobilization model to promote active aging included a network of operational teams, community leaders, and elderly leaders.  These factors substantially influenced the stamina of the elderly.

To achieve a community mobilization model to promote active aging for the elderly in the Sai Thong community, the researchers recommend the following. Concrete policies for the elderly at the local level should be established. In addition, the power of social capital in the community should be formed. This involved community strength, the cooperation of the community leaders, and the participation of the elderly.