Participation in creating value of the elderly through economic wisdom knowledge management in School for the Elderly, Napong sub-district, Thoen district,Lampang Province

Abstract

             This research has the objectives to study economic wisdom knowledge management of the elderly (EWKME) to support the creation of the elderly value by participation and to find ways to increase the elderly quality of life using EWKME at Napong sub-district School for the Elderly, Thoen district, Lampang province. It is a qualitative research and the target group was the personnel related to the School for the Elderly totaled 8 persons and members of the school totaled 35 persons. The research tools consisted of observations, in-depth interviews and focus groups. The data were classified, analyzed for contents and frequencies supplementing description.

              The research found the elderly had economic wisdom knowledge management in 3 areas: 1) agriculture 2) industry and handicraft and 3) Thai traditional medicine.  For the value creation for the elderly by participation in decision making, there would be a presentation or selection of projects operated by the community. For participation in working, there would be a joint in publicizing of information and working supporting by money or materials. For participation in receiving of benefits, the elderly are pleased or proud in the results of their operations and for participation in follow-up and evaluation, they are usually in the form of observations.

              Ways to increase the quality of life of the elderly using economic wisdom by using knowledge and wisdom in the elderly to further develop in the economy e.g. 1) agricultural wisdom by growing herbs, native vegetables and organic vegetables 2) industrial and handicraft wisdom by weaving rice containers and other basketry and 3) Thai traditional medicine wisdom by making herbal oils, by advanced work planning and doing it immediately from resources found in the community without being afraid of any problems or obstacles, accepting creative ideas including having confidence in the abilities and respect in the knowledge and wisdom of the elderly.