Communication behavior via online social networks and perception on the rights according to the Elderly Person Act, B.E. 2546 among the elderly in Bangmueang subdistrict municipality, Mueang District, Samut Prakan Province

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to study communication behavior via online social networks and perception on the rights of the elderly according to the Elderly Person Act, B.E. 2546  among the elderly living in Bang Mueang Subdistrict Municipality, Mueang District, Samut Prakan Province. It is a quantitative research study, using survey research methods and collecting data with questionnaires from a sample group of 400 people who aged 60 years and over. The results of the research can be summarized as follows :

Demographic characteristics found that the sample consisted of more females than males, accounting for 54.50 percent and 45.50 percent, respectively, and most of them were in the age range of 65 - 69 years, accounting for 49.00 percent. The sample had a high school education/vocational certificate. The highest number was 24.25 percent and most had general employment occupations, accounted for 31.75 percent. Most of the sample group had an average income of 5,001 - 10,000 baht per month, accounted for 34.00 percent, and most had marital status, accounting for 51.70 percent. The perception on the rights of the elderly of sample group calculated as 100.00 percent.

Communication behavior via online social networks found that most of the sample group exposed to information about the rights of the elderly from the online social network Facebook, accounted for 43.50 percent and most of them using mobile phones or smartphones as the device for opening up to online social networks, representing 67.75 percent.  The time when most of the sample communicated via social networks was between 11 : 01 a.m. – 3 : 00 p.m., representing 36.75 percent.  Most of the sample had a frequency of using the online social network. more than 5 times/week, accounted for 48.50 percent. The time period that most of the sample spent exposed to online social networks was approximately 1 - 2 hours/time, accounting for 49.25 percent. The majority of the sample had the main purpose of using online social networks to contact family/friends, acccounting for 29.25 percent.

Perception of information on the rights of the elderly according to the Elderly Person Act, B.E. 2546 (16 aspects). It was found that the sample group had overall awareness of rights at a high level (average 3.56). The perceptions of the rights of the elderly can be divided into 4 levels : 1) the highest level of perception (The sample group had perceived in 4 aspects : Right to medical service, Right to receive living allowance assistance, Right to receive vehicle fare assistance and Right to receive help from being abused) 2) High level of perception (The sample group had perceived in 5 aspects : Right to be safe in buildings,  Right to travel, Right to self-development,  Right to receive education and Right to exempt the entrance fees to government places) 3) Moderate level of perception (The sample group had perceived in 3 aspects : Right to receive housing arrangements,  Right to funeral arrangements,  and Right to occupation) and 4) low level of perception (The sample group has perceived in 4 aspects : Right to receive advice in cases, Right to income tax deduction, Right to Elderly Fund,  Rights to receive convenience in visiting various places)