The Implementation of an Aging Society Support Plan by Local Administrative Organizations in Chainat Province

Abstract

     This research aimed to 1) study the context, 2) investigate the problems and obstacles, and 3) propose guidelines for driving the action plan to accommodate an aging society by local administrative organizations in Chai Nat Province. Data were collected through interviews with 23 key informants selected via purposive sampling, comprising local administrative executives and operational staff, community development officers, public health experts, and village health volunteers. The collected data were analyzed using inductive content analysis. The findings revealed the following 1) Driving Context: Chai Nat Province is classified as a super-aged society. Its development dynamics consist of four phases, progressing from the provision of basic living allowances to the establishment of health networks, the integration of long-term care systems, and currently focusing on a four-dimensional strategic integration combined with the application of telemedicine systems. 2) Problems and Obstacles: The challenges span four dimensions. The economic dimension faces outdated databases and the elderly's technological limitations. The environmental dimension is hindered by restrictive building laws and failing transportation systems. The health dimension suffers from a shortage of specialized personnel and disconnected data. The social dimension encounters inflexible budgetary regulations. 3) Driving Guidelines: For the economic dimension, databases should be comprehensively integrated. For the environmental dimension, local materials should be utilized to improve accessible facilities. For the health dimension, long-term care funds should be managed proactively. For the social dimension, intergenerational activities should be promoted, a time bank system established to accumulate volunteer hours, and data integrated to minimize inequality in welfare access among vulnerable groups.