The Creation of contemporary home economics design activities to promote a healthy participation among the elderly in the Urban communities, Muang District, Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

This research article aims to 1) study the context, problems, and quality of life assessments that reflect the needs for contemporary home economics design activities, 2) create participatory contemporary home economics design activities to promote health among older adults, and 3) explore approaches to promoting health through participatory design processes, using a mixed-methods research approach. The target group consisted of 16 elderly individuals from Lam Chang and Nong Pa Khrang communities. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, quality-of-life assessments, participatory design activities, and focus group discussions.

The findings revealed that designing contemporary home economics activities through participatory processes, aligned with the communities’ needs and quality of life, promoted creativity in culturally prototype designs and fostered both physical and mental health among the elderly. Creative outcomes included the contemporary Lanna ritual ornament project “Lanna Blossom Offering, Cultivating Inner Joy” and the innovative local dessert design project “Sweetness of Lam Chang”, both developed through design thinking processes. It was also revealed that effective activity design should be diverse, engaging, and aligned with the community context. Activities should promote the holistic well-being of older adults, be innovative and creative, and encourage the application of design thinking to address health challenges and foster community participation.