Older Adults’experience of holistic health promotion in Duan Yai Sub-District, Wang Hin District, Sisaket Province

Abstract

  The qualitative study aimed to explain perception and promotion of holistic health in older adults. 15 Buddhist older adults were purposively selected from an urban communities in Sisaket province. In-depth interview, non–participant observation and content analysis were employed for data collection and analysis. The results revealed that the perception of holistic health, provided by  older adults, was categorized into 4 major themes: 1) living as uncertain situations but had a complete state of well being, 2) the end of life being without taking medication, 3) Living with the way they want, and  4) Longevity and independent function. The holistic health promotion was carried out by the older adults’ perceptions of holistic health, composed of : 1) designing healthy lifestyle promotion with their own potential, 2) accepted the deterioration of body function and living consciously, 3) using Dharma to manage a happier life along with illness trajectory, 4)  create support network for Lifestyle modification and illness management, 5) encourage to live and go beyond the physical according to belief and faith, 6) having the spirit to being moderate, discipline, integrity and volunteerism. The results from this study provides an essential understanding and must be recognized by health care professionals and social service for integrating into holistic health promotion system to meet the multiple needs of older adults who have living within their social context appropriately.