Community Readiness for Aging Society in Choeng Doi Sub-district, Doi Saket District, Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

The objective of this research was to investigate community readiness for the aging society in Choeng Doi Sub-district, Doi Saket District, Chiang Mai Province. A qualitative research was used as the research design. Focus group discussion was utilized as the research instrument to collect data from 48 involving individuals including municipality administrators, community health center administrators, elderly people and caregivers, community leaders, and public network members. The results showed that Choeng Doi community was ready for all aspects of aging society. This could reflect by a high level of elderly-related vision of the mayor. The organizational management was consistent to the work. There were specific personnel and agencies responsible for elderly care. The municipality had been harmoni­ously coordinating with the Choeng Doi Community Health Center. Necessary budget and resources were supported to implement elderly activities. Choeng Doi Community Health Center had implemented the health policy by encouraging local people to participate and implement the “Build before Repair” con­cept. In addition, local people’s potential was promoted, thus they were able to think and analyze health problems and needs in their community. This led to the cooperation among three parties: Choeng Doi Sub-district Municipality, Choeng Doi Community Health Center, and local people according to the con­cept of “Triangle that moves the mountain”. This resulted in the project to introduce beneficial activities and support aging society in a concrete manner. Choeng Doi Sub-district area was recognized as a model and educational center for studying elderly management. This reflected the community readiness for aging society that could efficiently enhance health and quality of life of the elderly.