A study to understand the current situation and develop the newly adjusted active aging model with empirical evidence among the Thai elderly

Abstract

This study aims to examine the relationship among key factors including health care, mental health, attitude, social support, quality of life, life satisfaction and active aging to investigate factors that relate to active aging in the Thai elderly and to develop a new model of Thai active aging. Data for the quantitative research were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, explanatory factor analysis, and multiple regression analysis. The qualitative research sample consisted of thirty elders. The data were analyzed using content analysis. The results of this study indicate that all important factors related to the active aging of Thai elderly are at a high level such as previous active aging, quality of life, life satisfaction and adjusted active aging. From exploratory factor analysis, it was found that nine elements could be separated that reflect the adjusted active aging of Thai elderly people. In addition, the result indicated four variables that affect the adjusted active aging of the Thai elderly, health care, mental health, attitude and social support. This study creates a new model to serve as a guideline for the government or private sector to use in managing the Thai elderly.