Abstract
This study aims to study elements for the elder's happiness in rural area of the north- eastern region, under the dynamic of social changes in the globalization. The study is a qualitative research having the unit of analysis both of individual and community lev- els. Data is collected from the in-depth interview with 18 elders, covering all age ranges, living in rural areas. The studiedarea is named O-lo village in PhuKiew district, Chaiya- phum province where contains high rates of the elders in the northeast. The data was collected during June to October 2017 using interview guide as a tool, and is analyzed with content analysis. The result reveals that the elders in O-lo community are happy with their family conditions. Their happiness consists of 4 elements as the followings. The first element is family meaning there are families or relatives to take care of. The elder always ask in order to follow up for their offspring's well-being and give moral support to them. The second element is regarding their health. The elders are in good health and able to take care of themselves. They can also help out their families with housework. This is also the result of their convenient accessibility to medical treatment. The third element is economic aspect. The elders have their occupations and incomes from various sources including their work, money given from their children, and the welfare elder allowances. The last element is social aspect. They feel safety in their lifes and properties. Moreover, they join social activities organized by the community in order to relieve themselves from stress, make merit in temples, and participate in any activities enhancing value of the elders.
Highlights
Changes in the age structure of Thailand’s population in the 21st Century has caused the country to have an aging population or aged society since 2005
In 2030, Thailand is expected to be “a complete aged society,” as the proportion of the elderly will increase to 22.7% of the total population of 68.3 million persons Yimrattanaboworn (2015)
A lack of well-thought-out planning greatly affects all facets of socio-economic change, for example, decreases in labor, a higher budget for elderly welfare services, and more need for community and social development that facilitates living for elders
Summary
Changes in the age structure of Thailand’s population in the 21st Century has caused the country to have an aging population or aged society since 2005. In 2030, Thailand is expected to be “a complete aged society,” as the proportion of the elderly will increase to 22.7% of the total population of 68.3 million persons Yimrattanaboworn (2015) This demographic will result from an increase in the aging population, a decrease in the mortality rate, and a drastic decrease in the birth rate and fertility rate. These trends are significant and a reflection of the Thai government’s overall effective operation – the increase in the aging population can be accounted for by successful development, as people live longer, nutritional status is improved due to increased access to qualified health services, and medical technology, education, and economic status is improved. There could be challenges and ongoing effects in the long run, such as discrimination, unemployment, lack of access to medical services, harassment, the denial of the right to possess or inherit an asset or property, or lack of income and social security (UNFPA)
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