Self‐Image of Aging: A Method for Health Promotion

Abstract

In 2020, 15.25% of the Thai population will be over 60. The elderly are those who are considered to be retired and unemployed. Their physical and mental conditions are rapidly changing. They experience many health problems as the result of deteriorating health. Consequently, the health‐care team needs to focus on the elderly's perception of health, self‐image, and health care provided. Understanding the nature of aging will enhance the elderly's health, such that they will perform self‐care and live a more enjoyable life. The aim of this study was to investigate the health perceptions, self‐image and methods of health promotion provided to the elderly. Focus discussion groups consisting of participants over 60 years of age, were formed. One hundred and eight participants from four Aging Clubs of large cities were invited to participate. The participants came from Chiang Mai (n = 30), Phitsanulok (n = 21), Siriraj (n = 20), and the 43rd Health Center Aging Club (n = 37), a suburb near Bangkok.Results: The majority of participants perceived that ‘Health is composed of a good physical and mental condition’ and ‘physical strength and happy mind’. All participants identified three things that made them healthy: exercise, good food, and having hobbies. The participants practised what they believed. Exercise was seen as excellent medicine, and lack of disease was seen as good fortune. Several participants emphasized that having regular check‐ups, avoiding smoking, and avoiding drinking alcohol, as being healthy. Few of the elderly, in a group of > 70‐year‐olds, from the 43rd Health Center and the Phitsanulok group, mentioned traditional treatment as promoting health. Several participants from Chiang Mai saw fresh air and good ventilation as facilitating health. All participants preferred to meet each other and join in recreational activities at the club for the elderly. Interestingly, the 60–70‐year‐old age group from the Siriraj Aging Club believed life planning and a good sexual relationship were essential for good health. All participants revealed good relationships in their families. They used religious principles to keep their equilibrium and to help maintain their spiritual well‐being. Four major factors were identified as contributing to making the participants feel old: physical changes, declined functions, declined health, and emotional instability. Several participants said they felt old when they were told they were old. Other participants complained of feeling old when they were dependent. They said it caused them to lose their self‐respect.Conclusion: The study revealed that the different groups of elderly participants had a mutual concept of health. The life experiences of the elderly were based on their beliefs of helpful heath‐care practises. Thus, caregivers need to develop and apply effective and humanistic methods of health promotion for the elderly.