This research and development project aimed to promote and evaluate the effectiveness of a quality of life of the elders applying social laboratory concept. The study was conducted in three phases, Phase 1: Situational analysis to identify quality of life issues among 270 elders’ participants. Phase 2: Development of the model and piloting with a sample of 30 participants. Phase 3: A pilot implementation and evaluation of the model with 30 experimental and 30 control participants. The study was conducted from June to September 2024. The tools used included, A WHOQOL–BREF–THAI questionnaire for assessing the quality of life of elders, A questionnaire on lifestyle behaviors, and A quality-of-life enhancement model for elders applying social laboratory concept. Data were analyzed using t-tests. Findings, Phase 1: The quality of life of elders in Health Region 5 of the Ministry of Public Health was found to be at a moderate level. Phase 2: A prototype model was developed, emphasizing participatory planning based on social action concepts. The PRIME Model was introduced, comprising, P: Purpose, Plan, and Partnerships, R: Research, Response, and Reflection, I: Insight, Interest, and Influence, M: Materials, Monitoring, and Maintenance, E: Experience, Empowerment, and Environment. This model was aligned with six key lifestyle behaviors for elders. Phase 3: The prototype model was applied to the experimental and control groups, each consisting of 30 participants, over a six-week period. The results revealed, A significant improvement in the quality of life among the experimental group compared to pre-intervention levels (p-value < .001). A significant enhancement in lifestyle behaviors in the experimental group compared to pre-intervention levels (p-value < .001). A significant improvement in overall health status among the experimental group compared to pre-intervention levels (p-value < .001). To sustain and improve the quality of life and health behaviors of elders, continuous application of the quality-of-life enhancement model based on the social laboratory concept is essential.
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