GUIDELINES DEVELOPING RECREATION ACTIVITY AND TOURISM OF THE ELDERLY IN SAMUT SAKHON PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aimed to study tourism behavior and needs of recreational activities of the elderly in Samut Sakhon Province and to propose guidelines for the development of recreational activities and tourism for the elderly in Samut Sakhon Province. This research was a survey study from collecting data from 400 copies of questionnaires. By using the Coefficient of search (Index of Item Objective Congruence: IOC), the Questionnaire has a consistency index of more than 0.50 in order to be able to use this query, with a reliability of 0.81. The researcher used the process to explain the behavioral study of the elderly participation in recreational activities in Samut Sakhon Province by using the interview method and descriptive research. The data were analyzed using percentages and compared with qualitative data from a forum to draw conclusions.

           The results of the research could be concluded that the sample expressed their opinions towards the method of determining recreational activities to promote tourism for the elderly in Samut Sakhon Province overall was at the highest level (mean = 4.44). When considering questionnaires classification, recreational activities consisted of 10 activities. The activities with the highest average were natural tourism activities (mean = 4.55). The following activities were jogging and yoga (mean = 4.54), which were equal, cultural tourism (mean = 4.53), Thai folk dance / dance (mean = 4.50), chess (mean = 4.44), health activities (mean = 4.35), flower arrangement activities for the elderly (mean = 4.34), seminars for the elderly (mean = 4.31), and the lowest were boxing activities (mean = 3.29). It was found that the sample group expressed their opinions on the implementation of a format of recreation activities to promote tourism for the elderly in all 10 activities. The overall result (mean = 4.43) was at the highest level of agreement.

          Guidelines for Developing Recreation Activity and Tourism of the Elderly begin with the development of related agencies responsible for the elderly. There should be a concrete policy to support the organization of recreational activities for the elderly, and further action should be taken in regards to the policy of developing recreational activities and tourism for the elderly that were suitable for their physical condition, needs, context, and current situation, with further emphasis on the promotion, care, and prevention of long-term health of the elderly.