Model Development of Community Participation in Holistic Health Promotion for the Elderly in a Rural Area, Phayao Province

Abstract

The number of elderly has been increasing worldwide, including Thailand especially in rural areas. This participatory action research aimed to assess the development of a holistic health promotion model and the participation of the elderly in a rural community in Phayao Province. The study groups included 50 elderly and 32 people with stakeholders selected using purposive sampling. The input represented the elderly in all villages and communities. This was a process that emphasized participation and health strategies and the output were a developmental pattern and increased potential of the elderly in promoting holistic health. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics and content analysis. The results showed that after implementation, the elderly scores were at moderate and high levels regarding health perceptions and self-care behaviors. Community-based intervention and network engagement contributed to an integrated approach to health care that accessed health services and illness-related health care, rural folk eating behaviors, exercise by age-based culture, and stress management. Consequently, the holistic health promotion of the elderly became a prominent point in the community. The health network aided participation to support and benefit of solving problems sustainably, leading to the development of innovative health care continuity.