Innovative approach to full-service participatory occupational group development for the elderly in Bangkok, Thailand

Abstract

This research aims to investigate an innovative approach to comprehensive participatory occupational group development for the elderly in Wat Pracharabuedham Community 1-4. The goal is to reduce inequality in urban communities. The study used participatory action research (PAR) and community-based research (CBR) methods to collect data. The study included 77 participants: 19 public health volunteers, 20 elderly individuals, 5 community leaders, 10 teachers and students, 3 officials from the Dusit District Community Development and Social Welfare Department in Bangkok, and 20 lecturers and students from Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University. The research findings identified the key components of urban communities as households, temples, and schools, referred to as the “H-T-S Ecosystem.” In this urban setting, working adults leave early and return late from work. During the day, grandparents managed household chores, cared for children, and monitored the community. However, the elderly did not want to burden their children and wished to contribute additional income to their families and communities. Despite this, they lacked the knowledge to develop community products. To address this issue, the research introduced a full-service herbal product called “Phaya Yor Green Oil.” This product enabled the elderly to support themselves without government assistance, leading to improved urban quality of life and increased community income through self-sufficiency.