BUDDHIST MANAGEMENT METHODS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS' WELL-BEING OF SANGHAS ADMINISTRATIVE IN TRAD PROVINCE

Abstract

Objectives of this research article were: 1. To study the general conditions of senior citizens well-being management of senior citizens well-being management of administrative monks in Trat Province, 2. To study the components of senior citizens well-being management, and 3. To propose Buddhist methods for senior citizens well-being management of Administrative Monks in Trat Province. The research employed a qualitative research methodology. Data were collected through in-depth interviewing 25 key informants and 10 participants in focus group discussions. Data were analyzed using content analysis techniques in conjunction with contextual interpretation.

Findings revealed that: 1. The general conditions of senior citizens well-being management of administrative monks in Trat Province included both significant strengths and weaknesses. In terms of strengths, administrative monks served as spiritual leaders who helped build faith, belief, and respect in leadership roles. They demonstrated dedication and responsibility toward their duties. Regarding emotional aspects, they conducted Dhamma discussions, guided meditation practices, and coordinated with Village Health Volunteers (VHVs). The major weaknesses included the lack of integration between administrative monks and the public health sector, as well as the absence of policies for operating senior citizens clubs. 2. The components of health management for senior citizens of administrative monks in Trat Province consisted of: Kaya-bhavana, physical development, including appropriate and regular exercise and moderation in food consumption, Sila-bhavana, morality development including refraining from wasting time uselessly and observing the Five Precepts; Citta-bhavana, mental development including mindfulness practice to prevent dementia, Dhamma discussions, and social interaction among the senior citizens, and Pañña-bhavana, wisdom development including reflection on Kamma and its consequences, and living a simple and sufficient life. 3. The Buddhist methods for senior citizens’ well-being management of administrative monks in Trat Province included physical health through walking meditation as a form of Dhamma-based exercise and breathing practice for health and stress relief; mental health through observing the Five Precepts as the foundation of mental happiness, caring for caregivers’ mental health to prevent burnout, applying the principle of sufficiency in daily life, and using Brahmavihara 4 to build relationships within families and communities; and social health through encouraging the senior citizens to become transmitters of local wisdom, creating peer-support systems, and utilizing information technology for communication.