Potential Building for Community Development of Elders in the Northeastern Region of Thailand

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to 1) examine the current state of potential building, 2) explore a guideline for potential building, and 3) evaluate the effectiveness of potential building for community development of elders in the northeastern region of Thailand. The study uses participatory action research and quantitative research methods, and draws on a sample of 60 male and female elders aged 60 years old or over residing in the northeastern region, 3 community leaders, and 3 government officers, totaling 66 persons. The instruments used for data collection were in-depth interviews, a focus group discussion, training workshops, a field trip, and participant and non-participant observation. The data were analyzed using content analysis. The statistics used for quantitative data analysis were mean, standard deviation and t-test. It was found that the elders wished to build their potential for community development in terms of knowledge, skills, adjustment and living in the society. The guideline for potential building for community development consists of four steps, which are planning, action, observation and reflection. Moreover, the elders enjoyed