A A Comparative Study of Happiness and Quality of Life Outcomes from Participation in Elderly School Activities among Older Adults in Ban Fahuan Community, Lue Amnat District,  Amnat Charoen Province

Sumet Sangon

Authors

Sumet Sangon -

Keywords:

ผู้สูงอายุ, โรงเรียนผู้สูงอายุ, ความสุข, คุณภาพชีวิต, Older Adults, Elderly School, Happiness, Quality Of Life, Active Aging, Community-Based Program

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Globally, including Thailand, societies are rapidly transitioning into an ageing society. Consequently, promoting happiness and quality of life among older adults has become a critical priority for governments and related agencies. In many areas, community-based activity models aligned with the concept of Active Aging have been implemented, such as elderly school programs, which emphasize lifelong learning, social participation, and holistic health care. However, empirical evidence regarding the outcomes of participation in elderly school activities on happiness and quality of life remains limited in specific local contexts.

Objective: This study aimed to examine and compare levels of happiness and quality of life among older adults who participated in elderly school activities in Ban Fahuan community and those who did not participate.

Methods: A comparative research design was employed. The sample consisted of 60 older adults, divided into a participation group (n = 30) and a non-participation group (n = 30), selected through purposive sampling. Research instruments included a general information questionnaire, a happiness assessment scale for older adults, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment (WHOQOL-BREF). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, specifically the independent t-test, with the level of statistical significance set at .05.

Results: The results revealed that older adults who participated in the elderly school activities had a significantly higher mean happiness score (Mean = 4.49, SD = 0.32) than those who did not participate (Mean = 3.12, SD = 0.41) (t = 14.21, p < .001). Additionally, the overall mean quality of life score of the participation group (Mean = 3.48, SD = 0.36) was significantly higher than that of the non-participation group (Mean = 2.92, SD = 0.39) (t = 5.79, p < .001). Higher quality of life scores were observed in all dimensions, including physical health, psychological well-being, social relationships, and environmental factors.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that participation in elderly school activities is significantly associated with higher levels of happiness and quality of life among older adults. Elderly school programs therefore serve as an effective community-based approach to promoting well-being among older adults and should be continuously supported to adequately respond to the transition toward an ageing society in Thai communities.

Keywords: older adults, elderly school, happiness, quality of life

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