This ethnographic study was conducted to explore ways of healthy aging and the influence of culture on health-related behaviors in a rural community in Northern Thailand. In-depth interviews, focus group discussions, participant observations and field notes were used to understand the lives of seven healthy Thai older adults aged 75 years and over. Data were collected from March 2007 to February 2008, with ongoing ethnographic analysis involving coding, identifying patterns, generalizing and making reflective notes to elucidate the cultural patterns of behavior. All informants perceived health as interrelated with their life styles, which was, in turn, closely related to their cultural roots, suggesting that culture influences the health of all members of smaller, closely knit communities, including the elderly, by integrating physical, social and spiritual health for older adults and their families.

The purpose of this study was to describe the experience of community-dwelling older adults living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in a rural community in Northern Thailand. The study was grounded in Parker and Barry’s model of community nursing practice model based on the concepts and values of respect, persons in their wholeness, and caring in nursing. Data were generated and analyzed using Giorgi’s phenomenological approach. Four themes were revealed: confronting a life-threatening illness, caring for self, keeping meaningful relationships, and living guided by spiritual beliefs. The meaning of the experience was synthesized as finding balance between living with a threatening illness and living meaningful lives.

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