Ways of healthy aging: a case study of elderly people in a Northern Thai village

Abstract

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.

Healthy aging from the perspective of the elderly: an integrative review

“…The elderly perceive healthy aging as the adoption of habits and behaviors inherent to lifestyle, with emphasis on healthy eating 11,13,14,18,[19][20][21] , physical activities [13][14][15]18,[20][21] , and not smoking or drinking alcohol 13,14,18,20,21 . These habits and behaviors are protective factors and help control chronic noncommunicable diseases (CNCDs) 22 , …”

“…This involves performing routine medical check-ups, examinations, vaccinations 13 and managing diseases efficiently 11,18 . However, they did not associate healthy aging with disease [11][12][13][14][15][16][17][19][20][21] .…”

“…According to the studies that composed the analyzed sample, faith and spirituality provide support for dealing with the challenges of living with multiple sclerosis 11 and facing daily difficulties 19 . Most of these studies, however, while recognizing the importance of this theme for healthy aging, did not explore it further 12,15,17,21 , with the exception of the articles on elderly Thai people 18,20 .…”

“…The practice of healing involves taking care of oneself before consulting a doctor (such as body massages with a piece of wood to relieve muscle pain) and worshiping one's ancestors to preserve health, as failing to do so may result in one falling ill 18,20 .…”

“…For these individuals, relating socially 11,13,16,21 , with the family 12,15,[19][20][21] , friends 12,14,19 , or with a partner 12 or engaging in collective leisure activities 13 are ingredients for healthy aging.…”