The Relationships between Health and Lifestyle of Elderly People: Case of Chiang Khruea Community, Mueang District, Sakon Nakhon Province, Thailand
Author: Theeranan Tanphanich , Amnuay Tanphanich , Suphawan Wongsangsup , Siriluck Phichainarong and Satesh Bidaisee
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abstract
The relationships between health and lifestyle among elderly people is increasingly becoming recognized with an aging population as well as one exposed to chronic diseases. This paper represented a mixed methods approach which has the purpose to study about the relationships between health and lifestyle of elderly people in Chiang Khruea community, Chiang Khruea sub-district, Mueang district, Sakon Nakhon province, Thailand. Qualitative data was collected using a community based participatory approach which used observations and in-depth interviews while quantitative data was obtained from questionnaires conducted using purposive sampling among people aged 60-83. Knowledge of the relationships between health and lifestyle consisted of health information, local knowledge, nutrition and hygiene and surveillances. Social determinants of traditions, cultures, occupations/livelihoods, beliefs and local values was identified and the environmental factors associated with the geography in the community had relationship with health care and lifestyle in the community. Health seeking behaviors of annual health assessments with active physical exercise and community volunteerism was also characterized. Receiving health information from outside agencies such as Chiang Rai health promoting hospital. Moreover, having personal hygiene behaviors about health care was in the highest level.