STUDY OF PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS FOR ORGANIZING RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE ELDERLY IN THE LOWER CENTRAL REGION OF THAILAND

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to study problems and solutions for organizing
recreational activities for the elderly in the lower central region of Thailand . This cross-
sectional study included 420 recreational activity organizers who had managed recreational
activities in the lower central region, Thailand. Data were collected using questionnaires and
analyzed using descriptive statistics.
The results revealed that most participants were female (69.0%), aged over 50 years
(37.9 %). Most were at the bachelor's degree level (57.9 %), have job positions as
officers/employees (54.5%), and working for the Subdistrict Administrative Organization
(45.0 %).
Analysis of problems in the operation of recreational activities for the elderly and
solutions to 4 issues, namely in the personnel aspect, it was found that there was a lack of
personnel with expertise in the respective recreational activities and a lack of people to initiate
the activities. In this case, the local government organization must act as a stimulant or
facilitator to bring about the recreational activities in the first place by providing support in
the form such as budget, location, personnel, or coordinating with other agencies such as
asking for cooperation. from the Provincial Tourism and Sports Office in sending physical
education officers to participate in the operation. In terms of budget, it is necessary to
establish specific projects by selecting activities from a joint meeting of the elderly in the area
of responsibility. Then allocate the budget. In terms of location, the solution is areas here
activities can be organized conveniently and easily accessible are temples and/schools near
the community. Recreation activity organizers need to analyze nearby areas and easy to access
in order to organize activities efficiently.