Strategies for Promoting Thai Reusi Datton Exercise to Enhance the Quality of Life of Older Adults in Senior Schools, Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai

Abstract

This research article aimed to analyze the effects of applying an appropriate form of Thai Reusi Datton (Thai traditional hermit exercise) to enhance the quality of life among older adults and to develop strategies for promoting such exercise. A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving 34 elderly participants from the Senior School in Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai Province, who voluntarily participated in the study. The research instruments included a quasi-experimental design, a quality of life assessment covering four dimensions (physical, psychological, social relationships, and environmental), and a focus group interview. The exercise intervention consisted of nine Reusi Datton postures practiced over a three-month period, complemented by a focus group discussion with 17 related stakeholders. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics through a paired-samples t-test, while qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis.

The findings revealed that the nine Reusi Datton postures were highly suitable for enhancing the quality of life of older adults. The participants’ overall quality of life significantly improved in all four dimensions, with the greatest improvement observed in social relationships, followed by psychological, environmental, and physical dimensions, respectively. The strategies for promoting Thai Reusi Datton exercise to enhance the quality of life of older adults consisted of 1) Strengthening internal capacity and expanding external opportunities, 2) Extending local wisdom toward universal values, 3) Preserving traditional wisdom and overcoming obstacles, and 4) Restructuring organizations to ensure holistic protection. A vision, mission, goals, and shared values were established to drive these strategies, based on a cyclical holistic concept for health development beginning with the body, progressing to the mind, extending to the community, and continuously linking back to the environment. The proposed strategies can be applied to the development of health promotion programs for older adults in other communities, senior schools, and centers for quality of life development and occupational promotion for the elderly.