The Development of A Buddhist-integrated Model for Enhancing Mental Health Among Older Adults in Contemporary Society

Abstract

This study aimed to: (1) examine Buddhist approaches to promoting mental health among older adults; (2) analyze the model of mental health promotion for older adults in contemporary society implemented by Schools for Older Persons in Chiang Mai Province; and (3) propose an integrated Buddhist model for promoting mental health among older adults. This qualitative study employed purposive sampling to select 26 participants from six groups: administrators and staff of Schools for Older Persons, local administrative organizations, school committee members, older adult students, older persons’ clubs, and public health personnel. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis. The data were analyzed using descriptive content analysis.

The findings revealed that: (1) Buddhist mental health promotion for older adults emphasizes mental development through the Threefold Training (Tri-sikkhā), comprising morality (sīla), concentration (samādhi), and wisdom (paññā); (2) the operational model of Schools for Older Persons consists of four processes: prevention, problem solving, promotion, and maintenance of mental health, integrated with Buddhist principles and social processes; and (3) the study developed the Happy Mind in Later Life Model, comprising five components: mental health awareness, mental health prevention, addressing problems at their root causes, continuous self-development, and the cultivation of mindfulness and wisdom. The new knowledge generated by this study lies in the integration of Buddhist principles with modern management approaches to promote older adults’ mental health in a systematic and sustainable manner.