Empowering to be a Smart Elderly for the Development of an Age-Friendly City in Semi-Rural Area, Ang Thong Province

Abstract

This research article aims to study the level of age-friendly city and to develop a capacity building approach toward becoming an age-friendly city in semi-urban rural areas of Ang Thong Province. The research employs mixed methods, utilizing questionnaires and focus group discussions. The quantitative part is a survey research collecting data from 120 elderly individuals. The focus group discussions included key elderly leaders, officials, and local administrators, totaling 100 participants, using the Future Search Conference technique. The quantitative findings indicate that, overall, the level of age-friendliness in the city is at a moderate level ( = 3.29, S.D. = 0.529). Among the indicators, the dimensions of housing, participation in social activities, respect and acceptance from society, and access to information and communication are at a high level. Meanwhile, indicators related to outdoor public spaces and buildings, mass transit systems, citizen participation and employment, and community support and health services are at a moderate level. The findings from the focus group discussions indicate that, for Wiset Chai Chan Municipality to develop into a local Aged-Friendly City, priority should be given to community support and health services. These were identified as urgent issues that address the most immediate needs of the elderly. Following this, efforts should focus on promoting participation in social activities, which would subsequently impact civic engagement, employment, and respect and social inclusion within the community. Regarding housing, outdoor public spaces and buildings, and transportation systems, the local government organization may need to implement gradual developments. Additionally, fostering collaboration with relevant external organizations or civil society groups is essential to achieving these objectives.