Impact of Living Arrangements, Healthy Aging, and Well-being among Older Thai Adults: An Exploratory-Descriptive Study

AbstractIn Thailand, the transformation of living arrangements has brought with it profound challenges for the country to comprehend new insights into the interdependence of the person, health and well-being, and their living environment. The purpose of this study was to identify differences in living arrangements on healthy aging and well-being of older Thai adults who had been participating in the elderly schools in Thailand. The specific aim was to integrate the findings into existing community-based health promotion programs focusing on early intervention to promote social connection. Lack of social connection can lead to social isolation and loneliness associated with premature mortality and diminished well-being of older adults. Data was collected from 139 older adults aged 60 years and older. Results of a Kruskal-Wallis H test indicated that the different living arrangements had an impact on healthy aging, specifically on the Managing Stress Factor but no impact on well-being among the participants. This study examined the implications for stress management programs for those living alone to develop a nonkin social relationship or a confidant to receive adequate emotional support.