Abstract Book of the 8th World Conference on Social Sciences
Year: 2025
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Development of Activities to Enhance Mental Management Skills and Develop Wisdom for the Elderly with Buddhist LOVE Model
Phrajaroenphong Wichai, Pattamawadee Sankheangaew, Phramahanarongsak Sudanto, PhramasaSupawat Boonthong, Banpot Thontiravong, Sorawit Wongsaard
ABSTRACT:
The research on “Developing Activities to Enhance Mental Management Skills and Wisdom Development Based on Buddhist Principles for the Elderly Using the LOVE Model” has three objectives 1) to synthesize knowledge on mental management and wisdom development according to Buddhist principles for the elderly, 2) to develop activities that enhance mental management skills and wisdom development based on Buddhist principles for the elderly using the LOVE Model, and 3) to conduct a trial of the activities with elderly participants based on the LOVE Model. This research utilizes a mixed-method approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative methods. Key informants include elderly residents from Hom Kret Subdistrict, Sam Phran District, with data collected through interviews and focus group discussions involving 15 participants and activity trials with 35 elderly participants. The findings indicate that the Four Foundations of Mindfulness (Satipatthana) and daily mindfulness practice are essential teachings for mental management, while the Three Marks of Existance, the Five Aggregates, and recollection of death are fundamental doctrines applied to wisdom development. These doctrines informed the design of learning activities following the four stages of the LOVE Model: Learning (L), Openness (O), Value (V), and Excellence (E). The activity manual developed includes three key activities: 1) Viewing Life and the World as Buddha Did, 2) Daily Mental Management, and 3) Learning to Face Death Peacefully. The activities were trialed with the target elderly group. Reflection on the activities showed that elderly participants were able to learn and practice mental management and wisdom skills, engage openly, share knowledge and experiences in self-care, comprehend the realities of life, and accept change. They also recognized the value in themselves and others. The research also invented the GROWTH Model, a process to promote mental and wisdom well-being for the elderly, which encompasses six key concepts as following 1) Guide accumulating wisdom through guidance and learning, 2) Reflect, 3) Optimize, 4) Wisdom which instilling deep understanding, 5) Transform through learning, and 6) Harmony that fostering balance and peace in life.
Keywords: Mental Management, Wisdom Development, Elderly