Abstract
Thailand is entering a fully aged society, with the number of elderly people continuing
to rise. One of the major challenges is that a considerable proportion of older adults live
alone, which affects their quality of life in terms of physical health, mental well- being,
economic stability, social relationships, and housing safety. According to statistics from the
Department of Older Persons (2023), there are more than 1.3 million elderly individuals living
alone nationwide, with the highest proportion found in the northeastern region. Notably, Ubon
Ratchathani Province has approximately 34,836 elderly people residing alone. This situation
creates multiple vulnerabilities, including loneliness, depression, malnutrition, household
accidents, and limited access to healthcare services. Therefore, this study aims to develop a
quality-of-life information system for elderly individuals living alone, enabling local authorities
and relevant sectors to utilize the data in planning and implementing effective measures for
elderly care.
The research project was conducted in Warin Chamrap District, Ubon Ratchathani
Province, covering three subdistricts: Saensuk, Kham Nam Saep, and Non Non. A participatory
approach was employed, engaging local government agencies, public health organizations,
communities, and the elderly themselves in designing and developing an information system
in the form of a web application. This system was created to store, analyze, and present data
on the quality of life of elderly individuals living alone, encompassing five dimensions: physical
health and access to healthcare services, mental health, social aspects, economic conditions,
and environmental/housing safety. Field surveys revealed that most elderly participants had
low incomes and primarily relied on government allowances, while many suffered from
chronic health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and osteoarthritis, which limited
their ability to perform daily activities. In addition, a significant number of elderly individuals
living alone experienced social isolation and reported lower life satisfaction compared to
those living with families. The developed information system enables local authorities to
access up- to- date, in- depth data, identify at- risk groups, and design tailored activities or
services. Examples include establishing home-visit programs, promoting social engagement
activities for socially isolated elderly individuals, and linking health data with local public
health services. Testing of the system in the research area indicated high feasibility, with the
application proving to be user-friendly, efficient, and effective in supporting data-driven policy
management.
The study highlights that the development of a quality-of-life information system for
elderly individuals living alone serves as a crucial mechanism for establishing accurate,
comprehensive, and up-to-date databases. Such a system not only reflects the structural
challenges of an aging society but also functions as an essential tool to support policy
decision-making by local administrative organizations and public health agencies. A reliable
information system facilitates systematic and sustainable situation analysis, risk group
screening, planning of assistance measures, and monitoring of implementation outcomes. The
findings further underscore that the integration of collaboration among local authorities, public
health agencies, communities, and civil society is vital in developing effective models of
elderly care for those living alone. Access to context-specific data that reflects the realities of
local areas enhances the efficiency of planning in health, economic, and social dimensions for
older adults. Moreover, it contributes to reducing inequality and promoting long- term
improvements in quality of life. Therefore, this research project is not only about creating an
information system but also about establishing a prototype for area- based elderly care
management that can be expanded to other provinces. Ultimately, it provides a pathway to
enhance the quality of life of Thai elderly people, ensuring security and human dignity in an
aging society.
