Authors : Nopparat Rattanaprathum, Dusadee Ayuwat and Chanaphol Sriruecha
Abstract: This research aimed to examine the perceived vulnerability of urban elder in Thailand. The study was conducted using the qualitative approach. The target group was 15 elders who live in the urban area in Khon Kaen Province, Thailand. Those were purposely selected using a variety of elder characteristics including gender, age, education and health status. Data was collected by in-depth interviews with interview guideline and non-participatory observation during February to April 2014. Content analysis was employed for data analysis. Descriptive analytic methods were used for result presentation. Results showed that the urban elders’ perceived vulnerability differently in accordance with their perception and experiences which could be classified into 3 groups. First, a non-vulnerable group consists of 2 types of characteristics: absence of experienced chronic illnesses and chronic illnesses experienced without symptoms. The elders in this group could do their Activities of Daily Living (ADL) household chores, social activities and also occupation activities. Second, mild-vulnerability group are the elderly who live with at least one chronic disease. They need help doing outside activities but are still independent on ADLs and household activities. The last group was serverely vulnerable. These elders experience severe chronic illness conditions which make them weak and lead to worse health. They can do some ADLs but can not do household chores and outside activities. This study proved that although, older persons are placed in the vulnerable group, there are three categories of vulnerability.
Nopparat Rattanaprathum, Dusadee Ayuwat and Chanaphol Sriruecha, 2015. The Vulnerability Perception of Urban Elder in Khon Kaen, Thailand. International Business Management, 9: 208-214.