This study is a qualitative research aimed to explore the lifestyles of elderly women
living alone in the Muang Songkhla Municipal area which is a region under development. Data
collection was done through in-depth interviews and observation with 19 elderly women living
alone in the studied area. Content Analysis was employed for data analysis.
The study found that the development of Muang Songkhla Municipal Area had
not directly affected elderly women living alone since their lifestyles were still going on as
usual, except that they had no income. Their daily activities started with doing the household
chores in the morning and taking a rest and interacting with friends and neighbors in the
afternoon. One interesting point found was that elderly women living alone paid attention to
being healthy by consuming vitamins and clean, healthy food. Also, they avoided drinking
alcohol, coffee and smoking. Some kept their good health by annual health checks and by doing
exercise. Whenever they got ill, they would take care themselves first and saw a doctor if the
serious illness occurred. This research found that, even though the elderly women were living
alone, they had also interacted with others and took both roles of “giver” and “taker” at the same
time. Although these elderly women were happy in life, they still needed care from their
offspring as well as concerned support from the government.
The study suggests that various supports from the government are needed for serving
the various demands of the elderly. Hotline should be available for elderly women in cases of
urgent need, and activities for the elderly should be promoted more and cover more target
groups. More importantly, concerned agencies should take responsibility to promote “the elderly
care” provided by their children since living in the warm arms of children is the ultimate
happiness of the elderly.
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