Print document
TITLE PATTERNS OF EXPENDITURE EFFECTING INCOME ADEQUACY OF THE ELDERLY AT ANGTHONG PROVINCE, THAILAND
AUTHOR PHONGSAK SAKHUNTHAKSIN
DEGREE MASTER OF ARTS PROGRAM IN POPULATION AND SOCIAL RESEARCH
FACULTY INSTITUTE FOR POPULATION AND SOCIAL RESEARCH
ADVISOR WATHINEE BOONCHALAKSI
CO-ADVISOR YOTHIN SAWANGDEE
 
ABSTRACT
The study was quantitative research. There were four main objectives 1) to investigate demographic, economic, social, household and health condition characteristics of the elderly; 2) to explore the difference between these mentioned characteristics and the elderly’s patterns of expenditure; 3) to prove patterns of expenditure effecting income adequacy of the elderly and; 4) to search for the difference between an adequacy of income and the elderly’s happiness. A three-stage sampling technique was used, which covered 486 samples aged 60 and over, and a structured interview was employed. The results of the study revealed that most of the elderly earned an income. 43 percent of them earned a sufficient income for their expenses and savings. Approximately, the elderly used 3,690 baht per month for expenses. According to Maslow’s hierarchy needs, expenditures were classified into three categories in which ten patterns of expenditures exist. The results demonstrated that expenditures for physical needs were mostly aimed at consumer goods and utilities. Expenditures for economic and social needs were mainly used for economic purposes, while expenditures for emotional and mental needs were mostly focused on religious preservation and public charities. The study also found that differences in demographic, economic, social, households and health condition characteristics of the elderly contribute a statistical significance for different patterns of expenditure. The findings from Multinomial Logistic Regression analysis, to prove expenditure patterns effecting adequacy of income, showed that the elderly whose major expenses were for goods and utilities were more likely to experience an income insufficiency than those who did not spend. This finding contrasted with the Buddhist economy-based hypothesis that the elderly’s insufficient income would derive from their expenses on addictive substances, gambling, risk-taking and for children and relatives. The reason was that old people with an income insufficiency used most of their money for consumer goods, which were also viewed by them as the heaviest burden. Compared to expenditures for self-pampering and unlimited needs, such as addictives, gambling and risk-taking, these were minimally spent on by them due to their aging conditions and physical deterioration as well as social expectation that provided them with less chances than other age groups to exposure to these kinds of expenditure. It was statistically significant that the elderly with savings and a sufficient income were found to be happier than those with an insufficient income. The sufficiency of income was, therefore, a factor in happiness. Thus, life planning, particularly economic planning prior to entering old age is necessary for all people. It is also important to elderly people to realize efficient financial management for their happy life in the future.
KEYWORD PATTERNS OF EXPENDITURE/ EFFECTING INCOME ADEQUACY/ THE ELDERLY/ ANGTHONG PROVINCE
 
FACULTY OF GRADUATE STUDIES. MAHIDOL UNIVERSITY. THAILAND
POWERED BY GITC.