Effectiveness of the Thai traditional health tourism activities empowerment program on the active aging of Thai older adults

Abstract

Objective: This one-group quasi-experimental study aimed to examine the effectiveness of the Thai Traditional Health Tourism Activities Empowerment Program on the active aging of older adults in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, Thailand. Methods: This program included 52 older adults from 11 districts and involved the restructuring of the traditional Thai medicine building as well as a one-day training session on being a tour guide for local health tourism accompanied by a 20-page handbook. It also empowered them to use the Internet and regularly chat on the LINE application to help them participate in social activities for eight weeks as well as build a network for health tourism employment. Questionnaires on demographics and active aging were used. Data collected before program participation were compared with those obtained immediately, four weeks, and eight weeks after program completion through paired t-test and repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results: Mean active aging scores were statistically significantly higher after program participation than before (p < 0.001) and significantly increased eight weeks after program completion. Average incomes eight weeks after program completion showed a statistically significant increase. Discussion: The program offers some practical strategies for confronting challenges in knowledge and technology support during the aging process. This study provides strong evidence of the program’s effectiveness. In conclusion, this program can improve active aging among older adults.