The Elements of Happiness of Disabled Older Adults in Khon Kaen Smart City, Khon Kaen, Thailand

Abstract

This research aims to study the elements of happiness of disabled older adults under the Khon Kaen Smart City. The qualitative research method was applied with in-depth interviews and observations to collect data from 29 disabled older adults and their caregivers. The collected data was triangulated prior to content analysis. The results showed that disabled older adults in Khon Kaen Smart City were happy with their ways of life. Happiness could be classified into four categories: 1) Sense of Belonging—the awareness of their purpose of living for their loved ones, with the motivation to live happily in society, (2) Strong Families—older adults receive attention and moral support from the family members, who assist older persons in leading their daily life based on their condition, (3) Subsistence Allowance Welfare—older adults are given income from the government welfare, and some older adults can earn money from jobs, and (4) Social Empowerment—the fact that the older adults feel safe in their lives and assets, have good relationships with people in their community, and with people in the community who regularly visit and talk with them.