| Background and Significance of Research : |
Population ageing is a global trend. It is a challenge for all societies to deal with this transition, and even developed countries, which are generally well-prepared for an increasing aged population, are experiencing problems and limitations. In intense caregiving situations, 'family care' for the elderly is being reconsidered instead of relying solely on social welfare and institutional care. In order to promote care for older generations in the family, one approach to meet this challenge would be to increase the awareness of family members, especially the younger generations, regarding the value of 'filial piety'. This study aims to raise awareness regarding values of gratitude among the young generations and support them to transfer the values into practice in care for the elderly in their everyday lives.
The 15-month research project involving a set of activities was carried out with 90 families comprising children aged 9-14 living with their grandmothers/grandfathers in provinces adjacent to Bangkok, namely Nonthaburi, Nakhon Pathom and Samut Prakarn. Utilizing the action research model, the study started out by exploring perceptions and practices related to the value of 'filial piety' of grandchildren. Then, activities were taken for the children with the aim of raising their awareness regarding the value of gratitude in terms of respect and sense of obligation towards their grandparents. The activities included: 1) understanding the ageing process and different physical characteristics of young and old, 2) motivating positive attitude and behaviour changes using media and games that match children's interests, and 3) sharing the good practices of grateful grandchildren. A family meeting was held to discuss about intergenerational gap and relationships among the research team, children and their grandparents, sometime including their parents. Tasks were then designed to assist the children in applying gratitude as a value in their everyday lives by promoting voluntarily commitment to care for their grandparents. The children recorded their activities in their "Mini diary of a grateful child", and attitude and behavioural changes were followed up by the research team together with the children's families.
By completion, this project had succeeded in creating positive attitudes and relationships, bridging the generation gap, and enhancing the care behaviour of the children. However, in the case of some of the children, little improvement was observed. Certain facets such as family break up, poverty and deprived social environment did not support them in modifying their attitude and behaviour towards the elderly. These challenges really need to be considered in promoting family care for elderly. |
| Utilization of Research : |
By completion, this project had succeeded in creating positive attitudes and relationships, bridging the generation gap, and enhancing the care behaviour of the children. However, in the case of some of the children, little improvement was observed. Certain facets such as family break up, poverty and deprived social environment did not support them in modifying their attitude and behaviour towards the elderly. These challenges really need to be considered in promoting family care for elderly. |
