Urban Vegetable Growing Extension Model for Elderly Well-being in Bangkok Metropolitan Administration

Abstract

     The objective of this research was to study the Urban Vegetable Growing Extension for the elderly well-being in Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. The samples were 201 elderly people, 107 agricultural extension officers, 30 experts and 6 organizations. Data were collected using an interview, focus group, seminars and analyzed by descriptive statistics, comparative statistics and testing the hypothesis by using multiple regression analysis.
     Results of the study revealed that most of the elderly were female with an average age of 69.53 years old. The overall well-being was at a high level. The knowledge of vegetable growing was at a moderate level. The overall opinions on growing and consumption of vegetables were at a high level. The overall opinions of vegetable growing skill was at a moderate level. The overall vegetable growing content requirements were at a high level. The overall media demand was at a moderate level. The urban vegetable growing extension model for the elderly well-being in Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, its main components were planning, executing, monitoring and improving by using SMMCES principles as a framework for operation including (Sender: S), (Message: M), (Method: M), (Channel: C), (Elderly: E) and (Support: S). The experiment on knowledge transfer method before and after the training found that the knowledge and skills were different. The opinions about growing vegetables and consuming vegetables were not different. The factors which affected the elderly wellbeing were the level of opinions of vegetables growing, the level of knowledge of vegetables growing, and the skill level of vegetable growing. From the model assessment at the seminar, it is considered to be appropriate. Thus, it sees as appropriate to publish to relevant agencies for utilize.