A Healthy Lifestyle for Preventing Chronic Diseases among Active Older Adults Aged Over 80 Years: A Case Study in Tron District, Uttaradit Province, Northern Thailand

Some common chronic diseases are associated with ageing and lifestyle. Most people in Bangang Sub-district, Tron District migrated from northernmost Thailand and northern Laos. Their lifestyle and cultures were also brought with them. Some of their health cares were a part of their cultures such as healthy food and positive thinking toward belief in Buddhism. Hence, ageing people in Bangang Sub-district adopted their cultures with their self-care in order to enhance their health. The purpose of this study was to explore healthy lifestyle for preventing chronic diseases among the elders aged over 80 years, such as principles of lifestyle, food consumption behavior, exercise behavior, relaxation/leisure time, and stress management. A narrative approach was used and purposive sampling technique was employed for participant recruitment. The saturation was found at five informants, who were between 82 and 94 years old without chronic diseases, and had experiences of good selfcare. In-depth interviews were undertaken to explore the perspectives of the participants. Content analysis revealed that three themes were emerged in this study. These included 1) ways of life such as sufficiency economy and living with consciousness due to guidance of the King Rama 9, 2) physical care, and 3) mental care. Self-care ability among the elderly occurred because of cooperation from the government sectors, family members, as well as the elderly themselves. However, if the elderly were empowered, their ability would be improved.