Department of Physical Education Conducts Field Research in Chiang Mai and Phitsanulok to Develop Happiness Measurement Standards for Recreational Activities among Older Adults, Targeting 2,000 Participants Nationwide

The Department of Physical Education, through the Research and Development Group under the Bureau of Recreation, is moving forward with a research initiative aimed at enhancing the quality of life of older adults. An academic research team has been deployed to conduct field data collection in Chiang Mai and Phitsanulok provinces under the project “Development of Standard Norms for a Happiness Measurement Scale Derived from Recreational Activities among Older Adults for Fiscal Year 2026.” The fieldwork is being carried out from July 18–23, 2026.

The research project has two main objectives:

1. To study happiness derived from participation in recreational activities among older adults; and

2. To develop standard norms for a happiness measurement scale derived from recreational activity participation among older adults.

The research team has designated the sample group as individuals aged 60 and above who are currently participating in recreational activities in the Central, Northern, Southern, and Northeastern regions, as well as Bangkok, with a total target sample size of 2,000 participants nationwide.

This research project builds on the concrete success of the previous study, “Study and Development of a Happiness Measurement Tool Derived from Recreational Activities for Fiscal Year 2023.” The project has received continued funding support from the Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI) through the Fundamental Fund (FF), which supports research and innovation projects for foundational work.

In addition, the study has already been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of Rangsit University.

The Department of Physical Education expects that the outcomes of this research will be disseminated to government agencies, the private sector, civil society, and network partners to encourage practical application. The measurement tool is expected to support the design, expansion, and development of recreational activities that better respond to the needs of older adults, promote well-being, and enhance quality of life among older people across Thailand, as the country continues to prepare for a quality ageing society.

#DepartmentOfPhysicalEducation #BureauOfRecreation #Research