Improving Elderly Healthcare by Health Monitoring and Access to Social Welfare Services by IoTs integrationin Thailand

Improving Elderly Healthcare by Health Monitoring and Access to Social Welfare Services by IoTs integrationin Thailand | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Improving Elderly Healthcare by Health Monitoring and Access to Social Welfare Services by IoTs integrationin Thailand Chaturapron Chokphukhiao, Wonn Shweyi Thet tun, Poomin Duankhan, and 11 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-5949361/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract The rapid aging population in Thailand necessitates innovative solutions to improve healthcare access and monitoring for the elderly. In this study, technology access, social welfare rights, and health monitoring systems among elderly populations in Thailand were investigated by employing a mixed-methods approach. A quantitative survey was conducted with 2,005 participants aged 60 and above across four provinces (Khon Kaen, Lampang, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, and Songkhla), achieving a 96.95% response rate. The study developed a three-tier IoT-based health monitoring system, focusing on smartwatches and blood pressure monitors. High satisfaction rates were found with medical devices. Technology access was significant, with 78.8% owning internet-enabled smartphones and 92% receiving monthly living allowances. The study analyzed quantitative data using multiple regression statistics, revealing that health problems and concerns about technology are the top two factors restricting access to welfare services for the elderly. In addition, the challenges in digital access were noted, including concerns about online fraud (29.9%) and limited technological infrastructure. Access to efficient welfare services was the most strongly associated factor with increased satisfaction among the elderly in using digital health technology. This research encourages developing digital skills and providing appropriate support to enhance elderly individuals’ ability to access services, emphasizing the importance of addressing these factors within the aging population. It contributes to understanding the intersection of IoT technologies, social welfare, and elderly care, offering insights for future advancements in healthcare services for older adults. Clinical Trial Number : not applicable. Elderly healthcare digital health technology real-time health monitoring social welfare access Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 1. Background The increasing proportion of elderly individuals in Thailand presents significant challenges to healthcare and welfare services. Thailand is experiencing a significant demographic transition toward an aging society. The rapid growth of the elderly population presents substantial challenges for healthcare delivery and social welfare systems(Randel, 2017 ; Rechel et al., 2009 ). By 2022, approximately 20% of Thailand's population was aged 60 years or above, this proportion is projected to reach 35.8% by 2050, positioning Thailand as one of the most rapidly aging societies in Southeast Asia (Jumnianpol et al., 2024 ). In addition, United Nations population reports ( World Population Prospects 2019 Highlights , 2019) indicate that by 2050, one in six people worldwide will be over 65, with significant implications for healthcare systems internationally. Traditional healthcare systems are often inadequate in providing real-time health monitoring and personalized care, leading to delays in medical interventions. The intersection of digital technology and social welfare access has become increasingly critical in addressing the needs of this growing elderly population (Javaid et al., 2024 ; Meskó et al., 2017 ). The World Health Organization defines healthy aging as a process that encompasses not only physical health but also mental and emotional well-being, social relations, and the ability to live a meaningful life (Rudnicka et al., 2020 ; Venkatapuram et al., 2017 ). As Thailand continues to develop its welfare system and implement digital transformation, understanding how elderly citizens interact with and access services through digital means becomes crucial for promoting healthy aging and social inclusion. Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, particularly wearable devices and sensors, offer new opportunities to enhance healthcare services by providing real-time data, improving access to healthcare professionals, and enabling more effective management of chronic diseases in the elderly population. Previous study (Islam et al., 2015 ) conducted a comprehensive review of IoT healthcare interventions, revealing that successful implementations require the robust data protection framework, culturally sensitive technology design, and. comprehensive user training programs. Moreover, IoT healthcare solutions offer numerous benefits for elderly populations, including continuous health monitoring, remote healthcare access, and personalized healthcare interventions. Advanced sensors can track vital physiological parameters in real-time, enabling early detection of health risks and promoting proactive interventions (Akash et al., 2020). This can reduce emergency hospitalizations and improve disease management for patients with chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular diseases. In addition, telemedicine platforms integrated with IoT devices provide immediate access to healthcare professionals (Haleem et al., 2021 ). Furthermore, machine learning algorithms can analyze complex health data patterns, generating personalized health recommendations, medication reminders, and early warning systems for potential health deterioration (Almutairi et al., 2022 ; Zhang et al., 2020 ). These technologies are particularly beneficial in rural or underserved regions with limited healthcare infrastructure. Despite promising technological developments, several critical research gaps still persist. Most IoT healthcare studies inadequately address the digital literacy barriers faced by elderly populations, particularly in low and middle-income countries (Sun et al., 2020 ). Longitudinal studies examining the sustained health outcomes and quality of life improvements from IoT interventions remain limited (World Health Organization, 2021 ). The context of implementing IoT healthcare solutions in Thailand presents unique challenges and opportunities. Demographic shifts, with an rapidly aging population and increasing healthcare demands, make technological interventions particularly relevant. Previous studies in Southeast Asian contexts have demonstrated that IoT technologies can effectively address healthcare infrastructure limitations and provide scalable solutions for comprehensive elderly care (Hoe, 2022 ). The successful implementation of IoT healthcare technologies needs careful consideration of data privacy, security, user-friendly design, and infrastructure compatibility. Robust encryption and compliance with regulations are crucial for maintaining patient confidentiality and trust. The technologies must be intuitive and accessible, considering potential technological barriers for elderly users. Previous researches collectively emphasize the transformative potential of IoT technologies in elderly healthcare. Their work highlights the need for context-specific implementations that consider local healthcare infrastructures, technological readiness, and cultural factors (Chokphukhiao et al., 2024 ; Dian et al., 2020 ; Shehab et al., 2018 ). IoT technologies provide hope for more accessible, individualised, and proactive healthcare solutions as the healthcare environment keeps developing. They represent a promising frontier in addressing the complex and dynamic healthcare requirements of elderly people. This study focuses on the implementation of IoT-based health monitoring systems across four provinces in Thailand, analyzing their effectiveness in improving healthcare access and outcomes for elderly patients. In this study, we aim to examine access to social welfare and identify obstacles that hinder the elderly from utilizing digital technology to improve their quality of life. Additionally, the study aims to investigate the responsibilities of government agencies in providing social welfare services for the elderly and to analyze the existing welfare services to determine whether they appropriately meet the needs of this demographic. Furthermore, the study seeks to establish guidelines to enhance access to social welfare, thereby improving quality of life through digital technology for the elderly. Finally, it intends to develop a simulation or pilot system for digital-based social welfare services tailored to an aging society. 2. Methods 2.1 Study Design and sample collections This study employed a mixed-methods approach (Almalki, 2016 ), combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods to assess the effectiveness of IoT technologies in elderly healthcare. A set of equipment were involved including a KATI watch, WBP202 electronic sphygmomanometer, and Contour Plus ELITE Blood Glucose Monitoring device. Total of 2,000 elderly people participated in this study, with 80 elderly using IoT devices, accounting for 4% of the total. The data collection areas for using IoT devices were divided into four regions of Thailand namely as Khon Kaen, Lampang, Ayutthaya, and Songkhla, with 20 people per province. The devices are used for blood pressure measurement, blood sugar level measurement, and health tracking. Blood pressure is measured twice a day using the Electronic Sphygmomanometer model WBP202, while blood sugar level is measured twice a day using the Contour Plus ELITE Blood Glucose Monitoring device. Health data is tracked using the KATI smartwatch, which can track steps taken, calories burned, sleep, wrist temperature, pulse, arterial oxygen levels, and blood pressure. These IoT devices aimed to improve the quality of life for the elderly, increase ease of care, and improve access to social welfare. Quantitative data were gathered through structured surveys that measured satisfaction with IoT devices and healthcare services, while qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews to explore user experiences, challenges, and perceptions of the technology. 2.2 Selection criteria of the participants The inclusion criteria for the study require participants to be individuals aged 60 years or older who can communicate in Thai, either through reading or writing. Exclusion criteria identify populations that may pose obstacles to the study, including elderly individuals who are blind, deaf, or unable to communicate in Thai, as well as those with serious illnesses undergoing treatment. The target population consists of elderly individuals residing in selected provinces representing different regions of Thailand namely as Khon Kaen, Lampang, Ayutthaya, and Songkhla. The study population was defined as elderly individuals meeting the inclusion criteria and living in the specified areas within these provinces. 2.3 Health Monitoring System Development 2.3.1 System Architecture The proposed health monitoring system is designed using a three-tier IoT-based architecture, each layer dedicated to distinct functionalities to ensure seamless, real-time monitoring and analysis of various health parameters. This architecture provides a scalable and reliable platform that integrates data collection, processing, and management. Figure 1 illustrated the system’s layered structure, which includes data collection, data processing, and data management. 2.3.2 Data Collection Layer The data collection layer serves as the foundation for gathering comprehensive health data from elderly patients through an integrated network of smart devices, including a smartwatch for continuous physiological monitoring (heart rate, activity, and sleep patterns), a blood pressure monitor utilizing Oscillo-metric methods for cardiovascular assessment, and a glucometer for diabetes management. These devices collectively track crucial health parameters such as blood pressure, blood oxygen levels (SpO₂) through photoplethysmography, fall detection using accelerometer and gyroscope technology, continuous heart rate monitoring for rhythm abnormalities, sleep patterns for quality assessment, and physical activity metrics to evaluate fitness levels and lifestyle habits. All these components work seamlessly to transmit data to the processing layer, creating a comprehensive health monitoring system specifically designed for elderly care as depicted in Fig. 1 . 2.3.3 Data Processing and Data Management Layers The processing layer is dedicated to real-time data analysis and alert generation, featuring specialized modules for blood pressure analysis that identify trends and deviations, comprehensive health vitals monitoring that aggregates multi-sensor data, and continuous blood oxygen level evaluation for detecting respiratory issues, all working in conjunction with an emergency notification system that triggers automated alerts when readings exceed predefined health thresholds. This system seamlessly integrates with the data management layer, which employs a dual-track approach to handle both real-time and longitudinal data storage through daily health report generation and advanced data analysis capabilities (Fig. 1 ). The infrastructure includes a robust big data storage system utilizing scalable cloud technology to maintain extensive health records, enabling longitudinal studies and personalized health analytics that provide valuable insights into chronic conditions and long-term health trends, while facilitating both routine monitoring through daily summaries and preventive healthcare strategies through in-depth historical data analysis. 2.4 Research instruments and Data Analysis The qualitative data collection instrument was an in-depth interview guide. The questions were designed to identify key factors, trends, and themes related to elderly individuals' use of technology and access to welfare services. Interview questions covered important issues such as health problems, concerns about technology use, access to welfare services, and other factors related to healthcare technology use. The interview instrument was reviewed and refined based on expert recommendations before implementation. The quantitative data collection instrument consisted of a questionnaire (“Questionnaire Design,” 1998) divided into nine key sections: general information, health problems, technology concerns, technology use demands, technology usage patterns, access to welfare services, welfare satisfaction, technology use satisfaction, and health monitoring technology satisfaction. This questionnaire's validity and reliability were verified through Cronbach's alpha coefficient testing, yielding a value of 0.8406 (Pallant, 2020 ) ensuring accurate measurement of various factors. For data analysis, both qualitative and quantitative methods were employed. Qualitative data from in-depth interviews were analyzed using content analysis to identify key themes related to technology use and access to welfare services (Braun & Clarke, 2006 ). For quantitative data, descriptive statistics were used to present baseline data, while simple linear regression was employed to analyze factors affecting service access and technology use satisfaction (Field, 2024 ). 2.5 Mixed-Methods Sequential Exploratory Design This research employed a mixed-methods study with a sequential exploratory design, beginning with qualitative data collection through in-depth interviews with elderly participants. The purpose was to identify trends, factors, and themes related to the use of technology and access to welfare services. The qualitative findings were then used to review literature and develop hypotheses, including the creation of a quantitative instrument (questionnaire) for data collection. Data were collected from a broad sample using multi-stage sampling and analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. 3. Results and discussions 3.1 Development of IoT-Based Health Monitoring System for Elderly Care The proposed healthcare monitoring framework integrated advanced IoT devices and 5G technologies to deliver reliable, real-time health insights as shown in Figs. 2 and 3 . Unlike traditional systems, this approach addresses critical challenges in healthcare technology for advanced connectivity by utilizing 5G cellular networks to ensure data transmission in areas with limited internet infrastructure. It supported the multiple communication protocols including Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi, and cellular networks and providesd seamless connectivity for diverse geographical contexts. Data management and security were prioritized through secure data storage in public cloud platforms, employing robust encryption protocols such as AES-256 for data at rest and TLS for data transmission. The system adhered to international security standards, including ISO/IEC and PDPA regulations, ensuring compliance and reliability. Comprehensive identity verification methods were implemented to enhance security, including national ID code authentication, biometric verification through fingerprint scanning and facial recognition, and regular periodic security audits to maintain system integrity and protect sensitive information. A system that enabled continuous health parameter tracking through wearable devices was developed, with advanced middleware ensuring interoperability between heterogeneous bluetooth-enabled health devices. The platform allowed for multi-parameter integration, which facilitated simultaneous monitoring of various health metrics. User accessibility and interaction were key priorities in the project. The cross-platform mobile application compatible with both iOS and Android operating systems was created, strategically eliminating complex application installation requirements. Special attention was given to designing user-friendly interfaces specifically tailored for elderly users with limited technological literacy. The application offered a comprehensive suite of services, including welfare rights verification, medical appointment scheduling, health service notifications, medication reminders, and activity tracking. These features were designed to enhance user engagement and provide seamless access to essential health management tools. Additionally, an alert and notification system featuring a configurable real-time alert mechanism was developed with customizable thresholds. Immediate notifications were sent to users, healthcare providers, and emergency services. The system integrated with smartwatches, offering SOS alert functionality, and triggered alerts when health parameters exceeded predefined safe limits. Advanced analytics capabilities included a predictive analytics pipeline, trend analysis of health data, personalized healthcare strategy development, customized healthcare plan generation, and comprehensive data visualization. Moreover, the device interoperability was achieved through standardized communication protocols and advanced middleware. Cybersecurity was ensured with robust encryption and regular security assessments. Scalability was managed using cloud infrastructure with distributed resources and dynamic load balancing. Connectivity was maintained through multi-network support, ensuring consistent data transmission. Future development considerations included expanding to larger demographic areas, enhancing integration with governmental healthcare agencies, providing continued technological support for elderly user adaptation, and ongoing refinement of the user interface and accessibility features. 3.2 Mixed-Methods Sequential Exploratory results 3.2.1 Demographic Characteristics and Living Conditions of Elderly Population The study surveyed 2,005 elderly individuals across four Thai provinces: Khon Kaen (N = 503), Lampang (N = 500), Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya (N = 501), and Songkhla (N = 501). Among the respondents, females comprised the majority (76.6%) of the sample population. The age distribution showed that 58.4% were between 60–69 years old, with a mean age of 68.9 years (SD = 6.0). Regarding marital status, 50.2% were legally married. In terms of education and employment, 48.6% had completed primary education, while 57.6% were unemployed. The financial analysis revealed that 64.2% had a monthly income below 5,000 baht, with a median income of 2,700 baht (IQR = 72,500). Concerning financial sufficiency, 31.3% reported insufficient spending without debt, 26.2% had sufficient spending without savings, and 24.4% had sufficient spending but were in debt. The study also examined living arrangements and care support: 64.0% had dependents (children, grandchildren, or relatives), 48.3% lived with their spouse, and 38.5% lived with grandchildren. Regarding caregiving arrangements, 24.7% received primary care from their spouse, followed by daughters (24.5%). In cases of illness, daughters were the primary caregivers (29.3%), followed by spouses (28.7%) and sons (23.9%). Additionally, 14.8% of the elderly lived alone (Table 1 ). Table 1 Socio-demographic profiles of elderly participants Variable Khon Kaen Khon Kaen % Lam-pang Lam-pang % Ayutthaya Ayutthaya % Songkhla Songkhla % Total Total % 1. Gender Man 143 28.4 130 26 94 18.8 102 20.4 469 23.4 Female 360 71.6 370 74 407 81.2 399 79.6 1536 76.6 2. Age 60–69 years 279 55.5 286 57.2 297 59.3 309 61.7 1171 58.4 70–79 years 192 38.2 180 36 168 33.5 179 35.7 719 35.9 80 years and up 32 6.4 34 6.8 36 7.2 13 2.6 115 5.7 Mean age [mean (SD), [min-max]] [69.4 (6.4) 60–95] [69.2 (6.2), 60–92] [69.0 (6.0), 60–88] [68.2 (5.5), 60–90] [68.9 (6.0), 60–95] 3. Marital Status Single 34 6.8 60 12 77 15.4 74 14.8 245 12.2 Legally married 280 55.7 263 52.6 217 43.3 247 49.3 1007 50.2 Divorced/separated 16 3.2 43 8.6 39 7.8 33 6.6 131 6.5 Widowed 145 28.8 121 24.4 136 27.1 127 25.3 529 26.4 Living together without registration 28 5.6 13 2.6 32 6.4 20 4 93 4.6 4. Education Not educated 16 3.2 9 1.8 20 4 15 3 60 3 Primary education 314 62.4 168 33.2 290 57.9 204 40.7 974 48.6 Lower secondary school (Mathayom 3) 57 11.3 73 14.6 67 13.4 64 12.8 261 13 High School/Vocational Certificate/associate degree 86 17.1 150 30 83 16.6 113 22.6 432 21.5 Bachelor's degree and above 30 6 102 20.4 41 8.2 105 21 278 13.9 5. Career Not working 268 53.3 267 53.4 294 58.7 326 65.1 1155 57.6 Retired civil servant 26 5.2 59 11.8 21 4.2 30 6 136 6.8 Trade 59 11.7 82 16.4 73 14.6 54 10.8 268 13.4 Farmer 67 13.3 20 4 2 0.4 19 3.8 108 5.4 General employee 47 9.3 51 10.2 67 13.4 48 9.6 213 10.6 Private business/Business owner 13 2.6 17 3.4 15 3 22 4.4 67 3.3 Owner of rental room/house for rent 0 0 1 0.2 1 0.2 1 0.2 3 0.1 Other (village health volunteers etc.) 41 8.2 27 5.4 33 6.6 14 2.8 115 5.7 6. Average Income Less than 5000 baht 356 71.9 287 58.6 348 70.4 251 55.2 1242 64.2 5000–15000 baht 68 17.8 106 21.6 106 21.5 126 27.7 426 22 More than 15000 baht 51 10.3 97 19.8 40 8.1 78 17.1 266 13.8 Median income [median (IQR), min-max] [2200(4900), 600-61000] [3600 (9500), 600-100600] [2600 (4850), 600-55000] [4300 (54400), 600-101700] [2700 (72500), 600-101700] 7. Life Satisfaction Not enough to spend and in debt 150 30.3 105 21.4 122 24.7 94 20.7 471 24.4 Not enough to spend and not in debt 193 39 122 24.9 184 37.2 106 23.3 605 31.3 Enough to spend but nothing left to save 105 21.2 155 31.6 116 23.5 131 28.8 507 26.2 Enough to spend and able to save 47 9.5 108 22 72 14.6 124 27.3 351 18.1 8. Care Obligations No care obligations 148 29.4 224 44.8 179 35.7 171 34.1 722 36 Have care obligations (children/grandchildren/relatives) 355 70.6 276 55.2 322 64.3 330 65.9 1283 64 9. Living with family Living alone 43 8.5 109 21.8 65 13 80 16 297 14.8 Spouse/husband/ wife 282 56.1 246 49.2 198 39.5 242 48.3 968 48.3 Son 146 29 109 21.8 157 31.3 151 30.1 563 28.1 Daughter 203 40.4 106 21.2 153 30.5 161 32.1 623 31.1 Son-in-law/Daughter-in-law 71 14.1 61 12.2 49 9.8 52 10.4 233 11.6 Grandchildren 246 48.9 139 27.8 224 44.7 162 32.3 771 38.5 Relative 29 5.8 40 8 42 8.4 39 7.8 150 7.5 10. Regular Caregiver information No regular caregiver 148 29.4 224 44.8 179 35.7 171 34.1 722 36 Spouse/husband/ wife 153 30.4 108 21.6 100 20 135 26.9 496 24.7 Son 100 19.9 63 12.6 109 21.8 125 25 397 19.8 Daughter 155 30.8 73 14.6 114 22.8 149 29.7 491 24.5 Son-in-law/Daughter-in-law 12 2.4 14 2.8 10 2 15 3 51 2.5 Grandchildren 38 7.6 31 6.2 77 15.4 66 13.2 212 10.6 Relative 6 1.2 29 5.8 21 4.2 24 4.8 80 4 11. Caregiver During Illness No caregiver during illness 75 14.9 126 25.2 154 30.7 106 21.2 461 23 Spouse/husband/ wife 170 33.8 155 31 100 20 151 30.1 576 28.7 Son 121 24.1 88 17.6 116 23.2 154 30.7 479 23.9 Daughter 190 37.8 100 20 121 24.2 177 35.3 588 29.3 Son-in-law/Daughter-in-law 18 3.6 19 3.8 10 2 19 3.8 66 3.3 Grandchildren 46 9.1 38 7.6 83 16.6 87 17.4 254 12.7 Relative 8 1.6 39 7.8 26 5.2 31 6.2 104 5.2 3.2.2 Technology Access and Usage Patterns Among the Elderly Most elderly residents own their homes legally. More than half of these elderly residents access the Internet through their personal mobile phone networks. The most common technological devices found in elderly households are televisions (75.5%), internet-enabled smartphones (78.8%), and basic mobile phones for calls (68.5%). In terms of device accessibility, the elderly have the highest access to televisions (30.6%), followed by Internet-enabled smartphones (24.0%), basic mobile phones (15.5%), and blood pressure monitors (12.0%) as shown in Table 2 . Regarding satisfaction levels with medical devices, the elderly reported highest satisfaction with blood pressure monitors (81.7%), water salinity meters (80%), blood glucose meters (79.1%), smartwatches (94.1%), and pulse oximeters (75.8%). Table 2 Satisfaction levels regarding ownership and access to various devices or technologies Equipment Little Satisfied Little Satisfied % Moderately Satisfied Moderately Satisfied % Most Satisfied Most Satisfied % Television 38 2.1 400 22.4 1349 75.5 Home phone 3 2.9 25 24.5 74 72.5 Ordinary mobile phone for talking 10 1.1 276 30.4 623 68.5 Smartphone with internet 17 1.2 281 20 1108 78.8 Desktop computer (PC) 4 1.9 51 24.3 155 73.8 Notebook computer (Laptop) 6 2.4 59 23.7 184 73.9 Tablet 2 1.9 17 16.5 84 81.6 Pressure gauge 3 0.4 125 17.9 572 81.7 Smart watch 1 2 2 3.9 48 94.1 Fingertips oxygen meter 2 1.1 42 23.1 138 75.8 Fingertips blood sugar level tester 0 0 28 20.9 106 79.1 Salinity measuring device for aqueous foods 0 0 3 20 12 80 3.2.3 Access to social welfare for improving elderly quality of life In terms of social welfare access, the study reveals that 92.0% of elderly individuals without pensions receive monthly living allowances ranging from 600-1,000 baht as specified by law. Annual health examinations are provided to 83.6% of the elderly population, while 77.7% actively participate in community and social activities through elderly clubs or community development groups. However, some welfare benefits show lower access rates, including tax deductions for children caring for elderly parents (38.3%), career development loans (48.7%), and government assistance for elderly victims of abuse or exploitation (51.2%) (table S1 in supplementary information). Regarding the utilization of social welfare rights, the highest usage rates are observed in monthly living allowances for those without pensions (86.2%), annual health examinations (83.4%), and health consultation services (82.1%). Conversely, the least utilized services include government assistance for abuse cases (9.9%), career development loans (13.3%), and funeral expense assistance (19.1%) for eligible elderly welfare card holders. Information about social welfare rights primarily reaches the elderly through village news towers (67.2%), relatives and neighbors (50.9%), and television (45.1%). Digital platforms also play a role, with LINE application (32.9%), radio (31.1%), mobile phone applications (24.6%), YouTube (22.8%), and Facebook (21.7%) serving as information channels (Table S2). The elderly face several challenges in accessing social welfare rights. The primary concerns include fear of online fraud (29.9%), lack of access to digital technology equipment (15.8%), limited internet and Wi-Fi coverage (15.2%), and incompatibility of digital devices with required systems (13.5%). These obstacles highlight the need for improved digital infrastructure and support systems for the elderly population (Table S3). 3.2.4 Need for social welfare rights and appropriateness of welfare received In this study, it was found that there is a need to enhance economic welfare in one area. The issue revolves around senior citizen allowances, which have become critical due to the changing economic system. Elderly individuals face increased expenses, and there is a pressing need to provide comprehensive assistance to less fortunate elderly people (see in table S4). Moreover, it was found that some groups of elderly people felt that the current allowances were appropriate for their situation, as they had limited activities and spent most of their money, primarily on gold, for making merit. However, other groups of elderly individuals believed that the living allowance was still too low and should be increased to align with current economic conditions. Regarding other welfare rights, the elderly had no opinion, as they were unaware of these rights and had never exercised them. 3.2.5 Provincial perspectives on digital health innovation The study piloted smartwatch technology for health monitoring among elderly populations across four provinces in Thailand such as Lampang, Khon Kaen, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, and Songkhla as summarized in Table 3 . The research aimed to assess the potential of smartwatches in improving healthcare access and user satisfaction. In Lampang province, the elderly people showed high interest in smartwatch technology, appreciated health monitoring capabilities, concerned about high prototype costs and proposed integrating the initiative into provincial development plans. The elderly participants responded positively to health tracking features, recommended linking devices to centralized health information systems, suggested adding real-time health advisory notifications, valued the potential for alerting users to health anomalies in Khon Kaen Municipality. Moreover, the elders users satisfied with real-time health tracking, highlighted blood pressure and glucose level monitoring, raised concerns about device affordability, proposed exploring cost reduction strategies in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Municipality. In addition, the users expressed strong interest in smartwatch technology with high satisfaction, emphasized need for additional resource support, aimed to integrate technology into development plans in Songkhla Province. The study concludes that digital health technologies like smartwatches can significantly enhance healthcare access and monitoring for elderly populations, but careful consideration of local contexts, cost, and system integration is crucial for successful implementation. Table 3 Marking testing results in four different provinces of Thailand Province/Municipality Interest Level Key Positive Aspects Concerns/Challenges Lampang High Health monitoring capabilities - Reduced the need to travel to healthcare facilities. High prototype device cost Khon Kaen Positive Health data tracking - Potential to alert users about health anomalies Need for improved system integration Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Moderate Real-time health tracking -Monitoring blood pressure and glucose levels High device cost - Accessibility for low-income populations Songkhla High Convenient health monitoring- High user satisfaction Need for additional resource support 3.3 Problems and obstacles from operations conducting research There were several limitations while conducting this study. The sample group consisted of elderly people who were able to travel for interviews, representing an active aging population who can help themselves, which may not adequately represent elderly individuals who are homebound or bedridden. When developing applications for elderly welfare rights access, it is crucial to consider health issues such as vision, sleep, and memory problems to address the health needs of the elderly within their specific contexts and related agencies. Furthermore, the transition to new technology presents challenges, particularly for elderly individuals who may lack technological skills or familiarity. The simulation area used had limitations in terms of size and variety, as well as the adaptability of the elderly and the potential of working groups in various areas. To address these limitations, several recommendations are proposed: First, education and training programs should be organized according to the elderly's skill levels, ranging from basic to complex, allowing them to learn and adapt at their own pace using gradual teaching methods that begin with explaining technology benefits and basic operations. Secondly, creating incentives for technology adoption is essential through communicating the benefits and safety aspects of technology use, helping elderly individuals understand how technology can enhance their healthcare through real-time health monitoring, disease risk reduction, and increased daily safety. Additionally, utilizing technology-proficient elderly individuals as change leaders and role models within their communities can help build confidence and encourage other seniors to embrace technology. Regarding improving the simulation area and expanding the results, it is essential to consider the size and variety of space, considering diverse geography and infrastructure to effectively test and improve technology use in different environments. This expansion should be implemented gradually according to space availability and working group potential. Working groups in various areas should receive training and knowledge development to understand technology and provide effective guidance to the elderly. Continuous evaluation and improvement are crucial, requiring the creation of monitoring and evaluation plans to track technology usage among the elderly continuously, thereby identifying emerging problems and improving operational guidelines. Listening to feedback from actual elderly users is vital for improving and developing technology to better meet their needs. During the transition to digital technology in elderly healthcare, emphasis should be placed on providing knowledge, training, and motivation, while improving simulation areas and preparing working groups in different locations. This approach considers geographical differences and the technological potential of each elderly group, ultimately helping seniors understand and appreciate the benefits of technology for more efficient development. 3.4 Policy recommendations to enhance access to social welfare rights for the elderly The Elderly Social Welfare Rights Enhancement Program aims to provide comprehensive coverage and accessibility to social welfare rights for elderly and underprivileged citizens. This initiative is facilitated through partnerships among 24 agencies, including key ministries and educational institutions. A cooperation memorandum has been developed to enhance access to social welfare and leverage digital technology for the elderly. The strategy encompasses a broad spectrum of social welfare aspects, including health, economic support, and environmental factors. Information dissemination will primarily occur through television, alongside community networks and user-friendly digital applications tailored for elderly users. The initiative integrates advanced technologies under the Thailand Smart Living Lab, focusing on Digital Health Innovation and the deployment of Medical IoT devices. The program has been successfully rolled out in provinces like Lampang and Khon Kaen, achieving over 80% user satisfaction rates. The investment and business model supporting this initiative follows a structured approach with clear budget allocations. The Office of Broadcasting Commission (NBTC) and Ministry of Digital Economy and Society allocate 20% of their budget for basic infrastructure, including 5G network installation in elderly-populated areas. The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation contributes 15% of its research budget to develop digital technology solutions for elderly care. Additionally, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, National Health Security Office, and Local Administrative Organizations jointly allocate 25% of their health and social budget for service development. The partnership structure follows a 20:30:50 ratio between government agencies, private sector companies, and social development organizations, respectively. This collaboration focuses on three key investment areas: network systems investment (5G infrastructure), product investment (medical devices and smart technologies), and data investment (health information management and analysis). The program's long-term objectives are clearly defined and ambitious. It aims to enhance elderly care through digital technology, improve healthcare monitoring, and advance the development of Thailand Personal Health AI. These efforts are ultimately directed toward ensuring a better quality of life and long-term social well-being for the elderly population. Through this comprehensive approach, the program demonstrates a strong commitment to leveraging modern technology and collaborative partnerships to address the complex needs of Thailand's aging population. The success of this initiative relies heavily on the effective integration and cooperation among various stakeholders, from government agencies to private sector partners. By combining traditional outreach methods with innovative digital solutions, the program creates a robust framework for delivering social welfare services to elderly citizens, particularly those who are underprivileged or in need of additional support. The high satisfaction rates in pilot areas suggest that this approach is effectively meeting its intended objectives while laying the groundwork for future developments in elderly care services. 4. Discussions The present study provides significant insights into the integration of IoT technologies in elderly healthcare, addressing critical gaps in understanding technology adoption and social welfare access among older populations in Thailand. Our findings align with and extend previous research on aging, technology, and healthcare. The demographic characteristics of our sample, predominantly female (76.6%) and aged 60–69, reflect broader trends in aging populations observed by Knodel & Chayovan in 2008 (Knodel & Chayovan, 2008 ), who highlighted the feminization of aging in Southeast Asian contexts. The socioeconomic vulnerabilities identified—64.2% of individuals having monthly incomes below 5,000 baht (approximately 145.93 USD)—underscore the importance of targeted social welfare interventions. This finding aligns with the research of Jayawardhana et.al (Jayawardhana et al., 2023 ) on the economic challenges faced by elderly populations. Our IoT-based health monitoring system demonstrates remarkable potential, aligning with the recommendations for comprehensive, integrated healthcare technologies by the previous study (Chataut et al., 2023 ). The system's three-tier architecture - featuring data collection, processing, and management layers - addresses critical challenges in remote health monitoring. The high satisfaction rates with medical devices, particularly smartwatches (94.1%) and blood pressure monitors (81.7%), suggest growing technological acceptance among elderly populations, contrasting earlier assumptions about technological resistance (Barnard et al., 2013 ). Technology access patterns revealed fascinating insights. While 78.8% owned internet-enabled smartphones, significant digital barriers persist. The 29.9% concern about online fraud echoes findings by the previous review (Oh et al., 2021 ) regarding digital literacy and security concerns among older adults. This underscores the necessity of comprehensive digital literacy programs and user-friendly technological interfaces. The social welfare access findings are particularly noteworthy. With 92% receiving monthly living allowances and high participation in community activities (77.7%), the study demonstrates the effectiveness of targeted social support mechanisms. However, lower utilization rates for specialized services like abuse assistance (9.9%) suggest potential gaps in awareness and accessibility, consistent with Cambridge university press’s observations on elder protection mechanisms (lloyd-sherlock et al., 2016 ). The proposed Elderly Social Welfare Rights Enhancement Program represents a innovative approach to technology integration. By adopting a collaborative model involving 24 agencies and allocating specific budget percentages, the program mirrors successful international models of cross-sectoral elder care strategie. Our study extends beyond Thailand's local context, offering valuable insights applicable to aging societies globally. The demographic and technological challenges observed resonate with similar transitions in East Asia, Southeast Asia, and emerging economies. Comparative analysis reveals striking parallels with aging populations in countries like Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, where technological integration in eldercare has become a critical policy priority (Hyun-Chool, 2021 ; KA, n.d.; Malhotra et al., 2019 ; Obi et al., 2013 ). Limitations of the study include potential selection bias, as the sample comprised relatively active elderly individuals capable of participating in interviews. Future research should incorporate more diverse population segments, including homebound and chronically ill elderly individuals. The study's recommendations for technology adoption - including gradual education, demonstrating technological benefits, and utilizing technology-proficient elderly as community leaders - align with technology acceptance models proposed by the previous studies of Davis ( 1989 ) and extended by Venkatesh et al. ( 2003 )(Davis, 1989 ; Venkatesh et al., 2003 ). These strategies can effectively mitigate technological barriers and promote digital inclusion. Future research directions should focus on expanding technological interventions to more diverse geographical and demographic contexts, developing more intuitive, age-friendly digital interface, investigating long-term health outcomes associated with IoT-based monitoring, and exploring psychological and social impacts of technology integration in eldercare. By addressing technological, economic, and social dimensions, the study offers a holistic approach to supporting aging populations in technological transitions. 5. Conclusion The study explores the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies into elderly healthcare in Thailand, highlighting the potential benefits of real-time health monitoring and improved access to welfare services. The research aims to understand the relationship between health issues, concerns about technology use, demand for technology use, and the use of technology with access to welfare services for the elderly. The findings indicate that health issues and concerns about technology use significantly impact the elderly's access to welfare services. However, the need for technology use does not significantly impact access to welfare services, possibly due to limitations in access to equipment and support for technology use. The study also found that technology reduces the impact of health problems and concerns about technology use on accessing welfare services, but cannot control the relationship. There is a significant difference between the need for technology use and access to welfare services. However, the study did not find a significant impact of access to welfare services on satisfaction with technology use in the elderly group. This suggests the need for policies and strategies to increase access to and use of technology among the elderly, particularly in supporting technology use for more efficient access to welfare services. Abbreviations ISO/IEC International Organization for Standardization / International Electrotechnical Commission These are international organizations that develop and publish standards for a wide range of technologies and industries PDPA Personal Data Protection Act A legal framework designed to protect personal data and ensure privacy in various sectors IoTs Internet of Things A network of interconnected devices that communicate and exchange data over the internet. WHO World Health Organization A specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. AI Artificial Intelligence The simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. 5G Fifth Generation The latest generation of cellular network technology, offering faster speeds and more reliable internet connections. BLE Bluetooth Low Energy A wireless personal area network technology designed for short-range communication with low power consumption. AES-256 Advanced Encryption Standard 256-bit A symmetric encryption algorithm widely used across the globe to secure data. TLS Transport Layer Security A cryptographic protocol designed to provide secure communication over a computer network. Declarations Ethics approval and consent to participate The research received ethical approval from the Center for Ethics in Human Research at Khon Kaen University (reference No. HE662198). The study was registered with the Institutional Review Board (IRB Number IRB00008614) and held Federal Wide Assurance (FWA Number FWA00003418). All participants were informed of the research content and provided consent to participate in the project. All authors have read and approved the final manuscript. Avalibility of data and materials The study's datasets are made available upon request, and confidentiality agreements are in place with respect to sensitive or proprietary data to ensure adherence to regulations and ethical guidelines. Competing Interests There is no conflict of interests to declare. Funding Information This research was supported by the Broadcasting Research and Development Fund Television Business and Telecommunications Business for Public Benefit (grant number B63-8-(2)-001) and the Khon Kaen University Research Program (Funding No. RP68-1-001). K.S. rececived funding from Fundamental Fund;FF ( Artificial Intelligence Technique for Intelligent Laboratory System), project ID 4708343. Additionally, this work was funded from from the NSRF via the Program Management Unit for Human Resources & Institutional Development, Research and Innovation (Grant B13F680078). We gratefully acknowledge the financial support provided by these organizations, which made this research possible. Authors’ contributions Chaturapron Chokphukhiao : Methodology, formal analysis, writing-original draft preparation, writing-review and editing, resources, funding acquistion. Wonn Shweyi Thet Tun : Data curation, writing-original draft preparation, writing-review and editing. Poomin Duankhan : Data visualization, software, writing-review and editing. Sakaowrat Masa : Data visualization, data analysis. Patcharee Hongthong : Software, data analysis, writing-review and editing. Cholatip Pongskul : Investigation, writing-review and editing. Somporn Chaiayuth : Investigation, writing-review and editing. Jugsun Loeiyood : Investigation, writing-review and editing. Piyathida Kuhirunyaratn : Investigation, methodology. Bangonsri Jindawong : Investigation, methodology. Nipitphon Seeooppalat : Investigation, methodology. Nipitphon Seeooppalat : Investigation, methodology. Sirapat Chiewchanwattana : Data visualization, software, writing-review and editing. Rina Patramanon : Conceptualization, resources, funding acquistion, project administration. Khamron Sunat : Conceptualization, project administration, supervision, methodology, formal analysis, writing-review and editing. Acknowledgments We would like to thank the local health authorities and community leaders in Khon Kaen, Lampang, Ayutthaya, and Songkhla for their support in facilitating this study. We acknowledge Tely360 Co., Ltd. for providing IoT devices, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the 2,005 elderly participants for their active interest in the research. References Akash MR, Yousuf, Shikder K. (2020). IoT Based Real Time Health Monitoring System (p. 171). https://doi.org/10.1109/INBUSH46973.2020.9392163 Almalki S. Integrating Quantitative and Qualitative Data in Mixed Methods Research—Challenges and Benefits. J Educ Learn. 2016;5(3):288–96. Almutairi M, Gabralla LA, Abubakar S, Chiroma H. Detecting elderly behaviors based on deep learning for healthcare: Recent advances, methods, real-world applications and challenges. IEEE Access. 2022;10:69802–21. Barnard Y, Bradley M, Hodgson F, Lloyd A. Learning to use new technologies by older adults: Perceived difficulties, experimentation behaviour and usability. Comput Hum Behav. 2013;29:1715–24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2013.02.006 . Braun V, Clarke V. Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Res Psychol. 2006;3(2):77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa . Chataut R, Phoummalayvane A, Akl R. Unleashing the power of IoT: A comprehensive review of IoT applications and future prospects in healthcare, agriculture, smart homes, smart cities, and industry 4.0. Sensors. 2023;23(16):7194. Chokphukhiao C, Tun WST, Masa S, Chaiayuth S, Loeiyood J, Pongskul C, Patramanon R. Revolutionizing elderly care: Building a healthier aging society through innovative long-term care systems and assessing the long-term care acceptance model. Geriatr Gerontol Int. 2024;24(5):477–85. https://doi.org/10.1111/ggi.14856 . Davis FD. Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use, and User Acceptance of Information Technology. MIS Q. 1989;13(3):319–40. https://doi.org/10.2307/249008 . JSTOR. Dian FJ, Vahidnia R, Rahmati A. Wearables and the Internet of Things (IoT), applications, opportunities, and challenges: A Survey. IEEE Access. 2020;8:69200–11. Field A. Discovering statistics using IBM SPSS statistics. Sage publications limited; 2024. Haleem A, Javaid M, Singh RP, Suman R. 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Ageing Society in Thailand during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Hum Secur Empowerment Asia: Beyond Pandemic, 162–82. KA CMH, PROMOTING ACCESS TO ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR HEALTHY AGEING IN SINGAPORE. (2023). Case Studies on Promoting the Rights of Older Persons through Expansion of Public Accessibility of Assistive/Welfare Technology . Knodel J, Chayovan N. Population ageing and the well-being of older persons in Thailand: Past trends, current situation and future challenges. UNFPA Thailand and Asia and the Pacific Regional Office; 2008. lloyd-sherlock P, Agrawal S, Minicuci N. Fear of crime and older people in low- and middle-income countries. Aging Soc. 2016;36:1083–108. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0144686X15000513 . Malhotra R, Bautista MAC, Müller AM, Aw S, Koh GCH, Theng Y-L, Hoskins SJ, Wong CH, Miao C, Lim W-S. The aging of a young nation: Population aging in Singapore. Gerontologist. 2019;59(3):401–10. Meskó B, Drobni Z, Bényei É, Gergely B, Győrffy Z. (2017). Digital health is a cultural transformation of traditional healthcare. mHealth; Vol 3 (September 2017): mHealth . https://mhealth.amegroups.org/article/view/16494 Obi T, Ishmatova D, Iwasaki N. Promoting ICT innovations for the ageing population in Japan. Int J Med Informatics. 2013;82(4):e47–62. Oh SS, Kim K-A, Kim M, Oh J, Chu SH, Choi J. (2021). Measurement of digital literacy among older adults: Systematic review. J Med Internet Res, 23(2), e26145. Pallant J. SPSS survival manual: A step by step guide to data analysis using IBM SPSS. Routledge; 2020. Questionnaire Design. Curr Sociol. 1998;46(4):7–47. https://doi.org/10.1177/0011392198046004003 . Randel J. (2017). The ageing and development report: Poverty, independence and the world’s older people . Rechel B, Doyle Y, Grundy E, McKee M. (2009). How can health systems respond to population ageing? . Rudnicka E, Napierała P, Podfigurna A, Męczekalski B, Smolarczyk R, Grymowicz M. The World Health Organization (WHO) approach to healthy ageing. Maturitas. 2020;139:6–11. Shehab A, Ismail A, Osman L, Elhoseny M, El-Henawy IM. (2018). Quantified self using IoT wearable devices . 820–831. Sun X, Yan W, Zhou H, Wang Z, Zhang X, Huang S, Li L. Internet use and need for digital health technology among the elderly: A cross-sectional survey in China. BMC Public Health. 2020;20:1–8. Venkatapuram S, Ehni H-J, Saxena A. Equity and healthy ageing. Bull World Health Organ. 2017;95(11):791. Venkatesh V, Morris MG, Davis GB, Davis FD. User Acceptance of Information Technology: Toward a Unified View. MIS Q. 2003;27(3):425–78. https://doi.org/10.2307/30036540 . JSTOR. World Health Organization. Decade of healthy ageing: Baseline report. World Health Organization; 2021. World Population Prospects 2019 Highlights . (2019). Zhang T, Sodhro AH, Luo Z, Zahid N, Nawaz MW, Pirbhulal S, Muzammal M. A joint deep learning and internet of medical things driven framework for elderly patients. IEEE Access. 2020;8:75822–32. Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Supplementary Files SupplementaryInformationNCBTmanuscript.docx Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. 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10:56:04","extension":"jpeg","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":167218,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eThe layered structure of the system, comprising data collection, processing, and management.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage1.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5949361/v1/a837b3f98262f4f782b7092e.jpeg"},{"id":75709139,"identity":"42874372-f609-47fc-b555-ab179e7c6547","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-02-07 10:48:04","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":837633,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eA set of equipment for digital services using IoT or 5G technology including a KATI watch, a WBP202 electronic sphygmomanometer, a Contour Plus ELITE blood glucose monitor, and a medical data transmission machine (Gate Way) model MFC-AVA3.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5949361/v1/9764c1a114ad6ec6d5dfb10a.png"},{"id":75709136,"identity":"7105678f-3de8-4efc-b32a-6f1cf93a2ebd","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-02-07 10:48:04","extension":"png","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":173460,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eGraphical abstract of health monitoring system for elderly care with integration of IoT devices, health data collection, and emergency response framework.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage34.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5949361/v1/2deaf27c187e861454ef6c7e.png"},{"id":75977876,"identity":"14f9632f-272d-4189-a9f9-dcf1ae6dff72","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-02-11 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Background","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe increasing proportion of elderly individuals in Thailand presents significant challenges to healthcare and welfare services. Thailand is experiencing a significant demographic transition toward an aging society. The rapid growth of the elderly population presents substantial challenges for healthcare delivery and social welfare systems(Randel, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e; Rechel et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2009\u003c/span\u003e). By 2022, approximately 20% of Thailand's population was aged 60 years or above, this proportion is projected to reach 35.8% by 2050, positioning Thailand as one of the most rapidly aging societies in Southeast Asia (Jumnianpol et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e). In addition, United Nations population reports (\u003cem\u003eWorld Population Prospects 2019 Highlights\u003c/em\u003e, 2019) indicate that by 2050, one in six people worldwide will be over 65, with significant implications for healthcare systems internationally. Traditional healthcare systems are often inadequate in providing real-time health monitoring and personalized care, leading to delays in medical interventions. The intersection of digital technology and social welfare access has become increasingly critical in addressing the needs of this growing elderly population (Javaid et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e; Mesk\u0026oacute; et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e). The World Health Organization defines healthy aging as a process that encompasses not only physical health but also mental and emotional well-being, social relations, and the ability to live a meaningful life (Rudnicka et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e; Venkatapuram et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e). As Thailand continues to develop its welfare system and implement digital transformation, understanding how elderly citizens interact with and access services through digital means becomes crucial for promoting healthy aging and social inclusion.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eInternet of Things (IoT) technologies, particularly wearable devices and sensors, offer new opportunities to enhance healthcare services by providing real-time data, improving access to healthcare professionals, and enabling more effective management of chronic diseases in the elderly population. Previous study (Islam et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e) conducted a comprehensive review of IoT healthcare interventions, revealing that successful implementations require the robust data protection framework, culturally sensitive technology design, and. comprehensive user training programs. Moreover, IoT healthcare solutions offer numerous benefits for elderly populations, including continuous health monitoring, remote healthcare access, and personalized healthcare interventions. Advanced sensors can track vital physiological parameters in real-time, enabling early detection of health risks and promoting proactive interventions (Akash et al., 2020). This can reduce emergency hospitalizations and improve disease management for patients with chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular diseases. In addition, telemedicine platforms integrated with IoT devices provide immediate access to healthcare professionals (Haleem et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e). Furthermore, machine learning algorithms can analyze complex health data patterns, generating personalized health recommendations, medication reminders, and early warning systems for potential health deterioration (Almutairi et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e; Zhang et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR36\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). These technologies are particularly beneficial in rural or underserved regions with limited healthcare infrastructure.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDespite promising technological developments, several critical research gaps still persist. Most IoT healthcare studies inadequately address the digital literacy barriers faced by elderly populations, particularly in low and middle-income countries (Sun et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). Longitudinal studies examining the sustained health outcomes and quality of life improvements from IoT interventions remain limited (World Health Organization, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e). The context of implementing IoT healthcare solutions in Thailand presents unique challenges and opportunities. Demographic shifts, with an rapidly aging population and increasing healthcare demands, make technological interventions particularly relevant. Previous studies in Southeast Asian contexts have demonstrated that IoT technologies can effectively address healthcare infrastructure limitations and provide scalable solutions for comprehensive elderly care (Hoe, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). The successful implementation of IoT healthcare technologies needs careful consideration of data privacy, security, user-friendly design, and infrastructure compatibility. Robust encryption and compliance with regulations are crucial for maintaining patient confidentiality and trust. The technologies must be intuitive and accessible, considering potential technological barriers for elderly users. Previous researches collectively emphasize the transformative potential of IoT technologies in elderly healthcare. Their work highlights the need for context-specific implementations that consider local healthcare infrastructures, technological readiness, and cultural factors (Chokphukhiao et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e; Dian et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e; Shehab et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e). IoT technologies provide hope for more accessible, individualised, and proactive healthcare solutions as the healthcare environment keeps developing. They represent a promising frontier in addressing the complex and dynamic healthcare requirements of elderly people.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis study focuses on the implementation of IoT-based health monitoring systems across four provinces in Thailand, analyzing their effectiveness in improving healthcare access and outcomes for elderly patients. In this study, we aim to examine access to social welfare and identify obstacles that hinder the elderly from utilizing digital technology to improve their quality of life. Additionally, the study aims to investigate the responsibilities of government agencies in providing social welfare services for the elderly and to analyze the existing welfare services to determine whether they appropriately meet the needs of this demographic. Furthermore, the study seeks to establish guidelines to enhance access to social welfare, thereby improving quality of life through digital technology for the elderly. Finally, it intends to develop a simulation or pilot system for digital-based social welfare services tailored to an aging society.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"2. Methods","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.1 Study Design and sample collections\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study employed a mixed-methods approach (Almalki, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e), combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods to assess the effectiveness of IoT technologies in elderly healthcare. A set of equipment were involved including a KATI watch, WBP202 electronic sphygmomanometer, and Contour Plus ELITE Blood Glucose Monitoring device. Total of 2,000 elderly people participated in this study, with 80 elderly using IoT devices, accounting for 4% of the total. The data collection areas for using IoT devices were divided into four regions of Thailand namely as Khon Kaen, Lampang, Ayutthaya, and Songkhla, with 20 people per province. The devices are used for blood pressure measurement, blood sugar level measurement, and health tracking. Blood pressure is measured twice a day using the Electronic Sphygmomanometer model WBP202, while blood sugar level is measured twice a day using the Contour Plus ELITE Blood Glucose Monitoring device. Health data is tracked using the KATI smartwatch, which can track steps taken, calories burned, sleep, wrist temperature, pulse, arterial oxygen levels, and blood pressure. These IoT devices aimed to improve the quality of life for the elderly, increase ease of care, and improve access to social welfare. Quantitative data were gathered through structured surveys that measured satisfaction with IoT devices and healthcare services, while qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews to explore user experiences, challenges, and perceptions of the technology.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2 Selection criteria of the participants\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe inclusion criteria for the study require participants to be individuals aged 60 years or older who can communicate in Thai, either through reading or writing. Exclusion criteria identify populations that may pose obstacles to the study, including elderly individuals who are blind, deaf, or unable to communicate in Thai, as well as those with serious illnesses undergoing treatment. The target population consists of elderly individuals residing in selected provinces representing different regions of Thailand namely as Khon Kaen, Lampang, Ayutthaya, and Songkhla. The study population was defined as elderly individuals meeting the inclusion criteria and living in the specified areas within these provinces.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec5\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.3 Health Monitoring System Development\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.3.1 System Architecture\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe proposed health monitoring system is designed using a three-tier IoT-based architecture, each layer dedicated to distinct functionalities to ensure seamless, real-time monitoring and analysis of various health parameters. This architecture provides a scalable and reliable platform that integrates data collection, processing, and management. Figure\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e illustrated the system\u0026rsquo;s layered structure, which includes data collection, data processing, and data management.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.3.2 Data Collection Layer\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe data collection layer serves as the foundation for gathering comprehensive health data from elderly patients through an integrated network of smart devices, including a smartwatch for continuous physiological monitoring (heart rate, activity, and sleep patterns), a blood pressure monitor utilizing Oscillo-metric methods for cardiovascular assessment, and a glucometer for diabetes management. These devices collectively track crucial health parameters such as blood pressure, blood oxygen levels (SpO₂) through photoplethysmography, fall detection using accelerometer and gyroscope technology, continuous heart rate monitoring for rhythm abnormalities, sleep patterns for quality assessment, and physical activity metrics to evaluate fitness levels and lifestyle habits. All these components work seamlessly to transmit data to the processing layer, creating a comprehensive health monitoring system specifically designed for elderly care as depicted in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.3.3 Data Processing and Data Management Layers\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe processing layer is dedicated to real-time data analysis and alert generation, featuring specialized modules for blood pressure analysis that identify trends and deviations, comprehensive health vitals monitoring that aggregates multi-sensor data, and continuous blood oxygen level evaluation for detecting respiratory issues, all working in conjunction with an emergency notification system that triggers automated alerts when readings exceed predefined health thresholds. This system seamlessly integrates with the data management layer, which employs a dual-track approach to handle both real-time and longitudinal data storage through daily health report generation and advanced data analysis capabilities (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). The infrastructure includes a robust big data storage system utilizing scalable cloud technology to maintain extensive health records, enabling longitudinal studies and personalized health analytics that provide valuable insights into chronic conditions and long-term health trends, while facilitating both routine monitoring through daily summaries and preventive healthcare strategies through in-depth historical data analysis.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec9\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.4 Research instruments and Data Analysis\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe qualitative data collection instrument was an in-depth interview guide. The questions were designed to identify key factors, trends, and themes related to elderly individuals' use of technology and access to welfare services. Interview questions covered important issues such as health problems, concerns about technology use, access to welfare services, and other factors related to healthcare technology use. The interview instrument was reviewed and refined based on expert recommendations before implementation. The quantitative data collection instrument consisted of a questionnaire (\u0026ldquo;Questionnaire Design,\u0026rdquo; 1998) divided into nine key sections: general information, health problems, technology concerns, technology use demands, technology usage patterns, access to welfare services, welfare satisfaction, technology use satisfaction, and health monitoring technology satisfaction. This questionnaire's validity and reliability were verified through Cronbach's alpha coefficient testing, yielding a value of 0.8406 (Pallant, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e) ensuring accurate measurement of various factors. For data analysis, both qualitative and quantitative methods were employed. Qualitative data from in-depth interviews were analyzed using content analysis to identify key themes related to technology use and access to welfare services (Braun \u0026amp; Clarke, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2006\u003c/span\u003e). For quantitative data, descriptive statistics were used to present baseline data, while simple linear regression was employed to analyze factors affecting service access and technology use satisfaction (Field, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec10\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.5 Mixed-Methods Sequential Exploratory Design\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis research employed a mixed-methods study with a sequential exploratory design, beginning with qualitative data collection through in-depth interviews with elderly participants. The purpose was to identify trends, factors, and themes related to the use of technology and access to welfare services. The qualitative findings were then used to review literature and develop hypotheses, including the creation of a quantitative instrument (questionnaire) for data collection. Data were collected from a broad sample using multi-stage sampling and analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"3. Results and discussions","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.1 Development of IoT-Based Health Monitoring System for Elderly Care\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe proposed healthcare monitoring framework integrated advanced IoT devices and 5G technologies to deliver reliable, real-time health insights as shown in Figs.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e and \u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e. Unlike traditional systems, this approach addresses critical challenges in healthcare technology for advanced connectivity by utilizing 5G cellular networks to ensure data transmission in areas with limited internet infrastructure. It supported the multiple communication protocols including Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi, and cellular networks and providesd seamless connectivity for diverse geographical contexts. Data management and security were prioritized through secure data storage in public cloud platforms, employing robust encryption protocols such as AES-256 for data at rest and TLS for data transmission. The system adhered to international security standards, including ISO/IEC and PDPA regulations, ensuring compliance and reliability. Comprehensive identity verification methods were implemented to enhance security, including national ID code authentication, biometric verification through fingerprint scanning and facial recognition, and regular periodic security audits to maintain system integrity and protect sensitive information.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eA system that enabled continuous health parameter tracking through wearable devices was developed, with advanced middleware ensuring interoperability between heterogeneous bluetooth-enabled health devices. The platform allowed for multi-parameter integration, which facilitated simultaneous monitoring of various health metrics. User accessibility and interaction were key priorities in the project. The cross-platform mobile application compatible with both iOS and Android operating systems was created, strategically eliminating complex application installation requirements. Special attention was given to designing user-friendly interfaces specifically tailored for elderly users with limited technological literacy. The application offered a comprehensive suite of services, including welfare rights verification, medical appointment scheduling, health service notifications, medication reminders, and activity tracking. These features were designed to enhance user engagement and provide seamless access to essential health management tools.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAdditionally, an alert and notification system featuring a configurable real-time alert mechanism was developed with customizable thresholds. Immediate notifications were sent to users, healthcare providers, and emergency services. The system integrated with smartwatches, offering SOS alert functionality, and triggered alerts when health parameters exceeded predefined safe limits. Advanced analytics capabilities included a predictive analytics pipeline, trend analysis of health data, personalized healthcare strategy development, customized healthcare plan generation, and comprehensive data visualization. Moreover, the device interoperability was achieved through standardized communication protocols and advanced middleware. Cybersecurity was ensured with robust encryption and regular security assessments. Scalability was managed using cloud infrastructure with distributed resources and dynamic load balancing. Connectivity was maintained through multi-network support, ensuring consistent data transmission. Future development considerations included expanding to larger demographic areas, enhancing integration with governmental healthcare agencies, providing continued technological support for elderly user adaptation, and ongoing refinement of the user interface and accessibility features.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec13\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2 Mixed-Methods Sequential Exploratory results\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec14\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2.1 Demographic Characteristics and Living Conditions of Elderly Population\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe study surveyed 2,005 elderly individuals across four Thai provinces: Khon Kaen (N\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;503), Lampang (N\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;500), Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya (N\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;501), and Songkhla (N\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;501). Among the respondents, females comprised the majority (76.6%) of the sample population. The age distribution showed that 58.4% were between 60\u0026ndash;69 years old, with a mean age of 68.9 years (SD\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;6.0). Regarding marital status, 50.2% were legally married. In terms of education and employment, 48.6% had completed primary education, while 57.6% were unemployed. The financial analysis revealed that 64.2% had a monthly income below 5,000 baht, with a median income of 2,700 baht (IQR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;72,500). Concerning financial sufficiency, 31.3% reported insufficient spending without debt, 26.2% had sufficient spending without savings, and 24.4% had sufficient spending but were in debt. The study also examined living arrangements and care support: 64.0% had dependents (children, grandchildren, or relatives), 48.3% lived with their spouse, and 38.5% lived with grandchildren. Regarding caregiving arrangements, 24.7% received primary care from their spouse, followed by daughters (24.5%). In cases of illness, daughters were the primary caregivers (29.3%), followed by spouses (28.7%) and sons (23.9%). Additionally, 14.8% of the elderly lived alone (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSocio-demographic profiles of elderly participants\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"11\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c10\" colnum=\"10\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c11\" colnum=\"11\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVariable\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKhon Kaen\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKhon Kaen %\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLam-pang\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLam-pang %\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAyutthaya\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAyutthaya %\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSongkhla\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSongkhla %\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal %\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"11\" nameend=\"c11\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e1. Gender\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMan\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e143\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e130\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e26\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e94\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e102\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e469\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e23.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFemale\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e360\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e71.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e370\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e74\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e407\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e81.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e399\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e79.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1536\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e76.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"11\" nameend=\"c11\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e2. Age\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60\u0026ndash;69 years\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e279\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e55.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e286\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e57.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e297\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e59.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e309\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e61.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1171\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e58.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e70\u0026ndash;79 years\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e192\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e38.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e180\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e36\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e168\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e33.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e179\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e719\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e80 years and up\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e32\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e34\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e36\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e115\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMean age [mean (SD),\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e[min-max]]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e[69.4 (6.4)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e60\u0026ndash;95]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e[69.2 (6.2),\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e60\u0026ndash;92]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e[69.0 (6.0),\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e60\u0026ndash;88]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e[68.2 (5.5),\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e60\u0026ndash;90]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c11\" namest=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e[68.9 (6.0),\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e60\u0026ndash;95]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"11\" nameend=\"c11\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e3. Marital Status\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSingle\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e34\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e77\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e74\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e245\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLegally married\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e280\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e55.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e263\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e52.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e217\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e43.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e247\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e49.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1007\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDivorced/separated\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e43\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e39\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e131\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWidowed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e145\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e121\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e136\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e27.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e127\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e529\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e26.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLiving together \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ewithout registration\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e32\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e93\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"11\" nameend=\"c11\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e4. Education\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot educated\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePrimary education\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e314\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e62.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e168\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e33.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e290\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e57.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e204\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e974\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e48.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLower secondary school (Mathayom 3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e57\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e73\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e67\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e64\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e261\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHigh School/Vocational Certificate/associate degree\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e86\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e150\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e83\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e113\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e22.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e432\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBachelor's degree and above\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e102\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e41\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e105\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e278\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"11\" nameend=\"c11\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e5. Career\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot working\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e268\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e53.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e267\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e53.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e294\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e58.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e326\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e65.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1155\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e57.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRetired civil servant\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e26\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e59\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e136\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTrade\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e59\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e82\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e73\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e54\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e268\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFarmer\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e67\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e108\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGeneral employee\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e47\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e51\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e67\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e48\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e213\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePrivate business/Business owner\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e22\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e67\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOwner of rental room/house for rent\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOther (village health volunteers etc.)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e41\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e27\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e115\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"11\" nameend=\"c11\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e6. Average Income\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLess than 5000 baht\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e356\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e71.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e287\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e58.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e348\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e70.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e251\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e55.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1242\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e64.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5000\u0026ndash;15000 baht\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e68\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e106\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e106\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e126\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e27.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e426\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e22\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMore than 15000 baht\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e51\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e97\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e78\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e266\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMedian income\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e [median (IQR), min-max]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e[2200(4900),\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e600-61000]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e[3600 (9500),\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e600-100600]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e[2600 (4850),\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e600-55000]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e[4300 (54400),\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e600-101700]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c11\" namest=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e[2700 (72500), \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e600-101700]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"11\" nameend=\"c11\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e7. Life Satisfaction\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot enough to spend and in debt\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e150\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e105\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e122\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e94\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e471\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot enough to spend and not in debt\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e193\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e39\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e122\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e184\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e37.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e106\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e23.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e605\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e31.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEnough to spend but nothing left to save\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e105\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e155\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e31.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e116\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e23.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e131\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e507\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e26.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEnough to spend and able to save\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e47\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e108\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e22\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e72\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e124\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e27.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e351\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"11\" nameend=\"c11\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e8. Care Obligations\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo care obligations\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e148\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e29.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e224\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e44.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e179\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e171\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e34.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e722\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e36\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHave care obligations (children/grandchildren/relatives)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e355\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e70.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e276\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e55.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e322\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e64.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e330\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e65.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1283\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e64\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"11\" nameend=\"c11\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e9. Living with family\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLiving alone\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e43\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e109\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e65\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e80\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e297\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSpouse/husband/\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ewife\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e282\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e56.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e246\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e49.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e198\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e39.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e242\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e48.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e968\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e48.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSon\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e146\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e29\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e109\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e157\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e31.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e151\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e563\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDaughter\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e203\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e106\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e153\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e161\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e32.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e623\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e31.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSon-in-law/Daughter-in-law\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e71\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e61\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e49\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e52\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e233\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrandchildren\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e246\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e48.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e139\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e27.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e224\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e44.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e162\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e32.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e771\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e38.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRelative\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e29\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e42\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e39\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e150\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"11\" nameend=\"c11\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e10. Regular Caregiver information\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo regular caregiver\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e148\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e29.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e224\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e44.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e179\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e171\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e34.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e722\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e36\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSpouse/husband/\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ewife\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e153\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e108\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e135\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e26.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e496\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSon\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e63\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e109\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e125\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e397\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDaughter\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e155\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e73\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e114\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e22.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e149\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e29.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e491\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSon-in-law/Daughter-in-law\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e51\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrandchildren\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e38\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e31\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e77\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e66\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e212\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRelative\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e29\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e80\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"11\" nameend=\"c11\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e11. Caregiver During Illness\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo caregiver during illness\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e75\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e126\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e154\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e106\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e461\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e23\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSpouse/husband/\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ewife\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e170\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e33.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e155\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e31\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e151\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e576\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSon\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e121\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e88\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e116\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e23.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e154\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e479\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e23.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDaughter\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e190\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e37.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e121\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e177\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e588\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e29.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSon-in-law/Daughter-in-law\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e66\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrandchildren\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e46\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e38\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e83\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e87\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e254\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRelative\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e39\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e26\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e31\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e104\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec15\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2.2 Technology Access and Usage Patterns Among the Elderly\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eMost elderly residents own their homes legally. More than half of these elderly residents access the Internet through their personal mobile phone networks. The most common technological devices found in elderly households are televisions (75.5%), internet-enabled smartphones (78.8%), and basic mobile phones for calls (68.5%). In terms of device accessibility, the elderly have the highest access to televisions (30.6%), followed by Internet-enabled smartphones (24.0%), basic mobile phones (15.5%), and blood pressure monitors (12.0%) as shown in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e. Regarding satisfaction levels with medical devices, the elderly reported highest satisfaction with blood pressure monitors (81.7%), water salinity meters (80%), blood glucose meters (79.1%), smartwatches (94.1%), and pulse oximeters (75.8%).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSatisfaction levels regarding ownership and access to various devices or technologies\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"7\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEquipment\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLittle Satisfied\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLittle Satisfied %\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eModerately Satisfied\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eModerately\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSatisfied %\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMost Satisfied\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMost Satisfied %\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTelevision\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e38\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e400\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e22.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1349\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e75.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHome phone\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e74\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e72.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOrdinary mobile phone for talking\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e276\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e623\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e68.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSmartphone with internet\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e281\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1108\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e78.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDesktop computer (PC)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e51\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e155\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e73.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNotebook computer (Laptop)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e59\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e23.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e184\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e73.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTablet\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e84\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e81.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePressure gauge\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e125\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e572\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e81.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSmart watch\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e48\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e94.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFingertips oxygen meter\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e42\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e23.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e138\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e75.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFingertips blood sugar level tester\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e106\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e79.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSalinity measuring device for aqueous foods\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e80\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec16\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2.3 Access to social welfare for improving elderly quality of life\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn terms of social welfare access, the study reveals that 92.0% of elderly individuals without pensions receive monthly living allowances ranging from 600-1,000 baht as specified by law. Annual health examinations are provided to 83.6% of the elderly population, while 77.7% actively participate in community and social activities through elderly clubs or community development groups. However, some welfare benefits show lower access rates, including tax deductions for children caring for elderly parents (38.3%), career development loans (48.7%), and government assistance for elderly victims of abuse or exploitation (51.2%) (table \u003cspan refid=\"MOESM1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003eS1\u003c/span\u003e in supplementary information). Regarding the utilization of social welfare rights, the highest usage rates are observed in monthly living allowances for those without pensions (86.2%), annual health examinations (83.4%), and health consultation services (82.1%). Conversely, the least utilized services include government assistance for abuse cases (9.9%), career development loans (13.3%), and funeral expense assistance (19.1%) for eligible elderly welfare card holders.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eInformation about social welfare rights primarily reaches the elderly through village news towers (67.2%), relatives and neighbors (50.9%), and television (45.1%). Digital platforms also play a role, with LINE application (32.9%), radio (31.1%), mobile phone applications (24.6%), YouTube (22.8%), and Facebook (21.7%) serving as information channels (Table S2). The elderly face several challenges in accessing social welfare rights. The primary concerns include fear of online fraud (29.9%), lack of access to digital technology equipment (15.8%), limited internet and Wi-Fi coverage (15.2%), and incompatibility of digital devices with required systems (13.5%). These obstacles highlight the need for improved digital infrastructure and support systems for the elderly population (Table S3).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec17\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2.4 Need for social welfare rights and appropriateness of welfare received\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn this study, it was found that there is a need to enhance economic welfare in one area. The issue revolves around senior citizen allowances, which have become critical due to the changing economic system. Elderly individuals face increased expenses, and there is a pressing need to provide comprehensive assistance to less fortunate elderly people (see in table S4). Moreover, it was found that some groups of elderly people felt that the current allowances were appropriate for their situation, as they had limited activities and spent most of their money, primarily on gold, for making merit. However, other groups of elderly individuals believed that the living allowance was still too low and should be increased to align with current economic conditions. Regarding other welfare rights, the elderly had no opinion, as they were unaware of these rights and had never exercised them.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec18\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2.5 Provincial perspectives on digital health innovation\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe study piloted smartwatch technology for health monitoring among elderly populations across four provinces in Thailand such as Lampang, Khon Kaen, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, and Songkhla as summarized in Table \u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e. The research aimed to assess the potential of smartwatches in improving healthcare access and user satisfaction. In Lampang province, the elderly people showed high interest in smartwatch technology, appreciated health monitoring capabilities, concerned about high prototype costs and proposed integrating the initiative into provincial development plans. The elderly participants responded positively to health tracking features, recommended linking devices to centralized health information systems, suggested adding real-time health advisory notifications, valued the potential for alerting users to health anomalies in Khon Kaen Municipality. Moreover, the elders users satisfied with real-time health tracking, highlighted blood pressure and glucose level monitoring, raised concerns about device affordability, proposed exploring cost reduction strategies in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Municipality. In addition, the users expressed strong interest in smartwatch technology with high satisfaction, emphasized need for additional resource support, aimed to integrate technology into development plans in Songkhla Province. The study concludes that digital health technologies like smartwatches can significantly enhance healthcare access and monitoring for elderly populations, but careful consideration of local contexts, cost, and system integration is crucial for successful implementation.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMarking testing results in four different provinces of Thailand\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eProvince/Municipality\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eInterest Level\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKey Positive Aspects\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eConcerns/Challenges\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLampang\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHigh\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHealth monitoring \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ecapabilities - Reduced the need to \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003etravel to healthcare facilities.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHigh prototype device cost\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKhon Kaen\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePositive\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHealth data tracking\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e- Potential to alert users \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eabout health anomalies\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNeed for improved \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003esystem integration\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePhra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eModerate\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eReal-time health \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003etracking -Monitoring blood pressure\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e and glucose levels\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHigh device cost\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e- Accessibility for \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003elow-income populations\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSongkhla\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHigh\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eConvenient health \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003emonitoring- High user \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003esatisfaction\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNeed for additional \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eresource support\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec19\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.3 Problems and obstacles from operations conducting research\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThere were several limitations while conducting this study. The sample group consisted of elderly people who were able to travel for interviews, representing an active aging population who can help themselves, which may not adequately represent elderly individuals who are homebound or bedridden. When developing applications for elderly welfare rights access, it is crucial to consider health issues such as vision, sleep, and memory problems to address the health needs of the elderly within their specific contexts and related agencies. Furthermore, the transition to new technology presents challenges, particularly for elderly individuals who may lack technological skills or familiarity. The simulation area used had limitations in terms of size and variety, as well as the adaptability of the elderly and the potential of working groups in various areas.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTo address these limitations, several recommendations are proposed: First, education and training programs should be organized according to the elderly's skill levels, ranging from basic to complex, allowing them to learn and adapt at their own pace using gradual teaching methods that begin with explaining technology benefits and basic operations. Secondly, creating incentives for technology adoption is essential through communicating the benefits and safety aspects of technology use, helping elderly individuals understand how technology can enhance their healthcare through real-time health monitoring, disease risk reduction, and increased daily safety. Additionally, utilizing technology-proficient elderly individuals as change leaders and role models within their communities can help build confidence and encourage other seniors to embrace technology.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRegarding improving the simulation area and expanding the results, it is essential to consider the size and variety of space, considering diverse geography and infrastructure to effectively test and improve technology use in different environments. This expansion should be implemented gradually according to space availability and working group potential. Working groups in various areas should receive training and knowledge development to understand technology and provide effective guidance to the elderly. Continuous evaluation and improvement are crucial, requiring the creation of monitoring and evaluation plans to track technology usage among the elderly continuously, thereby identifying emerging problems and improving operational guidelines. Listening to feedback from actual elderly users is vital for improving and developing technology to better meet their needs. During the transition to digital technology in elderly healthcare, emphasis should be placed on providing knowledge, training, and motivation, while improving simulation areas and preparing working groups in different locations. This approach considers geographical differences and the technological potential of each elderly group, ultimately helping seniors understand and appreciate the benefits of technology for more efficient development.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec20\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.4 Policy recommendations to enhance access to social welfare rights for the elderly\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Elderly Social Welfare Rights Enhancement Program aims to provide comprehensive coverage and accessibility to social welfare rights for elderly and underprivileged citizens. This initiative is facilitated through partnerships among 24 agencies, including key ministries and educational institutions. A cooperation memorandum has been developed to enhance access to social welfare and leverage digital technology for the elderly. The strategy encompasses a broad spectrum of social welfare aspects, including health, economic support, and environmental factors. Information dissemination will primarily occur through television, alongside community networks and user-friendly digital applications tailored for elderly users. The initiative integrates advanced technologies under the Thailand Smart Living Lab, focusing on Digital Health Innovation and the deployment of Medical IoT devices. The program has been successfully rolled out in provinces like Lampang and Khon Kaen, achieving over 80% user satisfaction rates.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe investment and business model supporting this initiative follows a structured approach with clear budget allocations. The Office of Broadcasting Commission (NBTC) and Ministry of Digital Economy and Society allocate 20% of their budget for basic infrastructure, including 5G network installation in elderly-populated areas. The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation contributes 15% of its research budget to develop digital technology solutions for elderly care. Additionally, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, National Health Security Office, and Local Administrative Organizations jointly allocate 25% of their health and social budget for service development. The partnership structure follows a 20:30:50 ratio between government agencies, private sector companies, and social development organizations, respectively. This collaboration focuses on three key investment areas: network systems investment (5G infrastructure), product investment (medical devices and smart technologies), and data investment (health information management and analysis).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe program's long-term objectives are clearly defined and ambitious. It aims to enhance elderly care through digital technology, improve healthcare monitoring, and advance the development of Thailand Personal Health AI. These efforts are ultimately directed toward ensuring a better quality of life and long-term social well-being for the elderly population. Through this comprehensive approach, the program demonstrates a strong commitment to leveraging modern technology and collaborative partnerships to address the complex needs of Thailand's aging population. The success of this initiative relies heavily on the effective integration and cooperation among various stakeholders, from government agencies to private sector partners. By combining traditional outreach methods with innovative digital solutions, the program creates a robust framework for delivering social welfare services to elderly citizens, particularly those who are underprivileged or in need of additional support. The high satisfaction rates in pilot areas suggest that this approach is effectively meeting its intended objectives while laying the groundwork for future developments in elderly care services.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"4. Discussions","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe present study provides significant insights into the integration of IoT technologies in elderly healthcare, addressing critical gaps in understanding technology adoption and social welfare access among older populations in Thailand. Our findings align with and extend previous research on aging, technology, and healthcare. The demographic characteristics of our sample, predominantly female (76.6%) and aged 60–69, reflect broader trends in aging populations observed by Knodel \u0026amp; Chayovan in 2008 (Knodel \u0026amp; Chayovan, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2008\u003c/span\u003e), who highlighted the feminization of aging in Southeast Asian contexts. The socioeconomic vulnerabilities identified—64.2% of individuals having monthly incomes below 5,000 baht (approximately 145.93 USD)—underscore the importance of targeted social welfare interventions. This finding aligns with the research of Jayawardhana et.al (Jayawardhana et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e) on the economic challenges faced by elderly populations.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOur IoT-based health monitoring system demonstrates remarkable potential, aligning with the recommendations for comprehensive, integrated healthcare technologies by the previous study (Chataut et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e). The system's three-tier architecture - featuring data collection, processing, and management layers - addresses critical challenges in remote health monitoring. The high satisfaction rates with medical devices, particularly smartwatches (94.1%) and blood pressure monitors (81.7%), suggest growing technological acceptance among elderly populations, contrasting earlier assumptions about technological resistance (Barnard et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTechnology access patterns revealed fascinating insights. While 78.8% owned internet-enabled smartphones, significant digital barriers persist. The 29.9% concern about online fraud echoes findings by the previous review (Oh et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e) regarding digital literacy and security concerns among older adults. This underscores the necessity of comprehensive digital literacy programs and user-friendly technological interfaces. The social welfare access findings are particularly noteworthy. With 92% receiving monthly living allowances and high participation in community activities (77.7%), the study demonstrates the effectiveness of targeted social support mechanisms. However, lower utilization rates for specialized services like abuse assistance (9.9%) suggest potential gaps in awareness and accessibility, consistent with Cambridge university press’s observations on elder protection mechanisms (lloyd-sherlock et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe proposed Elderly Social Welfare Rights Enhancement Program represents a innovative approach to technology integration. By adopting a collaborative model involving 24 agencies and allocating specific budget percentages, the program mirrors successful international models of cross-sectoral elder care strategie. Our study extends beyond Thailand's local context, offering valuable insights applicable to aging societies globally. The demographic and technological challenges observed resonate with similar transitions in East Asia, Southeast Asia, and emerging economies. Comparative analysis reveals striking parallels with aging populations in countries like Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, where technological integration in eldercare has become a critical policy priority (Hyun-Chool, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e; KA, n.d.; Malhotra et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e; Obi et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLimitations of the study include potential selection bias, as the sample comprised relatively active elderly individuals capable of participating in interviews. Future research should incorporate more diverse population segments, including homebound and chronically ill elderly individuals. The study's recommendations for technology adoption - including gradual education, demonstrating technological benefits, and utilizing technology-proficient elderly as community leaders - align with technology acceptance models proposed by the previous studies of Davis (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1989\u003c/span\u003e) and extended by Venkatesh et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2003\u003c/span\u003e)(Davis, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1989\u003c/span\u003e; Venkatesh et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2003\u003c/span\u003e). These strategies can effectively mitigate technological barriers and promote digital inclusion. Future research directions should focus on expanding technological interventions to more diverse geographical and demographic contexts, developing more intuitive, age-friendly digital interface, investigating long-term health outcomes associated with IoT-based monitoring, and exploring psychological and social impacts of technology integration in eldercare. By addressing technological, economic, and social dimensions, the study offers a holistic approach to supporting aging populations in technological transitions.\u003c/p\u003e "},{"header":"5. Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe study explores the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies into elderly healthcare in Thailand, highlighting the potential benefits of real-time health monitoring and improved access to welfare services. The research aims to understand the relationship between health issues, concerns about technology use, demand for technology use, and the use of technology with access to welfare services for the elderly. The findings indicate that health issues and concerns about technology use significantly impact the elderly's access to welfare services. However, the need for technology use does not significantly impact access to welfare services, possibly due to limitations in access to equipment and support for technology use. The study also found that technology reduces the impact of health problems and concerns about technology use on accessing welfare services, but cannot control the relationship. There is a significant difference between the need for technology use and access to welfare services. However, the study did not find a significant impact of access to welfare services on satisfaction with technology use in the elderly group. This suggests the need for policies and strategies to increase access to and use of technology among the elderly, particularly in supporting technology use for more efficient access to welfare services.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Abbreviations","content":"\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 17.4709%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eISO/IEC\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 38.4359%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInternational Organization for Standardization / International Electrotechnical Commission\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44.0932%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThese are international organizations that develop and publish standards for a wide range of technologies and industries\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 17.4709%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePDPA\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 38.4359%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePersonal Data Protection Act\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44.0932%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA legal framework designed to protect personal data and ensure privacy in various sectors\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 17.4709%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIoTs\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 38.4359%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInternet of Things\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44.0932%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA network of interconnected devices that communicate and exchange data over the internet.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 17.4709%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWHO\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 38.4359%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWorld Health Organization\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44.0932%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 17.4709%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAI\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 38.4359%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eArtificial Intelligence\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44.0932%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 17.4709%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5G\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 38.4359%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFifth Generation\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44.0932%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe latest generation of cellular network technology, offering faster speeds and more reliable internet connections.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 17.4709%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBLE\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 38.4359%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBluetooth Low Energy\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44.0932%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA wireless personal area network technology designed for short-range communication with low power consumption.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 17.4709%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAES-256\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 38.4359%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAdvanced Encryption Standard 256-bit\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44.0932%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA symmetric encryption algorithm widely used across the globe to secure data.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 17.4709%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTLS\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 38.4359%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTransport Layer Security\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44.0932%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA cryptographic protocol designed to provide secure communication over a computer network.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003ch2\u003eEthics approval and consent to participate\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe research received ethical approval from the Center for Ethics in Human Research at Khon Kaen University (reference No. HE662198). The study was registered with the Institutional Review Board (IRB Number IRB00008614) and held Federal Wide Assurance (FWA Number FWA00003418). All participants were informed of the research content and provided consent to participate in the project.\u0026nbsp;All authors have read and approved the final manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAvalibility of data and materials\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe study\u0026apos;s datasets are made available upon request, and confidentiality agreements are in place with respect to sensitive or proprietary data to ensure adherence to regulations and ethical guidelines.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCompeting Interests\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is no conflict of interests to declare.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFunding Information\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis research was supported by the Broadcasting Research and Development Fund Television Business and Telecommunications Business for Public Benefit (grant number B63-8-(2)-001) and the Khon Kaen University Research Program (Funding No. RP68-1-001). K.S. rececived funding from Fundamental Fund;FF ( Artificial Intelligence Technique for Intelligent Laboratory System), project ID 4708343. Additionally, this work was funded from from the NSRF via the Program Management Unit for Human Resources \u0026amp; Institutional Development, Research and Innovation (Grant B13F680078).\u0026nbsp;We gratefully acknowledge the financial support provided by these organizations, which made this research possible.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAuthors\u0026rsquo; contributions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChaturapron Chokphukhiao\u003c/strong\u003e: Methodology, formal analysis, writing-original draft preparation, writing-review and editing, resources, funding acquistion.\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eWonn Shweyi Thet Tun\u003c/strong\u003e: Data curation, writing-original draft preparation, writing-review and editing.\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;Poomin Duankhan\u003c/strong\u003e: Data visualization, software, writing-review and editing.\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eSakaowrat Masa\u003c/strong\u003e: Data visualization, data analysis.\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;Patcharee Hongthong\u003c/strong\u003e: Software, data analysis, writing-review and editing.\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eCholatip Pongskul\u003c/strong\u003e: Investigation, writing-review and editing.\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eSomporn Chaiayuth\u003c/strong\u003e:\u0026nbsp;Investigation, writing-review and editing.\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eJugsun Loeiyood\u003c/strong\u003e:\u0026nbsp;Investigation, writing-review and editing.\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003ePiyathida Kuhirunyaratn\u003c/strong\u003e:\u0026nbsp;Investigation, methodology.\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eBangonsri Jindawong\u003c/strong\u003e:\u0026nbsp;Investigation, methodology.\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;Nipitphon Seeooppalat\u003c/strong\u003e:\u0026nbsp;Investigation, methodology.\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;Nipitphon Seeooppalat\u003c/strong\u003e:\u0026nbsp;Investigation, methodology. \u003cstrong\u003eSirapat Chiewchanwattana\u003c/strong\u003e: Data visualization, software, writing-review and editing. \u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eRina Patramanon\u003c/strong\u003e: Conceptualization, resources, funding acquistion, project administration.\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eKhamron Sunat\u003c/strong\u003e: Conceptualization, project administration, supervision, methodology, formal analysis, writing-review and editing.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgments\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe would like to thank the local health authorities and community leaders in Khon Kaen, Lampang, Ayutthaya, and Songkhla for their support in facilitating this study. We acknowledge Tely360 Co., Ltd. for providing IoT devices, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the 2,005 elderly participants for their active interest in the research.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAkash MR, Yousuf, Shikder K. (2020). \u003cem\u003eIoT Based Real Time Health Monitoring System\u003c/em\u003e (p. 171). \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1109/INBUSH46973.2020.9392163\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1109/INBUSH46973.2020.9392163\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlmalki S. Integrating Quantitative and Qualitative Data in Mixed Methods Research\u0026mdash;Challenges and Benefits. J Educ Learn. 2016;5(3):288\u0026ndash;96.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlmutairi M, Gabralla LA, Abubakar S, Chiroma H. 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IEEE Access. 2020;8:75822\u0026ndash;32.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Elderly healthcare, digital health technology, real-time health monitoring, social welfare access","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-5949361/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-5949361/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eThe rapid aging population in Thailand necessitates innovative solutions to improve healthcare access and monitoring for the elderly. In this study, technology access, social welfare rights, and health monitoring systems among elderly populations in Thailand were investigated by employing a mixed-methods approach. A quantitative survey was conducted with 2,005 participants aged 60 and above across four provinces (Khon Kaen, Lampang, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, and Songkhla), achieving a 96.95% response rate. The study developed a three-tier IoT-based health monitoring system, focusing on smartwatches and blood pressure monitors. High satisfaction rates were found with medical devices. Technology access was significant, with 78.8% owning internet-enabled smartphones and 92% receiving monthly living allowances. The study analyzed quantitative data using multiple regression statistics, revealing that health problems and concerns about technology are the top two factors restricting access to welfare services for the elderly. In addition, the challenges in digital access were noted, including concerns about online fraud (29.9%) and limited technological infrastructure. Access to efficient welfare services was the most strongly associated factor with increased satisfaction among the elderly in using digital health technology. This research encourages developing digital skills and providing appropriate support to enhance elderly individuals\u0026rsquo; ability to access services, emphasizing the importance of addressing these factors within the aging population. It contributes to understanding the intersection of IoT technologies, social welfare, and elderly care, offering insights for future advancements in healthcare services for older adults.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eClinical Trial Number\u003c/b\u003e: not applicable.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Improving Elderly Healthcare by Health Monitoring and Access to Social Welfare Services by IoTs integrationin Thailand","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-02-07 10:47:57","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-5949361/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"55e06764-57ed-43ba-a9bc-fb09f82af9b9","owner":[],"postedDate":"February 7th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-02-11T06:54:22+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-02-07 10:47:57","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-5949361","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-5949361","identity":"rs-5949361","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}