LIVED EXPERIENCE OF ELDERLY BUDDHIST NUNS LIVING ALONE IN NORTHERN THAILAND
Keywords:
Elderly, Buddhist nuns, Nun’s lifeAbstract
The qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experience and social support needed by elderly Buddhist nuns residing in a monastery in a municipality in Northern Thailand. The subjects, purposively selected to participate in the study, included 15 Buddhist nuns aged 60 and over. In-depth interview, non-participant observation and thematic analysis were employed for data collection and analysis. The results show that the lived experience of the nuns was categorized into 4 major themes: 1) reasons for becoming nuns, which included suffering, family problems, illness and religious beliefs in righteousness, 2) living as a nun, that is living a peaceful life, being self-reliant, assisting in monastic affairs, and observing religious precepts, 3) social support, like financial support from monastics and donors, support from fellow nuns, support from family, and support from the healthcare service system, 4) seeking for self-care support that includes self care group and use of herbs for health maintenance and 5) aspirations/wishes of the Buddhist nuns like elderly-specific healthcare service, community support for a better quality of life and support for unity of Buddhist nuns. This study provides an essential understanding of the lived experience of the Buddhist nuns that must be recognized by healthcare and social service professionals for integrating care to improve the quality of life and meet the multiple needs of nuns within their special context.
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