Occupational Motivation among Older Adults: A Case Study of Phitsanulok Municipality Service Area

Abstract

This research article aims to (1) explain the motivations for employment among the elderly in Phitsanulok Province, (2) analyze the factors affecting the motivation for employment among the elderly in Phitsanulok Province, and (3) propose strategies to enhance employment motivation for the elderly in Phitsanulok Province. This research employs a mixed-methods approach between quantitative methods and qualitative methods. The tools used for data collection include questionnaires and in-depth interviews. The statistical methods used for data analysis include descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. For qualitative data, content analysis was conducted. The study's findings indicate that 1) the overall motivation for employment among the elderly is at a high level, consisting of aspects related to the need for livelihood, the desire for growth, and the need for social relationships. 2) Factors affecting the motivation for employment among the elderly in Phitsanulok Province include (1) personal factors that differ in terms of individual status, such as gender, marital status, health condition, education level, the last job position held, and special skills; (2) economic status, including income, expenditure burden, debt burden, and owned assets; and (3) social status, including social grouping and the type of social groups to which they belong, resulting in differences in employment motivation among the elderly. 3) Strategies to enhance employment motivation for the elderly in Phitsanulok Province include (1) creating equity in access to employment policies for the elderly and (2) extending the retirement age for elderly workers in the system.