Developing and Evaluating a Program to Support Preparation for Aging: A Case Study from Phuket Province, Thailand.

Introduction: Thailand's aging population is increasing. While the societal impact of aging is recognized, formal programs to support pre-retirement planning are currently lacking. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a program specifically designed to address this gap and support individuals to prepare for a healthy and fulfilling later life. Methods: We employed a quasi-experimental, one-group pre-test/post-test design to evaluate a newly developed program focused on pre-retirement preparation. The program consisted of four, 3-hr modules delivered weekly. Voluntary participants (N = 25) were aged 50 to 59 years, physically active, and committed to attending all modules. Participants' knowledge and self-reported preparedness for aging were assessed before and after program completion. Results: The program led to a statistically significant increase in participants' overall knowledge of aging (z = -2.010, p < .05). While specific areas of preparation did not show statistically significant individual differences, mean scores improved across all aspects of preparation. This may reflect the existing health knowledge of some participants and their proactive approach to aging preparation (80% reported some prior preparation). Conclusion: This study demonstrates the effectiveness of a pre-retirement preparation program in enhancing knowledge and self-reported preparedness for aging. Findings suggest that such programs can stimulate middle-aged adults to plan for their future well-being. This study underscores the need for a more holistic approach to pre-retirement preparation. Future programs should consider incorporating content beyond health and finances, potentially including social life planning as identified in this research. Future research could explore program modifications, such as extended formats and content tailored to specific needs.