Enhancing Elderly Happiness and Well-Being Through Mandala Meditation Art
Phramaha Thanawut Yanasopano, Wiphawan Limphaibool, Phrakhru Kowitarttawatee
The International Journal of Health, Wellness, and Society April 27, 2026 DOI: 10.18848/2156-8960/cgp/a458 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Sequential mixed-method design Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 30 |
| Population | Elderly participants aged 60 and above in Thailand |
| Intervention | Mandala art-based meditation program |
| Duration | Eleven-month intervention with forty-four weekly sessions |
| Measures | Buddhist Happiness Scale |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key points | Significant improvements across all happiness domains, particularly emotional well-being, with participants reporting greater mindfulness, emotional balance, and social connectedness after the mandala meditation program. |
Abstract
Thailand’s rapid transition into a super-aged society presents critical challenges for promoting health and well-being among older adults. This study examines how a mandala art-based meditation program can function as a culturally grounded health promotion strategy to enhance happiness and mental wellness in elderly populations. A sequential mixed-method design was employed. In Phase 1, in-depth interviews with nine participants explored elderly perceptions of happiness, which were categorized into four domains aligned with Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness (GNH) framework: physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well-being. Phase 2 involved thirty participants aged 60 and above, who joined an eleven-month intervention of forty-four weekly mandala meditation art sessions, assessed through a pre–post Buddhist Happiness Scale. Phase 3 reflective discussions provided qualitative insights into lived experiences. Results revealed significant improvements across all domains, particularly emotional well-being, with participants reporting greater mindfulness, emotional balance, and social connectedness. These findings suggest that mandala-based meditation, grounded in Buddhist principles, may serve as an effective, low-cost, and culturally relevant approach to promoting elderly well-being in aging societies.