This study explores rural elderly preferences for support across a multi-dimensional measure of
elderly care needs. Applying a framework developed in the U.S. to Thailand for the first time, five
diverse types of support are considered:meal preparation, personal care, transportation, financial
support, and emotional support. The emphasis is on preferences for care and not actual care
received. The data are from focus group discussions conducted in seven villages in Nang Rong
district, northeastern Thailand. Thailand and the study site represent the social and economic
conditions faced by many rapidly industrializing places—where there has been a dramatic
demographic transition (lowered fertility and substantial out-migration), growing numbers of
older persons remaining in rural settings, and limited publically-financed elderly care ormarketbased
elder care available for purchase. For this study, in each village, male and female older
persons aged 60 and over participated in the focus group discussions. As part of the discussion,
focus group participants were asked to rank their first four preferences by type of support. Male
and female older persons' preferences were slightly different for genderized tasks. In addition,
social closeness and geographical proximity mattered. Traditional matrilocal residence patterns
contributed to the perceptions of the older persons. Neighbors were preferredwhen kinwere not
available. Preferences inform strategic choices by older persons given the context of available
resources. Understanding preferences and strategic choices among the older persons can help
policy makers tailor programs more effectively and efficiently, without jeopardizing elderly
well-being.