Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology (한국환경생태학회지)

Korean Society of Environment and Ecology (한국환경생태학회)
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A Study of Walking, Viewing and Fragrance-based Forest Therapy Programs Effect on Living Alone Adults' Dementia Prevention

걷기, 경관감상 그리고 향기를 이용한 산림치유프로그램이 독거노인의 치매예방에 미치는 효과 연구

  • Kim, Il-Doo (Graduate Department of forest Therapy Chungbuk National Univ.) ;
  • Koo, Chang-Duck (Forestry, Graduate School Chungbuk National Univ.)
  • 김일두 (충북대학교 대학원 산림치유학협동과정) ;
  • 구창덕 (충북대학교 산림학과)
  • Received : 2018.12.17
  • Accepted : 2019.01.07
  • Published : 2019.02.28
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Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of forest healing programs with walking, sightseeing, and forest scent among six healing forest treatments using forest environment on the cognitive function, depression, and quality of life of elderly living alone. The subjects of the study were 17 senior citizens living in Samcheok and complaining of severe depression and forgetfulness. They were divided into two groups, and each group participated in the six sessions of the weekly forest healing program. All of them were surveyed of a Korean version of the MMSE-K, BDI (Beck Depression Inventory Korean Version), and SF-36 (Short Form 36 health survey questionnaire) with the questionnaire designed for the one-group pre-post test to examine changes in cognitive function, depression, and quality of life. The results showed that the mental status, depression level, and quality of life of respondents were significantly higher after healing programs. These results suggest that participation in healing program activities using forest environment can improve cognitive function, relieve depression and improve quality of life for senior citizens living alone. Therefore, inducing older adults who live alone and avoid outside activities to participate in the regular forest healing program will contribute to the prevention of dementia due to age and environment.

본 연구의 목적은 숲 환경을 이용한 산림치유 6대 요법 중 걷기, 경관 감상, 숲속 향기를 이용한 산림치유프로그램 체험활동이 독거노인의 인지기능, 우울, 삶의 질에 미치는 영향을 검증하기 위한 것이다. 연구대상은 삼척시에 거주하며 우울증과 건망이 심하다고 호소하는 독거노인 17명이 연구에 참여하였다. 이들은 각 두 집단으로 나뉘어 각 집단은 매 주 1회(총 6회기) 산림치유프로그램에 참여하여 설문조사를 하였다. 이들은 모두 인지기능, 우울, 삶의 질에서의 변화를 관찰하기 위해 한국형 간이 정신상태 검사(MMSE-K), BDI(Beck Depression Inventory 한국판), SF-36(Short Form 36 health survey questionnaire)에 대한 사전-사후(one-group pre-post test design) 설문지 검사를 받았다. 연구결과 치유 프로그램 참여 후 응답자의 정신상태와 우울 수준 그리고 삶의 질이 모두 유의미하게 높아진 것으로 나타났다. 이 결과를 통해서 산림환경을 이용한 치유프로그램 활동 참여가 은둔형 독거노인에게 인지기능 향상과 우울 해소 그리고 삶의 질 개선에 도움이 됨을 알 수 있었다. 따라서 홀로 남겨져 외부활동을 기피하는 은둔형 독거노인을 대상으로 정기적인 산림치유 프로그램에 참여토록 유도할 경우 나이와 환경으로 인한 치매 예방에 기여할 것으로 생각한다.

Keywords

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