A Comparison between Dependent and Independent Attitude Groups Regarding Elderly Lives and Living Arrangements

The purpose of this research was to study opinions on elderly housing and attitudes toward the problems related to elderly lives, which were due to dependence or independence in later life. The survey was conducted among middle-aged people in their fifties, living in Seoul. The final sample included 498 respondents. Since the statistical analysis was focused only on independent and dependent groups, total cases for the analysis were 373. The results of this study were as follows. Firstly, the group that was more independent in later life tended to be healthier, lived with a husband or wife, had no children, and had more monthly income and assets. Secondly, the group that was more independent in later life believed that they had the sole responsibility of resolving later life issues. The group that was more dependent believed that their family, not themselves, must resolve their later life problems. The independent group wanted to continue their work or enjoy leisure. Thirdly, the group that was more independent about elderly housing stated that they were responsible for it, while the other group stated that their family was. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of general idea, and social interest. However, the independent group answered that more development and management of elderly housing were needed. The expected living arrangement in their later lives was similar. Also, there were no differences between the two groups in living with family or the demand for service from elderly housing.