• PNF and Movement
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.93-103
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• 2016

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the factors that increase fall risk in the residential environment and the perceived fall risk among community-dwelling elderly through comparisons between fallers and non-fallers. Methods: The subjects were 95 community-dwelling elderly aged 65 years and over residing in the metropolitan city of Ulsan. A structured questionnaire consisting of items on sociodemographics and health- and fall-related characteristics was used and data were collected from July to August 2015. The data were analyzed with the SPSS/WIN program. Results: Among recent fallers, 38.9% had diagnosed diseases when the fall occurred, 56.87% were fearful of a recurrent fall, and 86.5% stated that they were increasing their carefulness but that had led to a decrease in activity. There were significant differences between elders who had fallen at least once and elders who had no falls in age, health status, depression, the experience of falling, fear of falling, diseases, and medications. Conclusion: The results indicate a need to assess risk factors to identify older adults with a high risk for falling and the need to develop multifactorial intervention programs that consider both environmental and perceived risk factors as well as physical risk factors to reduce and prevent falls among the elderly.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.358-368
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• 2012

The purpose of this study was to discover the factors affecting on physical activity levels of community-dwelling older adults in Korea. The data was analyzed on 12,322 older adults, aged 65 or above, from the 2008 National Elderly Survey. The results of this study were as follows: First, 29.9% of older men and 46.4% of older women were classified as physically inactivity. Second, age(OR=1.44, p<.001), education(OR=1.17, p=.026), location of residence(OR=1.19, p=.016), perceived health status(OR=2.18, p<.001), chronic disease(OR=1.23, p=.020), pain(OR=1.24, p=.011), ADL(OR=1.86, p<.001), fear of fall(OR=1.26, p=.003), depression(OR=1.78, p<.001) predicted physical activity levels in older men. Age(OR=1.54, p<.001), perceived health status(OR=1.63, p<.001), pain(OR=1.45, p<.001), falling experience(OR=1.24, p=.001), ADL(OR=1.72, p<.001), depression(OR=1.46, p<.001) predicted physical activity levels in older women. It is suggested that the findings of this study are helpful to develop effective physical activity interventions for older adults.

• Journal of Industrial Convergence
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• v.20 no.12
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• pp.39-47
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• 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate the level of depression and dysphagia among the community-dwelling older adults and to find the relationships between depression and dysphagia. The study was cross-sectional survey and participants were 159 older adults above 65 years of age recruited by convenience sampling in two cities. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and Stepwise multiple regression. According to results, the average score of participant's depression were 4.56. There was a significant correlation between depression and dysphagia. Multiple regression analysis showed that self-rated health status(𝛽=-.210, p=.019), dysphagia(𝛽=.202, p=.006), number of chronic diseases(𝛽=.188, p=.015), and oral condition(𝛽=-.174, p=.041) were significant factors of depression. These variables explained 23.9% of depression. Therefore, effective health management strategies considering self-rated health status, dysphagia, chronic diseases, and oral condition should be established to reduce depression in the elderly.

• Journal of muscle and joint health
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.218-227
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• 2022

Purpose: This study aimed to describe the current level of physical activity (PA) and to explore the relationships between self-efficacy for PA, perceived health status (PHS), attitudes toward aging, ego-integrity and PA in community-dwelling older Koreans. Methods: A total of 164 participants were recruited from community centers, churches, and senior welfare centers in Korea. With questionnaires, a survey was conducted from June 3rd to 22th, 2016. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA and Pearson's correlation coefficient using SPSS/WIN 22.0 program. Results: The mean amount of total PA was 5,295.33±6,272.38 MET/min/week. The number of subjects engaged in vigorous, moderate, and low-intensity activities were 87 (53.0%), 45 (27.4%), and 32 (19.5%), respectively. Overall, physical activities were different according to the presence of spouse (t=-2.79, p=.006) and the presence of housemate (t=2.03, p=.044). The mean scores of self-efficacy for PA, PHS, attitudes towards aging, and ego-integrity were 17.16±4.45, 9.00±2.41, 68.12±9.28 and 51.62±7.59, respectively. There were significant positive correlations between overall PA and self-efficacy for PA (r=.34, p<.001), PHS (r=.23, p=.003), attitudes towards aging (r=.26, p=.001). Conclusion: Specific programs to promote physical activities in addition to continuous education for improving self-efficacy for PA, PHS, and attitudes towards aging in community-dwelling older adults are needed.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Rural Health Nursing
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.55-65
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• 2024

Purpose: This study was intended to gain an in-depth understanding of and explored the experiences and meanings of participating in care services among community-dwelling older adults. Methods: A focus group interview approach was adopted. Twenty older adults were interviewed from November to December 2021 using semi-structured interview questions. The data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Three main themes and seven sub-themes emerged for the elderly people living alone. One main theme was "ambivalence of elderly care services," the second was "desperate need for care services," and the third was "positive changes and expectations experienced with care services." For the elderly people living with their families, two main themes and four sub-themes were identified. One main theme was "care services met within the family system," the second was "needs for care services outside the family system." Conclusion: We aim to provide a basis for strengthening the quality of elderly community care services in the mid- to long-term and establish a system of close linkages between necessary services by understanding the needs of elderly people who live alone or with their families.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.75-80
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• 2009

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of an obstacle height on the balance control of older adults while stepping over an obstacle from a position of quiet stance. Methods: Fifteen community-dwelling healthy older adults (mean age, $74.4\pm4.27$ yrs; age range, 67-82 yrs) volunteered to participate in this study. The subjects performed gait initiation (GI) and they stepped over obstacles of two different heights (10 cm and 18 cm) at a self-paced speed from a position of quiet stance. Their performance was assessed by recording the changes in the displacement of the COP in the anteroposterior (A-P) and mediolateral (M-L) directions using a force platform. Results: The M-L displacement of the COP significantly increased for an 18 cm obstacle height condition as compared to the GI and a 10 cm obstacle height condition (p<0.01). Furthermore, the M-L displacement of the COP for a 10 cm high obstacle was significantly greater for that for the GI (p<0.01). However, the mean of the A-P displacement of the COP was similar between the stepping conditions for the A-P displacement of the COP (p>0.05). Conclusion: This study suggests that the M-L COP displacement could be a better parameter to identify the dynamic balance control in older adults when negotiating obstacles.

• The Korean Journal of Rehabilitation Nursing
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.108-117
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• 2016

Purpose: This study aimed to prove the effects of the net-step exercise (NSE) on gait ability, depression, cognitive function and activities of daily living (ADL) in older adults. Methods: The study employed a non-equivalent control group non-synchronized design. A total of 64 community-dwelling older adults were recruited and divided equally into two groups; 32 subjects for an experimental group and 32 subjects for a control group. In the experimental group, the NSE was applied to an hour, two times per week for 4 weeks. The level of gait ability, depression, cognitive function and ADL were measured before and after NSE. The study conducted from July to August, 2016. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, $x^2$ test, Fisher's exact test, t-test, ANCOVA, and Pearson correlation coefficients using SPSS/WIN 22.0 version. Results: Gait ability, depression, cognitive function were significantly better in the experimental group than the control group. However, the difference in ADL was not significant between the two groups. Conclusion: These findings in this study showed that the NSE was an efficient intervention for older adults. Nurses could apply non-pharmacological interventions to avoid pharmacological side-effects.

• Therapeutic Science for Rehabilitation
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.39-51
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• 2022

Objective : This study aimed to investigate the awareness and experience of community-based dysphagia therapy and related education in community-dwelling older adults. Methods : A total of 89 older adults were recruited from a public health center in Gyeonggi-do. Awareness, experience, and related education regarding community-based dysphagia therapy were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results : We analyzed 89 questionnaires. Awareness, treatment experience, and education regarding dysphagia were low; however, the importance and intention to participate were high. Respondents wanted education about proper chewing and safe swallowing, oral health, oral motor exercise, and participation in community-based dysphagia programs in public health centers. The reason for the lack of experience in dysphagia education and therapy is insufficient information and opportunities. The respondents had a good understanding of dysphagia symptoms. Conclusion : Dysphagia therapy maintains swallowing and eating functions as a life-long Activity of Daily Living, and is a very important area in community rehabilitation. Based on the results of this survey, the necessity and importance of community-based dysphagia were identified. It is time to provide correct information and develop a systematic education program for community-based dysphagia therapy. Occupational therapists need to play an active role in improving quality of life by early detection and providing proper intervention.

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.37-43
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• 2020

The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between upper limb muscle strength and cognitive function in older Korean adults. A total of 130 Community-dwelling older adults, who were able to independently conduct activities of daily living, participated in the study. We assessed upper limb muscle strength using a handgrip strength and arm curl test, and their cognitive function using a Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) and general practitioner assessment of cognition (GPCOG) tests. Out of 130 participants, 26 (20%) had normal cognitive functions, while 104 older adults (80%) had mild cognitive impairments (MCI). Handgrip strength was significantly different between older adults with and without MCI (p<.05) and was related to MoCA and GPCOG (p<.05). In the result, there is a correlation between physical ability and cognitive function of the older adults. Therefore, it is necessary to develop exercise program to improve mental health.

• 한국노년학
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.617-638
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• 2020

It is important to maintain a healthy dietary habit to enjoy better health and quality of life in later life. However, taking care of one's dietary lifestyle at an older age may be a challenge. Especially, community dwelling low-income older adults are one of the most vulnerable population in regards to holding a well balanced healthy diet. The purpose of this research is to identify the current status of food delivery services for low-income older adults and explore related issues. In order to achieve the aim, this study conduced two sets of focus group interviews with 8 nutritionists and 7 social workers in Seoul. According to the research results, there are issues related to meals on wheels such as vague eligibility, poor operation conditions, work overload, and difficulty in realizing customized meal delivery. Food security for low-income older adults is a prerequisite for aging in place. It is necessary to discuss the ways to create favorable operating conditions to deliver customized meals and manage nutrition and hygiene from the perspective of social work.