• 한국노년학
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.1229-1246
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• 2011

The objectives of this study were to analyze change in life satisfaction of Korean elderly, to find determinants of it in an aging society, and to suggest ways of improving their life satisfaction. Data used in this study were from 1994, 2004, 2008 national survey results on the elderly life conditions and welfare need conducted by the Korea Institute for Health Social Affairs and Keimyung University, which were collected from 1,371, 3,278, 3,009 elderly people aged 65 and over who answered regarding their life satisfaction each year. Data were analyzed by multiple regression method. The results of analysis showed that the general life satisfaction of Koreans elderly is higher than average and is decreasing year after year. Determinants of life satisfaction for Korean elderly can be divided in two factors: common factors(i.e. subjective economic and health conditions) and flexible factors(i.e. marital status, employment status, perceptions of aging). Implications for designing services and service systems for elderly families were discussed.

• Human Ecology Research
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• v.62 no.2
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• pp.217-231
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• 2024

The aims of this study were to identify (a) the social network contact frequency of the elderly with children, relatives, and friends; (b) the impact of contact frequency (face-to-face/non-face-to-face) on life satisfaction of the elderly; and (c) the moderating effect of digital capabilities of the elderly on the relationship between social contact frequency and life satisfaction. Data were obtained from the National Survey of Older Koreans 2020. The sample comprised 6,119 adults aged 65+ who were in single or couple households. The principal findings were as follows. First, couple households, higher levels of education, and better health status increased life satisfaction of the elderly. Second, the higher the frequency of face-to-face contact with children and the higher the frequency of non-face-to-face contact with friends, the more positive the effect on life satisfaction of the elderly. Third, the interaction effect of the digital capabilities of the elderly differed according to children, relatives and friends. There was a significant and positive moderating effect on the relationship between life satisfaction and the frequency of face-to-face/non-face-to-face contact with children and the frequency of face-to-face contact with relatives. Conversely, there was a significant negative effect on the relationship between life satisfaction and the frequency of face-to-face/non-face-to-face contact with friends. By examining the impact of non-face-to-face contact on life satisfaction of the elderly in the era of digital transformation, the findings have significance in that they provide basic data to support policies and education programs aimed at improving the digital capabilities of the elderly.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.386-397
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• 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare functional status and the level of health care needs in elderly Koreans in health care institutions. Methods: Data were collected from 2,521 elderly patients admitted in 50 health care institutions (hospitals, oriental hospitals, geriatric hospitals, and health care facilities) selected through proportional stratified sampling in 2008. We used a long-term care (LTC) assessment tool developed by the government, which consists of 52 items with 5 subscales. Results: Statistically significant differences were detected in functional status and the level of health care needs among the subjects in different health care institutions. Of the sample population in geriatric hospitals, 48.9% were eligible for LTC Category 1, 20.9% for Category 2, and 17.2% for Category 3, and 13.1% of the subjects were not eligible for any of the categories. Of the sample population in health care facilities, 29.9% were eligible for LTC Category 1, 20.5% for Category 2, and 21.8% for Category 3, and 27.0% of the subjects were not eligible for any of the categories. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate the necessity of the development of an evaluation system that helps determine whether a subject is eligible for LTC.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.16 no.sup1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2022

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans (KDRIs) were revised in 2020. Due to the rapidly aging Korean population, special consideration was given to reclassify the KDRI age group categories of older adults. This article examines the evidence for modifying the current KDRI age group ranges of older adults (65-74 and ≥ 75 yrs). SUBJECTS/METHODS: We first reviewed the domestic and international data on the elderly, following which we received expert opinions on age classification from the KDRI Advisory Committee. Finally, the 6th and 7th (2013-2017) Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) data were used to analyze the nutritional intake statuses by considering the age of older adults. RESULTS: According to the review results of domestic and international data and the inputs received from the expert advisory committee, the minimum age considered for the elderly was maintained at 65 yrs. However, the KNHANES data was analyzed to review whether there was a need to subdivide the later periods. Examining the differences in nutrient intakes by age group through the interaction effect term of the piecewise linear regression model revealed the interaction effect was maximum in the groups divided by 65 yrs (50-64 and 65-80), as compared to the groups divided by 70 yrs (50-69 and 70-80) and 75 yrs (50-74 and 75-80). The mean adequacy ratio was calculated per 1 yr of age, and a 3-yr (age) moving average analysis was performed to examine the change in the trends of overall nutrient intake. However, it was challenging to secure a scientific basis for subdivision into age groups in older adults from the results obtained. CONCLUSIONS: This study could not find any scientific evidence for modifying the KDRI age groups for older adults.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.16 no.sup1
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• pp.11-20
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• 2022

Research articles were reviewed to validate the estimated energy requirements (EERs) equations developed by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies (IOM). These equations are based on total energy expenditure (TEE) measured by the doubly labeled water (DLW) method. We subsequently aimed to provide the basis for the suitability to apply the IOM equations as EER equations for Koreans, and develop relevant equations for EER in the Dietary Reference Intake for Koreans (KDRI). Additionally, besides the EER(IOM) equations, other equations were examined for EER estimation. Research papers demonstrating the validation of the EER(IOM) equations based on TEE(DLW) were searched through PubMed (up to September 2019). Of the 637 potentially relevant articles identified, duplicates and unsuitable titles and abstracts were excluded. Furthermore, papers with irrelevant subject and inappropriate study design were also excluded. Finally, 11 papers were included in the review. Among the reviewed papers, 8 papers validated the application of the EER(IOM) equations for EER based on TEE(DLW). These included 3 studies for children (USA 1, Korea 2), 1 for adolescents (Portugal), 2 for adults (Korean), and 2 for the elderly (Korea, USA). EER(IOM) equations were found to be generally acceptable for determining EER by using the DLW method, except for Korean boys at 9-11 yrs (overestimated) and female athletes at 19-24 yrs (underestimated). Additionally, 5 papers include the validation of other EER equations, beside EER(IOM) for EER based on TEE(DLW). In Japanese dietary reference intake and recommended dietary allowance, EER equations are acceptable for determining EER based on TEE(DLW). The EER(IOM) equations is generally acceptable for determining EER using the DLW method in Koreans as well as several populations, although certain defined groups were found to be unfit for the estimation. Additionally, the concept of healthy body mass index of Koreans and physical activity levels need to be considered, thereby providing the basis for developing relevant equations of EER in KDRI.

• Journal of the Korean Dietetic Association
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.159-172
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• 2013

Food is an essential component of good health and a high quality of life. This is especially true for the elderly, where health and quality of life can vary due to eating issues. This study attempts to measure the satisfaction with food-related life in the elderly of South Korea, while examining differences in social support, depression, isolation, and life satisfaction based on the level of satisfaction with food-related life. Data collection was conducted using one-on-one surveys from December 2011 to January 2012. A total of 390 elderly (aged 65 and over) who live in Korea participated in this study. The results showed that the satisfaction with food-related life was high (3.52 out of 5). The elderly who had company during a meal or a meal preparer showed a higher satisfaction with their food-related life. Social support was high (5.32 out of 7) and the feelings of isolation were low (3.85 out of 5). The average satisfaction with life was 4.42 out of 7, indicating a fair satisfaction with life, while the average depression score was relatively low (8.77 out of 26). In general, the elderly with a higher satisfaction with food-related life had a higher social support and overall satisfaction with their life. On the other hand, the elderly with a lower satisfaction with food-related life generally reported higher levels of depression and isolation. A positive correlation was observed between satisfaction with food-related life, social support, and satisfaction of life, while a negative correlation was found between satisfaction with food-related life, isolation, and depression. The results of this study indicate that managing the satisfaction with food-related life is an important component of mental health in the elderly.

• Journal of the Korean Home Economics Association
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• v.40 no.5
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• pp.195-210
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• 2002

The purpose of this study were to find out the difference of needs of caring between care-givers and non care-givers, and to suggest the way of lessening vigorous task of care-givers for the elderly with dementia. Data were collected from 130 nationwide respondents intentionally divided into two groups; care-givers and non care-givers in the middle aged with middle and upper income. Collected data were analyzed by frequency, percentage, t-test using SPSS package. Since the result of survey, unexpectedly, showed no difference between two groups, it could be explained as that these two groups commonly had same needs of caring for the elderly with dementia. Major findings were as follow; 1) Most Koreans stiff thought family should be the main care-giver for the elderly with dementia prior to nation or society. 2) Responsibility of caring for the elderly with dementia would be better to be shared with children instead of focusing to a child. 3) They thought ideal residential facilities for the elderly with dementia were small-scale professional dementia facility(group home) rather than home or general elderly housing. 4) Professional dementia care hospital was one of the most needed facilities for the elderly with dementia, followed by short-stay and dar-care center. 5) It was revealed care-giving task was vigorous showing that most care-givers spent 1-5 hours a day for caring, while 13% of respondents spent 11-24 hours a duty. 6) 90% of care-givers took the responsibility of main care-giver because of duty of offsprings or spouses, and wanted to be free from their current circumstances. From the result of this survey researchers would like to suggest the establishment of diverse facilities for professional dementia care to lessen the caring burden for the elderly with dementia: group home, chronic hospital, short-stay, day-care center. Financial support from the government for the housing renovation of the caring families should be considered seriously afterward. It is needed to give the opportunity to select proper paid dementia care facilities according to their income and situation of household.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.245-252
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• 2020

Background: Happiness is one of the most important indicators of health, wellbeing, and quality of life among older adults. The objective of the study was to investigate factors associated with happiness among senior citizens residing in rural areas using the 2017 National Survey of Older Koreans. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 3,149 senior citizens living in rural areas using secondary data from the 2017 National Survey of Older Koreans. Happiness was measured by a single question and responses were recorded dichotomously. Descriptive and inferential statistics were computed at a 5% level of significance. Results: In all, 64.5% of the participants considered themselves as happy most of the time in the last 1 week. In the study, socio-demographic factors did not predict happiness except age. Satisfaction with a health status, financial situation, relationship with children, cultural satisfaction, and satisfaction with friends and society were positively associated with happiness among senior citizens residing in rural areas of Korea. Odds of reporting happiness were higher among those who traveled in the last 1 year, visited elderly welfare centers, and were involved in voluntary work than among those who did not. Conclusion: Happiness among senior citizen was significantly associated with life satisfaction with regard to health, finance, relationship with family, friends and society, and social activity participation.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.302-312
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• 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify associated factors of chewing discomfort among community-dwelling elderly. Methods: The study was cross-sectional design and secondary data analysis using the 6th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Among the total of 7,550 participants, data was analyzed with 1,126 adults aged 65 years and over. Chewing discomfort was assessed by the perceived chewing discomfort. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to find the associated factors of chewing discomfort. Results: Along with 61.7% of the participants reported having chewing discomfort, 85.2% reported to perceive poor oral health and 35.0% had oral pain. In multivariate logistic regression, perceived oral health (OR 3.22, 95% CI 2.24~4.63), oral pain (OR 2.46, 95% CI 1.76~3.43), activity limitation (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.05~2.80), teeth requiring treatment (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.14~2.26), number of remaining teeth (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.22~2.10) and educational level (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.15~2.12) were the significant predictors of chewing discomfort. Conclusion: The prevalence in chewing discomfort was high in elderly Koreans and various factors were associated with chewing discomfort. To improve chewing ability, it is suggested that the national level of policies offer strategical oral health programs in this population.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.242-253
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• 2016

Purpose: This research aims to understand the perceptions of nursing homes from the perspective of the elderly, explores the themes of such perception and provides supporting evidence for developing nursing intervention that focuses on the subjects of care within nursing homes. Methods: This research is based on qualitative research in a phenomenological methodology. The research participants included elders aged 67~83 living at home in Jeonnam, Jeonbuk Provinces and G City. Data collection methodologies included in-depth interviews and observation of participants. The data were analyzed in the phenomenological methodology by Colaizzi. Results: As a result of the research, it was found that all significant statements about the Korean elders' perception of nursing homes fell within 3 categories with 9 major themes and 23 minor themes. The three observed categories for the Korean elders' perception on nursing homes were: 'places they do not like to be in', 'places they have to be in' and 'places that makes them feel fortunate as they have a place to go'. Conclusion: This research provides foundational tools that will provide a steer for changes in nursing environment, physiological support, programs and education so that the needs of the elderly can be met more sufficiently.