• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
• /
• v.30 no.4
• /
• pp.780-787
• /
• 2017

The consumption of high-salt foods is an independent risk factor for increased hypertension. Thus, evaluating the relationship of taste sensitivity and pleasantness of high-salt foods such as Korean jang products, would help contribute to an understanding of salty food eating behaviors of the Korean rural elderly. This study aimed to verify the association between taste sensitivity and salinity of Korean jang products, and the preferences of food groups and nutrient intake in the rural elderly. We studied 269 elderly persons (males 83, females 186) aged above 65 years, residing in the rural area, Sunchang gun Jeonbuk. For each subject, a recognition threshold of 4 basic tastes and pleasant concentrations of NaCl were estimated using the sip- and-spit method. Taste preferences, frequency of intake of food groups, nutrient intakes, and salinity and sweetness of Korean jang products (Doenjang, Ganjang, Gochujang) were assessed. No association was found between salt taste recognition threshold and optimally preferred concentration of salt and salinity of Korean jang products. However, the sweet taste recognition threshold was positively related to the sweetness of Korean jang products. Also, the salinity of Doenjang positively correlated with the frequencies of food groups and nutrient intakes. That is to say that the sweet taste sensitivity was related to the sweetness of Korean jang products, but was not sensitive to the salty taste. The salinity of Doenjang correlated with the consumption of food and nutrient intakes. Taken together, these findings suggest the need for appropriate intervention and education to reduce the salinity of Doenjang, which is an important modifiable factor contributing to reducing sodium intake in the rural elderly.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
• /
• v.44 no.5
• /
• pp.495-502
• /
• 2021

This study aims to provide basic data for elderly health insurance policy and medical radiation safety management by analyzing the general radiography usage and exposure dose of the elderly in Korea. The effective dose for each general radiography was calculated using the ALARA-GR program for 260 general radiography codes selected from 'National Health Insurance Care Benefit Cost'. The usage of general radiography was analyzed in the 2016 elderly patient data of the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, and the effective dose for each general radiography was applied. The general radiography usage and exposure dose per person aged 65 years and over was 6.47 cases and 0.56 mSv. Females showed higher value than males as 7.15 cases and 0.66 mSv(p<.001). By age, those between 75 and 79 showed the highest number as 6.97 cases and 0.62 mSv(p<.001). Those who were supported by Medical Aid showed higher value than those who were insured by National Health Insurance as 8.82 cases and 0.76 mSv(p<.001). In addition, the ratio by radiography was in the order of Chest 20.85%, Knee Joint 15.58%, and L-spine 14.67%, and the exposure dose was L-spine 29.40%, Chest 15.82%, Abdomen 7.97%, and Entire Spine 7.20%. General radiography, which is widely used due to the high frequency of diseases in the elderly population should be taken into consideration when establishing health insurance policies. In addition, it is necessary to check whether the general radiography with high exposure dose is performed as a routine examination without considering medical necessity.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
• /
• v.10 no.2
• /
• pp.1-11
• /
• 2022

Purpose : This study was conducted to assess the status of sarcopenia and locomotive syndrome in the Korean elderly population over 65 years of age by applying the recently updated screening tool for diagnostic evaluation of sarcopenia and locomotive syndrome. Methods : Sarcopenia and locomotive syndrome (LS) were diagnosed and evaluated in 210 Korean elderly people over 65 years of age. There were 36 patients in the "sarcopenia group", 164 in the "locomotive syndrome group", and 10 in the "normal group". The collected data were analyzed using the chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results : The diagnostic evaluation of sarcopenia and LS showed the presence of sarcopenia in 9.05 % of males and 8.10% females among the Korean elderly population over 65 years of age. Prevalence of stage 1 locomotive syndrome (LS 1) was 95.24 %; stage 2, (LS 2) 36.19 %; and stage 3 (LS 3), 16.19 % among the study population. Both the sarcopenia diagnostic indicator and the LS evaluation indicators showed significant differences between the three groups. All the subjects in the sarcopenia group had LS; further, on comparison of the detailed composition ratio of each patient with LS, the prevalence of LS in the sarcopenia group was found to be: LS 1 41.67 %, LS 2 41.67 %, and LS 3 16.67 %, whereas in the LS group, it was found to be: LS 1 66.46 %, LS 2 16.46 %, and LS 3 17.07 %. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant. Conclusion : It was confirmed that sarcopenia is correlated with LS incidence. This suggests that the evaluation of motor LS can be used as a tool for the early diagnosis and prevention of sarcopenia in cases of functional decline due to aging in the elderly population.

• Biomedical Science Letters
• /
• v.16 no.3
• /
• pp.169-177
• /
• 2010

Osteoporosis is a disease that increases the fracture rates and a major cause of increased mortality and morbidity in the elderly people. This study is to determine which components of body composition and metabolic syndrome risk factors are important to bone health, we analysed the relationship among bone mineral density (BMD), body composition and metabolic syndrome risk factors in females. Totally 630 females participated in a medical check-up program (mean age 47 years) were selected for this study. Body composition analysis was performed by segmental bioelectrical impedance method, muscle mass, and percent body fat were measured. We also measured metabolic syndrome risk factors including abdominal obesity, HDL-cholesterol, triglyceride, blood pressure and fasting glucose level. Metabolic syndrome was defined by NCEP-ATP III criteria. The lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD were measured using the dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Osteopenia and osteoporosis were observed in 180 and 51 persons, respectively. Muscle mass and HDL-cholesterol decreased in osteopenia and osteoporosis groups compared to the control group, and the grade was shown progressively by the symptoms. Significant positive correlation between BMD and muscle mass was observed. Multi variable regression analyses showed that % body fat and muscle mass were independent predictors of BMD after adjustment of age, height and weight. In conclusion, the BMD showed negative correlation with the metabolic and body composition was associated with BMD.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
• /
• v.4 no.2
• /
• pp.207-218
• /
• 1999

The increased number of elderly in Korea presents great challenges for community nutrition programs. Strategies to enhance elderly nutrition are needed, as well as dietary advice that are reality-based and tailored to the need of the elderly. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the overall effectiveness of an elderly nutrition improvement program(ENIP), by assessing changes in nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and behavior after program completion. ENIP was conducted in Suwon for 4 months in 1998 at 5 centers for the elderly. The program provided individual nutrition counseling and brief biweekly group education sessions. To stimulate participation and motivation, the elderly in two centers were served free milk packs(200ml) three time a week during the program(milk＋education group), and the elderly in 3 other centers were served yoghurt on the program day(education group). Altogether, 102 subjects finished the program(milk＋education group 67 ; education group 35). Data about nutrition knowledge, dietary attitudes, diet records(24 hour recall) and dietary habit was collected before(baseline) and after the program(follow-up). The Drop-out rate for the milk＋education group(2.9%) was significantly lower than that for the education group(30.0%)(p<.001). The Nutrition Knowledge fo females milk＋education group increased significantly after the program, but no significant differences were observed in other groups. Over 60% of all the elderly showed positive responses to the healthy eating attitudes. Energy, protein, vitamin A, riboflavin, Calcium and Potassium intakes improved in the male milk＋education group. The Vitamin C intake improved in the male education group. Energy and vitamin A intakes improved in the female milk＋education group and energy, vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, Ca nad P in the female education group. A stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed to examine the effects of food intake changes on overall nutrient quality. For all elderly, the fish intake explained 12.6% of the variance, followed by candy intake and vegetable intake(model $R^2$=19.6%). Dietary habits such as meal time regularity and salty food reduction were markedly improved in both groups. Sixty-one percent of the milk＋education subjects stated their participation was voluntary and active, while 51% of education subjects did. Sixty four percent of the subjects stated their interest on diet increased remarkably through program participation. Considering the results, it is conjectured that ENIP had a great impact on nutrient intake, dietary attitudes and habits. Milk supplement showed no direct effects on elderly nutrition improvement, but it encouraged the program by reducing drop-out rates and inducing voluntary participation. Therefore milk supplement could enhance the community nutrition education program. Moreover it is strongly suggested that the ENIP be expanded to other communities.

• Journal of Korean Society of Industrial and Systems Engineering
• /
• v.27 no.1
• /
• pp.51-56
• /
• 2004

The performance decreases as the workers get older and the degree of decrease in the performance shows a marked difference depending on each individuals. On the other hand, the older workers tend to have better ability to adapt to the new working environments and expert skills. Our purpose in this paper is to focus on the analysis about this conflicting situation, thereby important informations are applied in designing working conditions of older workers. Experimental results show that the expert skill of the aged workers can be improved through the effective use of their experiences, therefore some operation can not be influenced by age.

• Journal of the Korean housing association
• /
• v.10 no.2
• /
• pp.155-163
• /
• 1999

The purpose of this study was to investigate the residents' actual usage at three rest areas and three playgrounds in an apartment complex. This study was conducted with field study in J apartment complex in Incheon from August 14 to August 30, 1998. According to the results of the study, there were more users in playgrounds than in the rest areas. The rest area near the place for the elderly in the complex was used mainly by the elderly females. The playground located near the main entrance of the complex was frequently used because it is the biggest one in size and has an enough space for playing. Furthermore, the condition of shading areas by trees and buildings influenced the rate of use of the residents. Therefore, to increase the usage rate of rest areas and playgrounds, they should be located near to the places which have community amenities and should have accessible entrance for residents. Landscape design of the apartment complex should be done with the plot plan of the complex simultaneously. Moreover, the number and the kinds of trees to be planted in the apartment complex should be considered carefully.

• Journal of Families and Better Life
• /
• v.25 no.5
• /
• pp.127-141
• /
• 2007

This study examined the differences of elderly workers' psychological well-being according to gender and explored the variables which account for their psychological well-being. Paid laborers aged 60 or older(eight-five men and nine-eight females) were interviewed. The psychological well-being of male workers was higher than that of the female workers. The control level of activity and family support were the variables that explained the psychological well-being of male paid workers. The higher the control level of activity was, and the more support given from family, the higher the psychological well-being scores they showed. Educational level, demand level of activity, and material reward determined the psychological well-being of female workers. The higher their educational level was, the lower the demand level of activity was, and the fewer rewards they received from paid work, the higher their psychological well-being was.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
• /
• v.21 no.2
• /
• pp.7-14
• /
• 2015

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of falls prevention exercise program to balance, falls efficacy, blood pressure and blood lipids in the elderly females. Methods: A total of twenty-six elderly women participated in this study. All subjects participated in exercise program based on pelvic stabilization and balance training on two times a week for twelve weeks. They were measured about Berg balance scale (BBS), Time up and go (TUG), Functional reach test (FRT), Sit to stand (STS) for balance, falls efficacy scale-international (FES-I) for falls efficacy, systolic blood pressure (SBp), diastolic pressure (DSp) for blood pressure, and total cholesterol (TC), triglyseride (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) for blood lipids. Results: There were significant improvements of BBS (p<.05), TUG (p<.001) FRT (p<.01), and STS (p<.001) in the balance after exercise program. There was significant improvements in FES-I (p<.001) in the falls efficacy, There were no statistical differences of SBp and DSp in the blood pressure. There were no statistical differences of TC, TG, HDL-C, and LDL-C in the blood lipids. Conclusions: Falls prevention exercise program was meaningful increasing balance ability and falls efficacy.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
• /
• v.33 no.4
• /
• pp.399-405
• /
• 2020

The purpose of this study was to analyze existence of active senior and their sodium intake using the 7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Survey. The samples used for this study were 1,336 males and 1,857 females older than age 45. We used the K-means cluster analysis to distinguish the elderly and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to compare the means statistically among the groups. The analysis confirmed the existence of active seniors and showed different characteristics from other clusters. Also, the sodium intake in active seniors varies with other clusters depending on gender, economic status, social participation and health. In conclusion to reduce the unnecessary social cost of health deterioration of the elderly caused by aging, it is desirable to implement a class-specific policy based on the results of this study.