• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.51-60
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• 2004

Falls are common, costly, and a leading cause of death among older adults. The major predisposing factors of a fall may include age-related deterioration in the dynamic system composed of auditory, somatosensory, vestibular, visual, musculoskeletal, and neuromuscular subsystems. Older adults with a history of frequent falls demonstrated significant reductions in gait velocity, muscle force production, and balance performance. These altered neuromechanical characteristics may be further exaggerated when faced with conflicting multisensory conditions. Despite the important contribution of multisensory function on the sensorimotor system during postural and locomotor tasks, it remains unclear whether multisensory intervention will produce dynamic balance improvement during locomotion in older adults with a history of frequent falls. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to address important factors associated with falls in elderly adults and provide theoretical rationale for a multisensory intervention program model.

• Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.368-378
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• 2005

Purpose: This study was to explore the predictors of subjective well-being of Korean older adults. Method: Data were collected through the structured interview using questionnaire with 199 older adults over 60 years. To identify the most effective predictor of the SWB, a stepwise regression analysis was conducted on each subscale of SWB measure. Results: The results showed that receiving support from family was the effective factor of life satisfaction. Receiving support from family, health, optimism, economy, positive reappraisal, and giving support to family were the effective factors of emotional well-being. Conclusion: This study found that family support was the most important predictor on SWB among Korean older adults.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.259-269
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• 2021

Objective: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate age-related bimanual coordination functions in older adults. Method: Thirteen studies that compared bimanual coordination functions in older adults with those in healthy young adults qualified for this meta-analysis. We additionally categorized 21 total comparisons from the 13 qualified studies into two types of task-related moderator variables: (1) kinematic versus kinetic movements and (2) symmetry versus asymmetry movements. Results: Random effects model meta-analysis found that older adults revealed significant bimanual coordination impairments as compared with young adults (Hedges's g = -0.771; p < .0001; I² = 74.437%). We additionally confirmed specific bimanual coordination deficits using two moderator variables: 1) kinematic (Hedges's g = -0.884; p < .0001; I² = 0.000%) and kinetic (Hedges's g = -0.666; p = .023; I² = 86.170%). 2) symmetry (Hedges's g = -0.712; p = .001; I² = 74.291%) and asymmetry (Hedges's g = -0.817; p < .0001; I² = 76.322%). The moderator variable analysis indicated older adults indicated bimanual coordination deficits in the upper extremities than healthy young adults while performing kinematic bimanual coordination tasks and asymmetry coordination tasks. Conclusion: These findings suggest that developing motor rehabilitation programs based on asymmetric bimanual movement task for enhancing interlimb coordination functions of older adults may be crucial for increasing their independence in everyday activities. Given that elderly revealed the deficits in lower extremities coordination when older adults perform gait, posture, and balance, future studies should estimate lower limb coordination functions in elderly people.

• Journal of muscle and joint health
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.183-191
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• 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to test the validity and reliability of the Diabetes Self-Care Barriers Assessment Scaler for Older Adults (DSCB-OA) in Korean older adults with type 2 diabetes. Method: To develop Korean version DSCB-OA used translation and back-translation method. Then, Korean version DSCB-OA was analyzed using data of 278 older adults with type 2 diabetes. Cronbach's alpha coefficient, item to total correlation and test-retest reliability was used for the reliability test, and factor analysis was used for the construct validity. Results: Cronabach's alpha of the DSCB-OA was.77, and item to total correlation coefficient ranged from -.13 to.56. The results of factor analysis showed DSCB-OA consisted of four factors(diet, exercise, blood sugar test, treatment) which explained 62.8% of total variance. Conclusion: The Diabetes Self-Care Barriers Assessment Scaler for Older Adults (DSCB-OA) was confirmed helpful tool for Korean older adults with type 2 diabetes.

• Journal of Korean Gerontological Nursing
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.167-176
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• 2018

Purpose: Post Stroke Depression (PSD) is one of the most common complications for stroke survivors and is associated with negative health outcomes such as disability, death. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and predictors of PSD among older Korean adults living in the community. Methods: Data collection was done using the 2014 Survey of Living Conditions and Welfare Needs of Korean Older Adults. Participants were 706 older adults who had a stroke. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of PSD. Results: The prevalence of PSD which was assessed by the short form of the geriatric depression scale was 49.4%. In a logistic regression model, the predictors of PSD were self-rated health (OR=5.90, CI=3.70~9.40), economic state (OR=2.97, CI=2.07~4.24), independent activities of daily living (IADL) (OR=2.17, CI=1.30~3.63), Activities of Daily Living (ADL) (OR=2.02, CI=1.07~3.80), and education (OR=1.53, CI=1.05~2.24). Conclusion: PSD was common among older Korean adults living in the community. Poor self-rated health status, lower economic state, lower levels of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) and ADL, lower levels of education should be considered when conducting activities related to prevention and management of PSD in older adults.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.46 no.6
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• pp.1023-1038
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• 2022

In societies emphasizing the importance of youthful appearance, attitudes toward aging are closely related to how individuals perceive their own bodies, which can be a major determinant of psychological well-being among older adults. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between attitudes toward aging, positive body image, and life satisfaction among older Korean adults, based on relative deprivation theory and social identity theory. Employing an online survey questionnaire, data was collected from 408 Korean aged 65 and over. The proposed research model was examined via partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Results revealed that higher levels of psychosocial loss were associated with lower positive body image, while higher levels of physical change and psychological growth - a good example were associated with higher positive body image. Higher levels of positive body image were associated with higher life satisfaction. Overall, positive attitudes toward aging may increase positive body image and life satisfaction among older adults, controlling for subjective financial and health status. The results of this study emphasize that we should not overlook the importance of positive body image in psychological well-being among older adults.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.7-14
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• 2006

Despite well-known benefits of physical activity for older adults, most older adults remain significantly underactive. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a physical activity on blood cholesterol in older adults with an inclusive, choice-based physical activity promotion program to increase lifetime physical activity levels of seniors. A six-month comparison-group trial was conducted with 14 older adults(experimental group = 8, control group = 6) in community senior center. Changes in self-reported physical activity and blood cholesterol were evaluated using paired t-test. The intervention group increased estimated caloric expenditure by 858 calories/week in physical activities of any intensity (p=.050), total cholesterol(p=0.049), high density lipoprotein cholesterol(p=0.045). Control group changes were also negligible. The program led to meaningful physical activity increase. Individually tailored programs to encourage lifestyle changes in seniors may be effective and applicable to health care and community settings.

• Journal of the Korean Data and Information Science Society
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.655-663
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• 2014

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of depression and suicidal ideation in community-dwelling older adults in Korea, as well as identify factors associated with their occurrence, including cognitive impairment. A cross-sectional study of 484 residents was conducted at a senior centre utilising the PHQ-9K and K-MMSE. Demographic data were also collected for analysis. Of the respondents, 38.1% had symptoms of mild to severe depression. Further, 16.7% reported having suicidal ideation, with 5% of respondents having thoughts of suicide every day. The majority of participants had 'normal' scores on the K-MMSE (88.0%), though significant differences were observed in PHQ-9K scores between cognitive-acceptable and cognitive-impaired groups. Depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation were very prevalent in community-dwelling older adults in Korea. This study indicates the need for the development of community-based mental health programs tailored to older adults, and demonstrates the viability of promoting early detection of depressive symptoms through senior centres.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.53 no.1
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• pp.1-11
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• 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the factors influencing quality of life (QoL) of low-income older adults (LOAs) with sarcopenia. Methods: A convenience sample of 125 older adults was recruited from Jeonbuk Province, South Korea. Data were collected using a self-report questionnaire that included nutritional status, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument-Older Adults Module. Additionally, grip strength and appendicular skeletal muscle mass, were evaluated, along with the short physical performance battery. Results: Sarcopenia and severe sarcopenia were observed in 43.2% and 56.8% of participants, respectively. Using multiple regression analysis, depression (β = - .40, p < .001), nutritional status (β = .24, p = .003), and anxiety (β = - .15, p = .042) were identified as factors affecting the QoL of the older adults in low-income groups with sarcopenia, the explanatory power of these variables was 44%. Conclusion: The results of this study can be used to develop a nursing intervention program and establish policies to improve depression, anxiety, and nutritional status to enhance QoL of LOAs with sarcopenia.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.195-203
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• 2008

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to understand the level of functional health literacy and its influence on perceived health status in Korean older adults. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Daegu, Kyungpook and Susan province. A total of 103 older adults aged 65 yr or older were interviewed in person between July 1 to August 30, 2007. Results: A high proportion of older adults were unable to read and understand written basic medical instructions. Only 40-50% were able to comprehend directions for taking medication four times a day or on an empty stomach. Only 11-38% were able to understand information regarding treatment procedure, informed consent, or educational material for elderly fall prevention. Individuals who were older, single, and had less education and income were more likely to have lower functional health literacy. After adjusting for sociodemographic variables, individuals with lower health literacy had poorly perceived health status. Conclusion: Many Korean older adults have a very low level of fuctional literacy. Low health literacy was independently associated with poorly perceived health status.