• Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science
• /
• v.25 no.4
• /
• pp.306-315
• /
• 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the rest-activity circadian rhythm (RAR) using data obtained from wearable actigraph devices in hospitalized older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and to investigate its relationship with salivary alpha amylase (sAA). Methods: This secondary data analysis used data from the Hospitalized Older Adults' Cognition and Physical Activity Study. Actigraph data for 3-4 days were analyzed for RAR. RAR indices such as interdaily stability (IS), intradaily variability (IV), activity level during the most active 10-hour period and during the most least active 5-hour period, and relative amplitude (RA) were calculated. Data on sAA collected in the morning and general characteristics, including body mass index (BMI), were analyzed. Results: Data from 92 hospitalized older adults with MCI were analyzed. The IS, IV, RA were 0.23, 0.73, 0.88, respectively. The average level of sAA was 77.02 U/mL, and a higher level of sAA was significantly associated with better IS and RA in the regression analysis, while age, BMI, and cognitive level were not. BMI showed positive correlations with IS and RA. Conclusion: RAR in the hospitalized older adults with MCI was attenuated, showing especially low IS, which implies they failed to maintain regular and repetitive 24-hour RAR. Increased sAA and BMI were associated with robust RAR. Nurses need to pay attention to maintain robust RAR in hospitalized older adults with MCI, and strategies should be developed to improve their RAR.

• Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science
• /
• v.26 no.1
• /
• pp.41-48
• /
• 2024

Purpose: This study investigated hand-washing practice among community-dwelling older adults during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and aimed to identify the impact of COVID-19-related concerns and depression on hand-washing practice. Methods: This was a secondary analysis of data extracted from the 2020 Community Health Survey. The primary data were collected through self-reporting from August 10 to September 8, 2020 in a cross-sectional study. The subjects comprised of 1,350 adults aged 65 or older living in Jeju Province who participated in the 2020 Community Health Survey. Results: The factors affecting hand-washing practice among older adults were male older adults (β = -.18, p < .001), age (β = -.07, p = .001), no education (β = -.20, p < .001) and elementary, middle, and high school graduation (β = -.15, p < .001) compared to a college or higher education, poor health perception (β = -.13, p < .001), COVID-19-related concerns (β = .08, p = .005), and depression (β = -.07, p = .001). To summarize, the factors negatively affecting hand-washing practice included male gender, lower education level, poor health perception, and depression. In contrast, factors positively associated with hand-washing practice included COVID-19-related concerns. Conclusion: These findings show the importance of considering these multifaceted determinants when designing targeted interventions and educational programs to promote hand-washing among older adults. Additionally, based on the relationship between hand-washing practice and COVID-19-related concerns and depression, interventions that can alleviate mental problems along with providing proper education are required.

• 한국노년학
• /
• v.39 no.1
• /
• pp.127-144
• /
• 2019

The purpose of this study is to compare the perceptions of loneliness, death anxiety, and social capital among older adults living in urban and rural communities and to examine the moderating effects of social capital on the relationship between loneliness and death anxiety. Utilizing the survey data collected by the Aging Society and Social Capital Research Center in 2018, we analyzed 839 older adults living in urban areas and 322 rural older adults living in rural areas. We used descriptive statistics, results from t-tests, and χ² tests to compare the rates of loneliness, social capital, and death anxiety perceived by older adults across urban and rural areas. The moderating effects of social capital on the relationship between loneliness and death anxiety were tested by logistic regression analyses for each group of urban and rural older adults. Compared to older adults living in rural areas, a greater number of older adults in urban areas reported death anxiety and higher levels of loneliness. However, the perceived levels of social capital were higher among rural older adults. The moderating effects of social capital on the relationship between loneliness and death anxiety were not found among older adults living in urban area, but, for older adults living in rural areas, social capital including social cohesion and social support moderated the relationship between loneliness and death anxiety. The results of this study suggest that regional differences shown in the perceptions of loneliness, death anxiety, and social capital should be addressed, when considering extensions of social capital and related interventions to deal with loneliness and death anxiety among older adults.

• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
• /
• v.29 no.5
• /
• pp.131-142
• /
• 2024

In this paper, we propose antecedent factors that influence health promotion behaviors among rural older adults by gender. The study analyzed data from the 'Need Assessment Survey for the Development of Customized Care Programs for Rural Older Adults' conducted by the Rural Development Administration. The analysis utilized data from 502 individuals aged 65 and older residing in rural areas. The analysis method used SPSS 25.0 program to conduct descriptive statistics, chi-square analysis, correlation analysis, and hierarchical regression analysis. The analysis results showed differences between men and women in practicing health promotion behaviors. For men, lower age, lower education level, living with a spouse, and participating in social activities were associated with higher levels of health promotion behaviors. For women, older age, better self-rated health status, and participating in social activities were associated with higher levels of health promotion behaviors. This study provides baseline data to promote health promotion behaviors among rural older adults according to gender and suggests policy and practical implications based on the findings.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
• /
• v.4 no.2
• /
• pp.87-93
• /
• 2015

Objective: Balance is a preceding task for functional activities in daily activities as well as community-dwelling activities. To learn skilled and functional activities, it is also necessary to imagine an appropriate and effective movement representation used to plan and execute the functional activities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of balance imagery of semi-tandem stance on a flat floor and balance beam on balance abilities for elderly and young adults. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Fifteen elderly and thirty-four young adults were enrolled in this study. In order to determine whether there is a change in postural control ability according to the different imagery training methods used, standing static balance measurements were performed. According to the therapist's instructions, participants were to stand in a semi-tandem position on the Good Balance System for 1 minute while imagining that they were standing on a balance beam, and while the postural control abilities was assessed. Results: Postural control was significantly different in balance ability of semi-tandem stance on a flat floor compared to on a balance beam in both geriatrics and young adults. Postural sway was more significantly decreased in young adults than older adults during balance imagery of semi-tandem stance on a flat floor as well as on balance beam (p<0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that the ability to mentally represent their actions was similar in older adults compared to young adults, although older adults showed a drop in efficiency of postural control more than young adults.

• Journal of Community Nutrition
• /
• v.4 no.2
• /
• pp.118-129
• /
• 2002

Nutrition is important in the management of diabetes mellitus, however, there are few little education materials specifically designed for older adults. The objective of this study was to develop nutrition education materials for prevention and management of diabetes moll for older adults. Materials developed were a booklet and four leaflets. The contents of materials were based on lesson plans. After several revisions of the draft of materials, illustrations and icons appropriate to the contents were designed using illustrator 9.0 and Photoshop 6.0. The booklet was composed of five chapters and 40 pages. The first chapter began with an introduction about diabetes and diabetes management by diet, exercise and medication. The second chapter dealt with ideal body weight, calculation of adequate caloric intake and food exchange list. The third chapter provided information for meal planning and sample menus. The fourth chapter focused on practical tips on nutritional care of diabetes, by providing tips on reducing sugars, fat and salt, and suggestions on eating for special occasions. The fifth chapter dealt with information in case of low blood sugars, exercise and foot care. The topics of the four leaflets were “Diabetes, what is it and care”, “Food exchange list and meal planning”, “Healthy eating for diabetes”, “Special care for diabetes low blood sugars, exercise and foot care” Each leaflet was composed of six sections and was printed in large paper (B4 size) for older adults. The draft of educational materials were re-viewed by four nutrition professionals and finally pilot-tested with ten adults aged 50 and older. The characteristics of the developed materials are as follows, i) messages are delivered using simple, specific information, ⅱ) messages focused on practical applicable tips, ⅲ) various pictures, illustrations and artwork were created and inserted to enhance understanding and interest, ⅳ) sections including risk factor assessment, calculation of ideal body weight and meal planning were designed to induce the user's participation, ⅴ) sample menus and food pictures were inserted in the booklet, vi) characteristics of older adults and transformed characteristics are diversely used to help the user feel familiarity. These materials are self-explanatory and can be used by older adults. These materials also can be used widely in nutrition education at public health centers or senior centers.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
• /
• v.19 no.11
• /
• pp.264-277
• /
• 2018

Focusing on the potential impact of information and communication technology (ICT) on older adults' quality of life, this study empirically examined the influence of smartphone use in old age on life satisfaction, depression, social activity and social support of Korean older adults. In order to examine the effects of smartphone use, this study analyzed data from 630 questionnaire surveys from older adults aged 65 and over living in Seoul. The effects of smartphone use were tested using hierarchical multiple regression analysis, controlling for socio-demographic variables such as age, sex, spouse, education and income. Results showed that the effects of smartphone use on life satisfaction, depression and social activity of older adults were statistically significant. However, the effects of smartphone use on social support of older adults was not statistically significant. This study suggests that ICT such as smartphones in old age plays generally positive roles in enhancing psychological, mental and social aspects of quality of life. This implies that further practical efforts to expand the distribution and use of ICT in old age are required to improve quality of life and successful aging of older adults.

• 한국노년학
• /
• v.38 no.4
• /
• pp.1149-1171
• /
• 2018

The purpose of this study is to increase understanding of the social intervention for severely isolated older adults who live alone and are in serious isolation as if they were 'hidden'. Through qualitative descriptive methods, it intends to describe how social workers in the "Making Friends of Older Adults who Live Alone" project have perceived older adults living alone in serious isolated situation, whether there have been changes in the perception of the elderly according to the progress of the project, and what kinds of experiences these social workers have had while providing case management to older adults. In-depth interviews with 40 social workers, case management records of 70 senior citizens, and research journals were collected and analyzed using qualitative content analysis methods. The results of data analysis were presented in two categories and four subcategories each. Based on the research findings, four kinds of implications were suggested.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
• /
• v.20 no.1
• /
• pp.30-40
• /
• 2015

Objectives: This study was performed to investigate the associations of food security with socio-demographic characteristics, nutrient intakes and mental health status among older Korean adults. Methods: This study was conducted using data from the 2008-2010 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Subjects were 4,451 adults aged 65~98 years. Food security was measured using a self-reported question on food sufficiency of subjects' household. Based on the answers, study subjects were classified into secure, mildly insecure, moderately insecure, and severely insecure groups. Dietary intake was estimated by 24-hour dietary recall. Nutrient intake was assessed by dietary reference intakes (DRI). As for mental health status, the data on mental stress, depression, and suicide ideation were used. Results: Rate of food insecurity in older adults was 14.3%. Old age, being female, low education, low income level, living alone, and discomfort in daily living were more related to food insecurity. Means of nutrient intakes were significantly different according to food security status. Intakes of calcium, potassium, and vitamin $B_2$ were lower than recommended intakes in all groups. Consumption amounts of soy and soybean products, vegetables, mushrooms, fruits, vegetable oils, meats, eggs, seafood, and dairy products were lower in food insecure groups. Mental stress, depression, and suicide ideation were higher in food insecure groups independent of the gender and income level. Conclusions: These present findings suggested that food security is related to mental health as well as nutrition status in older Korean adults. A national system that include food and psychosocial support programs for the elderly should be considered in order to improve the overall health of older Korean adults.

• Korean Journal of Social Welfare Studies
• /
• v.40 no.3
• /
• pp.327-348
• /
• 2009

The purpose of this study is to understand the diverse lifestyles of Korean older adults by analyzing the consumption pattern of older households and its determinants. The 9th wave of the Korea Labor and Income Panel Study(KLIPS) data was used for analysis. The twenty consumption items provided by the dataset was reduced to thirteen according to the consumption purpose inherent in the item. K-means cluster analysis and multinomial logistic regression was employed to categorize the consumption pattern of older households and to analyze the determinants. The results are as follows. The consumption pattern of Korean older adults was clustered into six distinctive groups named Breadwinner, Leisure-time pursuer, Friendly outgoes, Daily-life survivor, Illness sufferer and Shelter seeker. Breadwinner, Leisure-time pursuer and Friendly outgoes were lifestyles that earn and spend more compared to the other three. Nevertheless, they differed according to the family size, indicating that the parenting burden might have direct influence on the lifestyle of Korean older adults. Older adults without parenting burden and with high level of education and economic capacity were likely to show Friendly outgoes lifestyle. On the other hand, Daily-life survivor, Illness sufferer and Shelter seeker showed lower level of spending, indicating that for those lacking in economic capacity, urgent needs such as medical need or housing need dominates the lifestyle. The results call for adequate custom policies that best fit the needs of older adults.