초록
This study was conducted to examine how Korean elderly perceive elements of successful aging, and to explore the meanings of a successful life in the contexts of the life experiences of the Korean elderly. From life-contextual perspectives, this study explored differences in perception on successful aging by gender and by class (economic status). Forty elderly persons aged 65 and over participated in this study. The data on the perceptions of successful aging in their own life contexts were collected through in-depth interviews. The major result of this study indicates that there are differences in the key theme of successful aging by class (economic status), because cultural and economic contexts influenced the elderly persons' perception of successful aging. This study will help researchers, educators, and practitioners to understand successful aging experience as well as establish the concept of successful aging among Koreans.