Abstract
This study is aimed to discover the deciding factors in senior employment programs for improving the quality of life for the elderly. The dependent variable used in this study was the quality of elderly persons. Personal and familial characteristics, and the community involvement of the elderly were used as independent variables in a Multiple Regression analysis. First, the most influential factor encouraging the elderly to participate in a senior employment promotion program was previous experience of senior employment programs. Second, health condition, residence in city areas, experience of volunteer work, and knowledge of senior employment programs had positive effects on the continuous participation of the elderly men and women. However, living arrangements had an effect solely on elderly men, and home ownership and participation in economic activities had effects solely on elderly women. Third, the life quality of the elderly was affected differently by sex. Health condition had the greatest effect on male elderly persons, whereas, the effective variable, the composition of the family had the most effect on female elderly persons. Thus, active campaigns through various mass media and information sessions are needed to promote participation in senior employment programs, according to the above mentioned deciding factors. In particular infrastructure providing the elderly with more volunteer work opportunity needs to be built for baby boomers to improve their quality of life. In addition, diversified senior employment programs are needed. Because the elderly living in city areas are more willing to participate in senior employment programs, specialized programs suitable for the elderly in city areas are needed. The government should also prepare programs that help the elderly stay healthy while they are working.
