Human Ecology Research

The Korean Home Economics Association (대한가정학회)
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Social Network Contact Frequency and Life Satisfaction of the Elderly: Focusing on the Moderating Effect of Digital Capabilities

노인의 사회적 관계망 접촉빈도와 삶의 만족도: 디지털역량의 조절효과를 중심으로

  • Eun Hye Kim (Department of Family Studies, Sookmyung Women's University)
  • 김은혜 (숙명여자대학교 가족학과)
  • Received : 2024.01.04
  • Accepted : 2024.02.23
  • Published : 2024.05.30
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Abstract

The aims of this study were to identify (a) the social network contact frequency of the elderly with children, relatives, and friends; (b) the impact of contact frequency (face-to-face/non-face-to-face) on life satisfaction of the elderly; and (c) the moderating effect of digital capabilities of the elderly on the relationship between social contact frequency and life satisfaction. Data were obtained from the National Survey of Older Koreans 2020. The sample comprised 6,119 adults aged 65+ who were in single or couple households. The principal findings were as follows. First, couple households, higher levels of education, and better health status increased life satisfaction of the elderly. Second, the higher the frequency of face-to-face contact with children and the higher the frequency of non-face-to-face contact with friends, the more positive the effect on life satisfaction of the elderly. Third, the interaction effect of the digital capabilities of the elderly differed according to children, relatives and friends. There was a significant and positive moderating effect on the relationship between life satisfaction and the frequency of face-to-face/non-face-to-face contact with children and the frequency of face-to-face contact with relatives. Conversely, there was a significant negative effect on the relationship between life satisfaction and the frequency of face-to-face/non-face-to-face contact with friends. By examining the impact of non-face-to-face contact on life satisfaction of the elderly in the era of digital transformation, the findings have significance in that they provide basic data to support policies and education programs aimed at improving the digital capabilities of the elderly.

Keywords

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