• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.370-378
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• 2015

Oral health is a critical factor for diagnosing overall health, as poor oral health has a negative impact on food intake and results in deterioration of nutritional status. The purpose of this study was to research the needs for food developments for the elderly based on their oral and overall health status. Oral status was significantly associated with self-reported health status, and dry mouth (lack of saliva) especially showed a significant relationship with negative self-perception of both oral and overall health. For both elderly men and women, fish and leafy vegetables were the most preferred side dishes. Bread, rice cake, and beverage-type foods were also preferred for snack development. Disease status of the elderly was significantly related with their preference for food development. For instance, those with diabetes were more likely to ask for anti-diabetic diets. The most important factor for the elderly in choosing food was nutritional balance, and less than 3,000 won was cited as an affordable price. The results could be utilized as basic data to develop foods for the elderly.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.18 no.12
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• pp.443-451
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• 2017

The purpose of this research is to examine ways to improve the quality of life of elderly people living alone in urban areas by identifying their stress, social support, and quality of life as well as analyzing the relationships between these factors. In this research, a questionnaire survey was conducted for approximately two weeks including 232 elderly people aged 65 years and above who were using 10 senior welfare centers in the Seoul and Gyeonggi regions. The results of the analysis based on the collected data showed that of the stresses experienced by elderly people living alone in urban areas, the stresses of health, family, and psychological and social stresses had negative effects on social support and quality of life. Also, it was found that the social support of elderly people living alone had positive effects on the quality of life. Additionally, it was found that social support had a mediating effect in the relationship between stress and quality of life of elderly people living alone in urban areas. In other words, social support plays a buffer role in enhancing the quality of life regarding health, family, economy, and psychological and social stresses. This research has significant implications in that it was conducted on elderly people living alone, since elderly people living alone are not only under more stressful circumstances in a vulnerable environment than other seniors but also their quality of life is much lower. The implications of this research are that, from a social point of view, these elderly people living alone should no longer be neglected and that differentiated policy interventions for elderly people living alone is required.

• 한국노년학
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.969-989
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• 2008

This study attempts to explain how depression among community elderly relate to suicidal ideation and whether or not the psycho-social characteristics of elderly persons moderate the relationship between these two variables. This study was conducted in Seoul, Busan, and Daegu and included 273 persons 65 years and above who were using senior welfare centers in the communities. For the questionnaire and analysis, this research uses the Health Care, Life Event, Self-esteem, Family Assessment scales. This research utilizes a wide range of statistical analyses, such as descriptive analysis, Pearson's correlation, reliability analysis, multiple regression, and general linear modeling. The calculations employed the use of SPSS/PC+ 12.0. This research indicates, among other things, that elderly persons with a high level of depression and psycho-social characteristics show a tendency toward higher suicidal ideation and that the level of self-esteem, life event, and family communication plays a moderating role in the relationship between depression and suicidal ideation among community elderly. In conclusion, elderly persons who experienced with a high level of psycho-social characteristics shows a relatively greater tendency toward suicidal ideation when compared to elderly persons having a low level of psycho-social characteristics. The intervention's effectiveness in reducing suicidal ideation can reinforce self-esteem, and cope with stressful life events and family discord as prevention strategy to reduce risk factors for suicide in late life.

• Journal of Technologic Dentistry
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.417-433
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• 2010

Purpose: This study evaluated the manpower planning of dental technicians. Methods: Methods : Survey was conducted regarding subject's general characteristics, characteristics of dental technician's occupational view and working conditions, and reason to enter into branches of the public health enter. The survey sample consisted of 323 dental technicians (221 male/ 102 female). Survey was conducted for one month from August 1 to September 1 in 2010. Following results were obtained. Results: 1. Regarding general characteristics of the subjects, there was a slight male predilection with 68.4%. Subjects in their 40s occupied the highest proportion of 32.2%. Majority of subjects worked in the big cities (71.5%). Favored working places were dental laboratory (57.6%) and dental hospital or dental clinic (19.5%). Although no position is available in the public sector such as public health center or health care civil servant, 9.3% preferred working in the public health center. Public sector is more favored than 2-year technical colleges or dental supply and equipment companies. In respect to education, 57% of the subjects graduated college. 67.8% were married. Subjects who specialize in the porcelain or all-ceramic were 57.9%. With regard to current position, head of the dental laboratory was most common. 2. Following occupation characteristics were found. Economic reason took the highest proportion when deciding their occupation (39.9%) followed by gaining social experience (36.5%). Majority of the subjects (76.5%) wanted to work as dental technicians until their retirement. 71.5% pursuit to become a manager of the dental laboratory. 76.1% agreed on opening a dental technician position in the public health center. Regarding an authority to lead developing the dental technician position in the public sector, majority of the subject chose ministry of health and welfare (35.6%) and Korean dental technologist association (34.7%). Employment (average, 30%) and turnover rate (average, 36.5%) of dental technology college graduates ranged from 40% to 60%. Most important factors for the employment were practical experience (41.2%) and competency (34.4%). With regard to job satisfaction, so-so as 46.7% and satisfactory was 42.7% 3. In respect to the reason for opening a position in the public health center, 'It is needed to continue denture rogram for elderly patients' obtained the highest score (4.14 point). 'Institutional devices are required to open a position for dental technicians as a public healthcare provider' received high score (4.11 point). 4. Concerning the working conditions, 'professional knowledge is required' received the highest score (4.23) followed by 'too short maternity and parental leave' (4.21). 5. Relationship between general characteristics of the subjects and favor of working in the public health center was investigated. Significant differences were found according to the current and favored working area, favored occupation, education level, marital status, and specialty. Working in the public health center was favored by following subjects: working in mid- or small-sized cities (4.16 point, p<0.05); PhD degree-holder (4.59 point, p<0.01). 6. Among general characteristics of the subjects, significant difference of working conditions was found in the following factors: gender; working areas; favored working areas; favored working positions, and education level. Majority of subjects favored working in big cities and currently work in big cities although satisfaction was comparatively low (3.75 score). 7. Future plan to work in public health center was evaluated according to occupational characteristics. Subject's intention to work in the public healthcare center was significantly affected by opening of dental technician position, leading authority, average turnover rate, and factors affecting employment. Working in the public health care center was favored by the following subjects: Dental technicians who actively supported opening of the dental technician position (4.34 point, p<0.001); subjects who thought the Korean dental technologist association is responsible for the opening of positions in the public sector (4.26 point, p<0.001); and subjects who thought that attitude and character are important for the employment (p<0.001). 8. Concerning difference of working conditions according to the occupational characteristics, significant difference was demonstrated by factors such as a reason to choose to be a dental technician, work plan, pursuing position, responsible authority, average employment rate, and job satisfaction. High standard of working conditions was required in subjects who selected to be a dental technician for the leisure time after work (s.05 point, p<0.01), who planted to work until their marriage (4.25 point, p<0.001), and who pursuit to be a manager (3.98, p<0.05). 9. In respect to influence of general characteristics on the advancement to public health centers, the coefficient of determination (R2) was 0.068 and age affected the working condition with significant difference according to the pvalue. 10. Regarding influence of general characteristics on the advancement to public health centers, the coefficient of determination (R2) was 0.335 and work plan, opening of dental technician position in the public sector, and responsible authority had significant influence over the subject's intention to work in the public health center according to the p-value. 11. With regard to the influence of general characteristics on the advancement to public health centers, the coefficient of determination (R2) was 0.091 and reason to choose to be a dental technician, work plan, and responsible authority significantly affected subject's working conditions. Conclusion: Korean society is becoming a super-aged society according to several statistics. As aged population is rapidly increasing, national health insurance plans to cover denture for senior citizen over 75 years old from 2012. Therefore, dental technicians are urgently needed in the public health centers all over the nation. Many subjects in this study planed to work until their retirement and recognized dental technician's expertise. Ministry of health and welfare and Korean dental technologist association should co-operate each other to prepare foundation and institutional devices for dental technicians to advance into the public health center. This will improve oral health of the population. This study showed urgency of medical facilities and services which meets increasing number of aged population and welfare of the population.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.277-288
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• 2015

Purpose: As the rate of senior citizens living alone increases in the current aging society, there is much concern regarding the health and nutritional intake of solitary senior citizens. Therefore, this study compared the nutritional intake of senior citizens according to their family type. Methods: In July and August of 2011, two senior citizen welfare centers in Seoul were visited to survey 267 elderly women. Excluding 54 subjects for which the data were incomplete, information from 213 subjects was analyzed. The subjects were divided into three family types, living alone (LA, n = 74), living with spouse (LS, n = 78), and living with children (LC, n = 61). Results: The mean age of the LA group was the highest, while the mean age of the LS group was the lowest (p < 0.001), and WHR of the LC group was the highest (p = 0.049). Income was the highest in the LS group (p < 0.001). Frequency of eating out was the lowest in the LA group (p = 0.031). By Duncan's multiple analysis, the amounts of energy intake, vegetable protein, fat, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, Vit D, Vit E, $Vit\;B_2$, niacin, $Vit\;B_6$, $Vit\;B_{12}$, and cholesterol were significantly higher in the LS group compared with the LA or LC group (p < 0.05). The intakes of calcium, Vit D, $Vit\;B_{12}$, and cholesterol were still significantly different among the three groups, even after adjustment for age and monthly income. The LA group ate less fruit and fish than the LS or LC group (p < 0.05). The LA group showed the lowest dietary diversity and the LS group showed the highest diversity (p = 0.014), however, the significance of dietary diversity score among the three groups disappeared after adjustment for age and monthly income. Conclusion: Elderly women living with spouse were receiving better nutrition than elderly women living alone or living with children. Therefore, solitary elderly women who do not live with their spouse or children should be offered greater opportunities to receive a balanced meal at a congregational kitchen or welfare center. To ensure their healthy diet, it is essential to provide continuous nutrition education with these groups in mind.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.311-317
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• 2009

The study conducted research investigating their about knowledge and attitude of toward elderly aimed at 251 students in the Department of Dental Hygiene located in some areas of Gyeongbuk and Gyeongnam. The total average score concerning knowledge about the elderly was found to be 11.78 out of a full score of 25 points, and the level of physical and physiological knowledge was the highest. As regards the total average of the attitude toward the elderly, it posted at 98.58 points out of a full score of 150 points and the attitude regarding the aspect of welfare was the most positive. About toward elderly correlation of knowledge and attitude between higher knowledge score more positive was attitude about toward elderly. From the above results, it would be necessary to reinforce not only the physical and physiological aspect of the elderly but also the education in the family and social areas during the development of educational contents for the Department of Dental Hygiene in relation to the elderly. Furthermore, it is deemed imperative to improve the relationship between the younger generations and the elder generation by having students practice in institutions related to the elderly, such as institutions for senior nursing and senior welfare centers and to develop a generational community program that will provoke positive interactions between them.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.18 no.10
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• pp.401-412
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• 2017

This study was conducted to examine the effects of depression, sleep and self-esteem on quality of life of elders living at home. A descriptive survey study was conducted based on a survey of 285 older people in person at five senior welfare centers in J city from May 20, 2016 to 9. The data were analyzed by at-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficients and multiple regression using SPSS WIN 21.0. The mean scores were depression $7.27{\pm}3.80$, sleep $30.75{\pm}9.35$, self-esteem $36.40{\pm}5.30$ and quality of life $8.05{\pm}2.53$. Depression(r=0.491, p<0.001) and sleep(r=0.590 p<0.001) were positively correlated with quality of life and negatively correlated with self-esteem (r=-0.234, p<0.001). The results of the regression indicated that depression, sleep, and self-esteem explained 39.9% of the variance in quality of life. Overall, these results suggest that depression, sleep and self-esteem were associated with quality of life. Therefore it is necessary to develop strategies to reduce depression and sleep disorders for community dwelling elders to improve quality of life.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.489-499
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• 2016

The purpose of this study is to attempt to analyze factors affecting elderly persons' life-sustaining treatment preferences, focusing on ego integrity trait. This study used data from Elderly Profiles and Welfare Needs of the Elderly Persons(2014). The analysis sample was 10,451 cases. 86.4 percent of the sample responded that they disagree with life-sustaining treatment. Analysis results are as follows: being female(${\beta}=-.045$, p<.001), the younger(${\beta}=-.024$, p<.05), having more education years(${\beta}=.027$, p<.05), higher satisfaction of life(${\beta}=.022$, p<.05), responding that they had thought about their own funeral(${\beta}=.032$, p<.01), responding that they had used senior centers over the last one year(${\beta}=-.038$, p<.01) are related to disapproval of life sustaining treatment. This research shows that ego integrity trait such as satisfaction of life, or accepting and preparing one's own death, is related to disapproval of life-sustaining treatment.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.243-254
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• 2019

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of helplessness, depression, subjective health status, family support, and social support on health promoting behaviors of elderly people over 65 years old. The subjects of this study were 3 welfare centers in G city and C city, 3 senior citizen center and 225 elderly people in 2 geriatric hospital, and this study was analyzed with descriptive statistics, reliability, correlation, confirmatory factor analysis, fitness test, total effect, direct effect, and indirect effect. The direct effects of variables affecting health promoting behaviors were social support, depression, family support, subjective health status, and helplessness. These variables accounted for 66% of health promoting behaviors. Depression, helplessness had a significant indirect effect on family support and social support, and subjective health status had a significant indirect effect on social support, but didn't have a significant indirect effect on family support. In this paper, we propose a new approach to elderly's health promoting behaviors and it is recommended that an intervention program be developed and applied to on personal situation should be necessary for elder's depression, helplessness and subjective health status.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.45 no.9
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• pp.1366-1374
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• 2016

Most elderly have difficulties in managing food safety and nutrition by themselves. Various nutrition educations for the elderly have been developed, but food safety and nutrition education program and educational tools for the elderly are very limited. The aim of the study was to evaluate a food safety and nutrition education program based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) for the elderly. Education program was implemented for 220 seniors (137 educated group and 83 control group) aged over 65 years at senior welfare community centers. The intervention study was carried out on a weekly basis during each of 5 weeks, and each session lasted about 35 or 40 minutes. The effectiveness of the program was assessed with a questionnaire before and after education. Education program consisted of a 5 week program, and topics were 'Dietary changes for the elderly's healthy life', 'Prevention of food poisoning in everyday life', 'Safe food handling for my health', 'Healthy dietary life to prevent chronic disease', and 'Safety! nutrition! healthy dietary life'. Education program materials such as slides, handouts, videos, leaflet, and booklets were developed. As a result, there were score improvements in knowledge, dietary behaviors, and health belief after intervention in the intervention group, which were higher than those of the control group. In particular, there was a meaningful interrelation between dietary behavior and health belief (r=0.520, P<0.001). This finding suggests that changing beliefs is very important to make desirable dietary behavioral changes. For this reason, we can conclude HBM theory is an effective model to educate nutrition and food safety for the elderly. Furthermore, food safety and nutrition education programs are implemented and delivered continuously at various settings such as a health center or community welfare center, and those will contribute significantly to enhance perception and change their desirable dietary behaviors for the elderly.