• STI Policy Review
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• 제4권1호
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• pp.14-26
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• 2013

The $1^{st}$ National Plan for Aging Society with Low Fertility, which the Korean government announced in 2006, caused the gradual increase of R&D investment in order to prepare for an aging society in Korea. This study explores if the directions and strategies of R&D projects related to aging are suitable to improve the quality of life for elderly people and establish a sustainable aging society by analyzing the features of R&D investment from 2004 to 2010. The results show that most R&D projects conducted by departments focus on the development of assistive devices for the elderly to support everyday lives. The Korean government's R&D policy to prepare for an aging society is based on the narrow interpretation of Quality of Life (QoL) in an aging society that tries to resolve the socioeconomic problems of the elderly; however, the policies have ignored the independence of active elderly individuals and the social integration of the young and elderly generations. The research shows that a paradigm shift is required from a 'Senior' to 'Aging Society' because almost 1/3 of the Korean population is over 65 years old and the expansion of the research embraces from assistive technologies for the elderly to the design of social infrastructure such as transportation, education and work.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• 제46권3호
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• pp.285-295
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• 2013

The purpose of this study was to examine the characteristics of the dietary intake of Korean elderly according to chew-ing ability using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) conducted during 2007-2010. Among subjects aged 65 years and over, more than half, 54.3% of elderly people, were classified as the difficulty in chewing group (DC). The DC group had lower nutrients and food intakes than those of in the no difficulty in chewing group (NDC). Findings showed that subjects in the DC group consumed fewer foods, especially fruits and vegetables. In addition, the DC group had significantly lower intakes of pan-fried food, stir-fried food, braised food, and seasoned-cooked vegetables, which could not be easily cooked or chewed. On the other hand, the number of soups and stews included in the top 30 largely consumed dishes were higher in the DC group than in the NDC group. No difference in numbers of daily meal/snack intake was observed between the two groups, however, the DC group had lower numbers of side-dishes compared to the NDC group. Fewer side-dishes per meal could be related to lower intakes of nutrients in dietary quality. Findings of this study demonstrated that dietary intake was influenced by chewing ability of elderly Korean people. Therefore, study of factors affecting dietary intake such as convenient cooking methods to decrease cooking time and skills to extend preservation and storage time of foods will necessary. In addition, development of food products and new techniques of cooking considering health status, chewing, and swallowing ability is required for the elderly, followed by establishment of standards for senior-friendly food products.

• 대한안전경영과학회지
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• 제18권1호
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• pp.45-55
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• 2016

In this study we carry out usability evaluation for adjustable electric beds for home care that are used the most by the elderly, and examines dissatisfaction of users. In this sense, we performed an interview with stakeholders including bed users, developers and suppliers to develop usability evaluation contents. In addition, we carried out feasibility and reliability study over evaluation form through usability assessment, and developed usability evaluation indicator.

• 한국의류산업학회지
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• 제19권6호
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• pp.692-700
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• 2017

The number of elderly citizens has risen in Korea and resulted in an aging society. Correspondingly, the social interest in the aging population has escalated immensely; however, research or product development on the quality of life for seniors has shortcomings. Healthcare smart clothing is required to help the elderly with changes and weaknesses that follow aging; however, there is unfortunately insufficient amounts available. This study explores the feasibilities of smart clothing for seniors based on a universal design. Based on previous research, we analyzed the universal design theory, body shape characteristics and design requirements for seniors, and heart rate measurement method. The design is different according to body shape and body shape is different between sex, age, and body race; therefore, subjects were limited to 70-74 year old Korean males in this study. This study proposes a guideline for heart rate sensing clothing that satisfies the 'universal design' aspects as well as the functionality of heart sensing, senior's physical characteristics and needs. It has broadened the range of smart clothing, which was once limited to the younger generation and provided a foundation for the development of specialized smart clothing for seniors.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제9권4호
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• pp.400-403
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• 2015

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: By the year 2050, thirty-eight percent of the Korean population will be over the age of 65. Health care costs for Koreans over age 65 reached 15.4 trillion Korean won in 2011, accounting for a third of the total health care costs for the population. Chronic degenerative diseases, including coronary heart disease (CHD), drive long-term health care costs at an alarming annual rate. In the elderly population, loss of independence is one of the main reasons for this increase in health care costs. Korean heath policies place a high priority on the prevention of CHD because it is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This evidence-based study aims to the estimate potential health care cost savings resulting from the daily intake of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation. Potential cost savings associated with a reduced risk of CHD and the medical costs potentially avoided through risk reduction, including hospitalizations and physician services, were estimated using a Congressional Budget Office cost accounting methodology. RESULTS: The estimate of the seven-year (2005-2011) net savings in medical costs resulting from a reduction in the incidence of CHD among the elderly population through the daily use of omega-3 fatty acids was approximately 210 billion Korean won. Approximately 92,997 hospitalizations due to CHD could be avoided over the seven years. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that omega-3 supplementation in older individuals may yield substantial cost-savings by reducing the risk of CHD. It should be noted that additional health and cost benefits need to be revisited and re-evaluated as more is known about possible data sources or as new data become available.

• 한국융합학회논문지
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• 제12권5호
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• pp.147-155
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• 2021

본 연구는 노인을 위한 SNS 활용 교육의 효과성에 대하여 연구하였다. 연구 참여자는 현재 교육에 참여하고 있는 교육생과 보조 강사로 활동하고 있는 동년배 멘토를 연구대상으로 심층인터뷰를 하였다. 연구는 동년배 노인이 멘토가 되어 수업을 할 때, 어렵게만 생각하는 SNS 활용 교육이 보다 유효한 수업이 될 수 있는가를 연구하였다. 연구 결과는 노인 SNS 활용 교육 후 동년배의 친근한 배려와 공감으로 어려운 기기에 대한 두려움에서 벗어나 즐겁고 보람된 교육이었다고 한다. 노인 SNS 활용 교육에 동년배 멘토를 활용한다면 기기에 대한 두려움과 노인에게 어렵고 부담스럽게만 여겨지는 SNS 교육이 보다 유연한 교육으로 활성화 될 것으로 기대된다.

• 산업융합연구
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• 제21권7호
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• pp.1-8
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• 2023

노인을 위한 문화·여가 활동 서비스에 대한 수요는 늘어나고 있다. 대표적인 문화·여가 활동 중 TV 방송과 온라인 미디어 시청은 빠르게 늘어나고 있으며 실감 영상을 이용한 양질의 서비스 요구도 커지고 있다. 고해상도 디스플레이 장치는 대중화 되어 가격이 예전에 비해 저렴해지고 있으며 다면 영상 구현을 위한 하드웨어도 쉽게 구성할 수 있다. 하지만 노인의 신체적, 정신적 특성이 반영된 고해상도 다면 영상은 보기 쉽지 않다. 이번 연구는 고령층 노인인구를 대상으로 멀티스크린을 이용한 콘텐츠 제작 모델과 접근성이 가능한 촬영 방법을 제시하였다. 본 연구를 바탕으로 실감 영상 기술을 활용한 노인 문화·여가 활동을 위한 다양한 콘텐츠를 적극적으로 개발함으로써 고령 친화 산업 육성에 크게 이바지할 수 있을 것으로 기대한다.

• 디지털융복합연구
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• 제10권5호
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• pp.321-326
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• 2012

본 연구는 고령화세대의 특성을 고려한 신변장식용품을 디자인연구와 발전 방안을 모색하여 신변장식용품산업을 활성화 시키고 고령화세대의 삶의 질 향상을 통한 정신적 복지개선을 위해 연구하였다. 정책보고서, 학회지, 단행본 등을 통하여 고령친화산업과 고령친화용품에 대해 조사한 결과 빠른 고령화진행, 베이비부머 세대의 고령화세대 편입, 삶의 질을 중시하는 라이프 스타일의 변화로 인하여 고령친화용품 관련 산업은 발전가능성이 높은 것으로 나타났지만, 정책적인 법제도, 표준화 제정 및 기준마련이 부족하였고, 관련 R&D투자가 취약하여 전문인력이 부족한 현실이었다. 하지만, 이를 역으로 이용하면 수요자가 확실한 시장에서 니치마켓이 형성될 수 있고 이를 위해 디자인 및 다양한 연구를 한다면 고령화세대뿐만 아니라 국가경제적인 차원에서도 발전가능성이 있음을 확인할 수 있었다.

• 한국조리학회지
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• 제20권1호
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• pp.220-237
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• 2014

본 연구는 서울과 경기지역에 거주하며 외식경험이 있는 55세 이상의 노년소비자의 개인가치와 라이프스타일이 외식업체 선택속성에 미치는 영향관계를 파악함으로써 고령화 사회를 목전에 두고 있는 시점에서 외식기업의 경영활동과 그 성과를 극대화 할 수 있는 방안을 마련함에 있어 그 기초적인 자료를 제시하고자 하였다. 기존의 연구논문을 바탕으로 관련 변수를 추출하고 모형과 가설을 설정하여 설문조사를 통해 본 연구의 결과는 노년소비자가 라이프스타일 활동지향형 요인 즉, 최신의 경향과 유행을 따르며 새로운 일에 도전하는 것을 즐겨하는 편이며, 때로는 열정적인 즐거움을 경험하고 싶어 하는 것으로 나타났다. 또한 외적가치를 지향하는 노년소비자는 라이프스타일에 있어서 비교적 다양한 형태를 나타내는 것으로 나타났으며, 원칙지향형은 편안하게 이야기할 수 있으면서 조용하고 휴식을 취할 수 있는 주변사람들로부터 평판이 좋은 곳을 주로 선택하며 활동지향형은 부대시설이나 노인 특가 할인된 메뉴와 서비스가 친절하며 가격이 저렴하다면 다소 멀어도 이용하는 것으로 나타났다. 이러한 연구결과는 노년소비자의 개인가치와 라이프스타일에 따라 외식업체 선택속성 기준이 달라질 수 있다는 것을 의미하는 것으로 보다 전국적인 범위로 외식업체를 직접 방문하여 노년소비자를 대상으로 한 보완적인 연구를 바탕으로 노년외식소비자가 지향하는 가치와 외식업체 선택속성을 파악함으로써 향후 외식 기업의 활성화와 노년소비자 시장의 마켓팅 전략 수립에 긍정적인 영향을 가져올 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.

• 한국운동역학회지
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• 제26권2호
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• pp.229-236
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• 2016

Objective: This study aimed, first, to develop core strength training equipment with elderly-friendly, easy-to-use features and, second, to investigate the effect of core strength training using the equipment on the performance and stability of the elderly in activities of daily living. Method: In this study, we developed training equipment with a stability ball that can be used for performing core strength exercises in the elderly. Twenty-three elderly subjects (age: $77.87{\pm}6.95years$, height: $149.78{\pm}6.95cm$, and weight: $60.57{\pm}7.21kg$) participated in this study. The subjects performed the core strength training exercise with 16 repetitions for 8 weeks (2 repetitions per week). Performance in activities of daily living was assessed by using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), a test of going up and down 4 stairs, and one-leg static balance test. Stability was quantified as changes in the center of pressure (COP) and C90 area. Results: With the core strength equipment, trunk core strength exercise could be performed by pulling or pushing a rope with 2 hands on the stability ball. During the task, the tension in the rope was manipulated by a motor connected to the rope and the COP of the subject was measured by 4 load cells mounted in the equipment. Our results showed that the SPPB score was significantly higher (p < .05), the time to complete the "going up and down 4 stairs" test was significantly shorter (p < .05), and one-leg static balance statistically improved under an eyes-open condition (p < .05) after as compared with before the core strength training. The changes in the COP in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions, and C90 area were significantly lower in the posttest (p <. 05) than in the pretest. Conclusion: The core strength training exercise using the equipment developed in the present study improved the performance and stability of the elderly in activities of daily living.