• 한국노년학
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.895-910
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• 2010

This study examined the mediating effect of social isolation on the life satisfaction among lowincome older adults. The purpose of this study was to find out isolated older adults' social isolation rate and mediating effect of sense of community by community dwelling older adults with loweconomic status. This study used the Gijang Welfare Network study(2009). The sample consisted 256 older adults 65 and older residing in Busan(Gijang). As statistical method, correlation analysis and structural equation model used in this paper. The results of this study suggested some practical implications in reducing social isolation for older adults with low economic status. We need to emphasize social relations and social participations as well as outreach program for high-risk elderly of social isolation. In addition, Findings suggested that community based interventions should be provided to protect older people, especially poor elderly from social isolation.

• 한국노년학
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.415-430
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• 2017

This study aims to examine whether assets matter for depression among older adults and whether the relationship between assets and depression is mediated by social activities. The research questions are based on asset effect theory, stakeholder theory, and activity theory. This study used the 5th wave of KLoSA data which is a nationally representative data in Korea. Research findings are summarized as follows: First, we found the negative relationship between assets and depression of older adults. Second, The relationship between assets and depression was partially mediated by social activities of older adults. The findings suggest that older adults with assets are more likely to participate in social activities and accordingly their depression is likely to decline. Based on the empirical findings, we can propose that asset-building programs targeting older adults should be developed and that the financial education and saving chances should be given to middle-aged adults who need to prepare old age in the long-term perspective.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.813-820
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• 2006

Purpose: This study examined the effects of individual reminiscence therapy on older adults' depression, morale, and the quality of life. Methods: The design was a single-group pre-test and post-test study. Subjects consisted of 31 older adults from two senior centers and a welfare center in Seoul. Individual reminiscence therapy was applied to study subjects four times, once a week for an hour at each time. Measurement tools were the Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form Korea (GDSSF-K) for depression, Mun Ae-ri's (1996) scale for morale, and Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36) for the quality of life. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-test, and pearson correlation. Results: The application of individual reminiscence therapy reduced older adults' depression (t=-5.65, p=.000), and enhanced older adults' morale (t=4.65, p=.000). The application of individual reminiscence therapy improved older adults' quality of life (t=5.00, p=.000). Conclusion: Findings of the study suggest that individual reminiscence therapy may be applied as a nursing intervention that contributesto the improvement of older adults' quality of life, reduces their depression, and enhances their morale.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.106-114
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• 2019

Background: It is difficult to assess whether community-dwelling frail older adults may remain pre-frail status or improve into a robust state without being directly checked by health care professionals. The health information perceived by older adults is considered to be one of best sources of potential concerns in older adult population. An online measurement system combined with item response theory (IRT) and computer adaptive testing (CAT) methods is likely to become a realistic approach to remotely monitor physical activity status of frail older adults. Objects: This article suggests an approach to provide a precise and efficient means of measuring physical activity levels of community-dwelling frail older adults. Methods: Article reviews were reviewed and summarized. Results: In comparison to the classical test theory (CTT), the IRT method is empirically aimed to focus on the psychometric properties of individual test items in lieu of the test as a whole. These properties allow creating a large item pool that can capture the broad range of physical activity levels. The CAT method administers test items by an algorithm that select items matched to the physical activity levels of the older adults. Conclusion: An online measurement system combined with these two methods would allow adequate physical activity measurement that may be useful to remotely monitor the activity level of community-dwelling frail older adults.

• 한국노년학
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.389-404
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• 2019

The present study aims to examine the relationship between self-reported sensory impairment and cognitive function among older adults in Korea. Drawn from the 2017 Survey of Living Conditions and Welfare Needs Korean Older Persons, a total of 10,082 adults aged 65 and over were included in analyses. Results from hierarchial multiple regression analysis show that those who reported greater subjective discomfort about vision, hearing, and oral function were more likely to have poor cognitive function. Results from hierarchial logistic regression analysis show. Results from logistic regression analysis show that having hearing and oral discomfort increased the a risk for dementia. Findings suggest that it is necessary to manage sensory function of the elderly at the government level and to develop self-evaluation tools to monitor changes in sensory function for older adults. Future research should target finding effective ways to improve health of older adults.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.1007-1018
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• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine whether the tailored home-delivered meal (HDM) services included nutrition counseling impacts alleviating self-rated frailty among low-income older adults in Korea. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Pre- and post-test were implemented on May 27 and on November 25 in 2019 during 3 weeks, respectively, before and after the 6 months intervention program. Participants completed a questionnaire measuring frailty, malnutrition, food security, depression, and underlying diseases. Initially, 136 older adults were selected as participants for this study, they were recipients of a free meal program from 2 senior welfare centers in Seoul, the final sample size of those who completed the intervention program was 117 (female 70.9%, male 29.1%). Statistical analyses were conducted with IBM SPSS package program, paired t-test and χ² test to validate the test. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in the score of the Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI) before and after receiving the tailored HDM services (pre-test 9.46, post-test 2.8, P < 0.01). The differences in the score of TFI by 3 risk groups at the pre-test decreased as a result of receiving these services. CONCLUSIONS: The tailored HDM services alleviated the self-rated frailty of low-income older adults with limited mobility in a community setting. Based on the positive outcomes this study could be applied to developing social services for aging in place.

• The Journal of Korean Society for School & Community Health Education
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.37-50
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• 2023

Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify factors influencing communication satisfaction between geriatric caregivers and older adults in urban-rural complex communities. The ultimate goal was to design local community educational programs and policies to enhance communication satisfaction among geriatric caregivers and improve the quality of care services for older adults. Methods: To identify factors influencing communication satisfaction between elderly caregivers and older adults, a survey titled "CCEP: Assessment of Communication Status between Elderly Care Service Providers and Recipients" was conducted from February to July 2020, focusing on rural-urban complex areas. The survey was administered based on providers of elderly healthcare services. The survey targeted 131 respondents involved in providing care services for older adults. The dependent variable of this study was the communication satisfaction reported by elderly caregivers in their interactions with the elderly. The independent variables included perceptions of older adults, factors associated with communication difficulties, and communication efforts. Additionally, gender, working environment, working experience, and the proportion of face-to-face interactions with older adults during caregiving were controlled for the hierarchical multiple regression analysis. Results: The analysis revealed that communication efforts with older adults significantly influenced communication satisfaction (β=.09, p<0.01). However, perceptions of the elderly and communication hindrance factors did not have a significant impact on communication satisfaction among geriatric caregivers. Conclusion: Effective communication between geriatric caregivers and older adults is crucial for identifying and meeting the needs and demands of caregiving services, and it plays a vital role in overall caregiving service satisfaction. To enhance communication skills and satisfaction among geriatric caregivers and ensure the appropriate fulfillment of elderly care needs in the local community, the development of community-centered, specialized health communication programs and other initiatives will be necessary in the future.

• 한국노년학
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.51-72
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• 2020

The purpose of this study is to understand the experiences of older adults living in the public welfare housing for the elderly and to examine what kind of this housing is as the housing alternative. Through the Robert Stake's intrinsic case study, it explored how older residents experienced this place, and how the relationships between residents, office workers, and community had been in the process, and what kind of issues were there. Various kinds of data, such as resident surveys, participant observations, interviews with 76 elderly residents and 4 office workers, and related newspaper articles, were analyzed using the thematic analysis method and methods suggested by Stake(1995). The results are presented as follows. First, it looked at who lived here and explored what was happening in this place where people of various backgrounds were gathered. Second, four types of life could be seen centering on the social relationship and daily life of older adults. Third, this study examined how the various ways of life were related to the main reasons for moving in here, and summarized how the residents perceived this place. The fourth and the fifth examined the relationships and dynamics among older residents, with office workers, and with the community, focusing on the two issues most commonly mentioned by residents. The results of this study show that, as a living organism, the interaction between the systems affects not only the culture of the housing, but also the lives of older adults. In particular, it can be seen how the perceptions of the practitioners are affecting the lives of the elderly. Based on the results of the study, further considerations were discussed.

• Korean Journal of Social Welfare Studies
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.91-120
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• 2017

This study aimed (a) to examine the association between chronic illness and multidimensional disability(i.e., psychological/emotional functions, activity capacity, and participation frequency) among older adults with disabilities, (b) to investigate the effect of formal and informal supports on multidimensional disability, and (c) to analyze the moderating effects of formal and informal supports on the association between chronic illness and multidimensional disability. This study used 2014 Korea Welfare Panel Study(the 9th wave) data and 450 older adults with disabilities aged 50 and over were selected as the study target. The research model was analyzed by structural equation modeling using IBM AMOS 22.0. Based on the ICF framework developed by WHO, health condition was measured by the level of chronic illness; psychological/emotional functions were measured by health satisfaction, self-esteem, and depression; activity capacity was measured by ADLs and IADLs; participation frequency was measured by the total number of social activities joined; formal support was measured by the total number of formal welfare services for people with disabilities utilized; informal support was measured by perceived social support. The findings showed that the level of chronic illness was negatively associated with psychological/emotional functions among the older adults with disabilities. The informal support positively affected psychological/emotional functions and activity capacity, whereas the formal support showed the opposite result. That is, the formal support negatively influenced activity capacity and showed a moderating effect on the association between the level of chronic illness and the psychological/emotional functions in a reverse way. Based on the results, practice and policy implications for alleviating disability level among the older adults with disabilities were discussed.

• Journal of Korean Gerontological Nursing
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.167-176
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• 2018

Purpose: Post Stroke Depression (PSD) is one of the most common complications for stroke survivors and is associated with negative health outcomes such as disability, death. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and predictors of PSD among older Korean adults living in the community. Methods: Data collection was done using the 2014 Survey of Living Conditions and Welfare Needs of Korean Older Adults. Participants were 706 older adults who had a stroke. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of PSD. Results: The prevalence of PSD which was assessed by the short form of the geriatric depression scale was 49.4%. In a logistic regression model, the predictors of PSD were self-rated health (OR=5.90, CI=3.70~9.40), economic state (OR=2.97, CI=2.07~4.24), independent activities of daily living (IADL) (OR=2.17, CI=1.30~3.63), Activities of Daily Living (ADL) (OR=2.02, CI=1.07~3.80), and education (OR=1.53, CI=1.05~2.24). Conclusion: PSD was common among older Korean adults living in the community. Poor self-rated health status, lower economic state, lower levels of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) and ADL, lower levels of education should be considered when conducting activities related to prevention and management of PSD in older adults.