Stress (스트레스연구)

The Korean Society of Stress Medicine (대한스트레스학회)
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Risk Factors to Cognitive Function and Life Satisfaction in Elderly Living Alone

독거노인의 인지기능 및 삶의 만족도 위험요인 탐색

  • Received : 2018.10.07
  • Accepted : 2018.10.20
  • Published : 2018.12.31
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Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors influencing cognitive function and life satisfaction in elderly living alone. Methods: It was cross-sectional descriptive study by using secondary data from the 2014 national survey of Korean elderly. The study sample consisted of 2,249 subjects who live alone, aged 65 years old and over. Data were analyzed frequency analysis, ${\chi}^2$-test, t-test, ANOVA and Logistic regression analysis. Results: The risk factors that significantly influenced cognitive function were old age, bereavement, lack of education, no regular exercise and low socio-cultural activity satisfaction. The risk factors that significantly influenced life satisfaction were no bereavement, lack of education, no work, negative evaluation of health status, diagnosis of depression and no regular exercise. Also experience of emotional and economical abuse, neglect of financial support and low cognitive function were identified risk factors of life satisfaction. Conclusions: The elderly living alone with risk factors of cognitive decline should be interested. To prevent or delay cognitive impairment, regular exercise and socio-cultural activities were recommended. It was suggested that the promotion of cognitive function, appropriate work and exercise, and social efforts to prevent abuse and neglect can contribute to improving life satisfaction of elderly living alone.

본 연구는 독거노인의 인지기능과 삶의 만족도에 영향을 미치는 위험요인을 탐색하고자 하였다. 전국표본추출로 실시된 2014년도 노인실태조사 원시자료 중에서 만 65세 이상인 독거노인 2,449명의 자료를 분석하였다. 인지기능의 위험요인은 고령과 사별경험, 무학력, 운동 안함, 낮은 사회문화 활동만족도로 확인되었다. 삶의 만족도 위험요인은 이혼/미혼/별거경험, 무학력, 미취업, 부정적 건강평가와 우울진단, 운동 안함, 정서적 학대, 경제적 학대, 재정적 방임 경험과 낮은 인지기능 수준으로 확인되었다. 이는 고령의 사별한 독거노인 대상의 적극적인 인지기능 검사 및 강화 프로그램, 사회문화활동 참여를 위한 네트워킹, 우울 예방과 운동 및 건강증진 프로그램, 노인학대 예방을 위한 사회적 노력이 필요함을 시사해준다.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

Supported by : Joongbu University

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