J Korean Geriatr Soc.  2016 Mar;20(1):49-55. 10.4235/jkgs.2016.20.1.49.

Needs for Health Care Services for Active Aging of Home-Dwellers With Age

• Song Y
• Won C
• Lee J
• Choi S
• Oh S

• KMID: 2161210
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4235/jkgs.2016.20.1.49

Abstract

BACKGROUND
In a rapidly aging population, the importance of the quality of life of the elderly has been emphasized. The need for special care services according to an individual's physical, emotional, and social functions changes with aging. This study was conducted to analyze the needs of home dwellers in terms of health-care services for active aging.
METHODS
The study subjects were 869 adults older than 40 years who lived in houses. They responded to a survey that inquired about the importance of each health-care item for active aging at home. The important items for active aging at home were graded by using a 5-point Likert scale.
RESULTS
Among the items, "affection" topped the list, with 4.68 points, followed by cognitive function (4.67 points) and "social relations" (4.59 points). The top 3 items had no significant differences between the age groups. However, some items related to activities of daily living (ADL; including bathing, eating, and ambulating.) and instrumental ADL (IADL; including taking medicines and preparing meals) had significant differences between the age groups. Compared with the subjects in the older age groups, the subjects in the forties age group placed less importance on ADL and IADL.
CONCLUSION
For the subjects who lived in houses, affection, cognitive function, and social relation are highly important for as active aging, regardless of age. ADL and IADL are regarded as more important in ≥50 years age groups.

Keyword

Aging; Health care; Affection; Cognitive function

MeSH Terms

Activities of Daily Living
Adult
Aged
Aging*
Baths
Delivery of Health Care*
Eating
Humans
Quality of Life