Objective : The elderly are becoming more subdivided due to their recent population increase. Thus, social interest in the new silver generation is increasing as a new, older age group. This study aimed to analyze the lifestyle and multi-faceted environmental factors of older adults, and their impact on quality of life.
Methods : This study utilized data from the 「Lifestyle Survey for Health Promotion for the Elderly」 surveyed in 2019 by the SSK Seniors Lifestyle Research Team at Yonsei University. This study sampled a total of 184 people aged 65 years or older. The collected data was analyzed frequency analysis, correlation analysis, and simple regression analysis using SPSS for Windows 12.0.
Results : As a result of this study, the components of lifestyle, namely physical activity(r=.249, p=.001), activity participation(r=.234, p=0.01), and nutrition(r=.418, p=0.00) of the elderly showed a positive correlation with quality of life. In addition, the physical environment(r=.341, p=0.01), social environment(r=.511, p=0.01), and internet environment(r=.390, p=0.01) were positively correlated with quality of life. The regression analysis showed that the factors affecting the elderly’s quality of life were nutrition(β=.278, p<.001), physical environment(β=.159, p<.01), social environment(β=.261, p<.001), and internet environment(β=.163, p<.05). It was explained by 40.9%(R2=.409, p<.001).
Conclusion : In order to improve the quality of life of the elderly living in the community, it is necessary to provide a community health-care program centered on evaluating and improving multi-faceted environmental factors as well as evaluating and redesigning the lifestyles of the elderly.