Health Disparities Among Older Adults Aging in Place: A Rural-Urban Comparison in Korea
Author Information
Author(s): Choi Mi Sun, Lee Hyunmin
Primary Institution: Silla University, Busan, Republic of Korea; University of Seoul, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Hypothesis
This study aims to elucidate the differences in factors affecting the health of older adults who continue to reside in their communities between urban and rural areas.
Conclusion
The study found significant differences in health characteristics between urban and rural older adults aging in place, highlighting the need for targeted interventions in both settings.
Supporting Evidence
- Work ability, levels of depression, and housing satisfaction significantly affect subjective health status for both urban and rural older adults.
- In urban areas, male gender, higher income, compliance with minimum housing standards, and fewer outpatient visits are positively associated with health perception.
- Subjective perceptions play a more pronounced role in health for rural older adults.
Takeaway
This study looked at how living in cities or the countryside affects the health of older people who want to stay in their homes, finding that different factors matter in each place.
Methodology
Multiple regression analysis on data from the Korean Welfare Panel Study.
Participant Demographics
Older adults aged 65 and above, with 342 from urban areas and 305 from rural areas.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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