우리나라 노인의 거동 불편 시 노인요양시설 거주의향 관련 특성: 전기 노인과 후기 노인의 비교

Abstract

Background: As the population rapidly ages, older adults are increasingly likely to experience mobility problems. This study aims toexplore the characteristics related to an elderly person’s willingness to live in a nursing home if they have mobility problemsMethods: This study analyzed data from 9,917 older adults (5,976 young-old and 3,941 old-old) obtained from the 2020 NationalSurvey of Older Koreans. The dependent variable was the intended place of residence for older adults with mobility problems. Independent variables included various characteristics: (1) sociodemographic and social support, (2) health and functional status,and (3) residential environment. Rao-Scott chi-square tests and survey logistic regression analyses were performed for theyoung-old and old-old, respectively. Results: The intention to live in a nursing home was significantly different between the young-old (30.4%) and the old-old (34.7%)(p=0.009). According to fully adjusted multivariable analyses, for the young-old, the odds ratio of intending to live in a nursing homewas significantly higher in social security benefit recipients (1.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06–1.97) compared to otherindividuals. The odds ratio was higher in unmarried (divorced, separated, widowed, or never-married) individuals for both young-old(1.41; 95% CI, 1.22–1.63) and old-old (1.34; 95% CI, 1.09–1.65) age groups, compared to their respective married counterparts. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that in an aging society, health and social policies should be designed considering thedifferent characteristics of the elderly to improve their health, function, and quality of life.