This study was designed to construct and test a structural equation modeling on specific domain health status and the Selection · Optimization · Compensation (SOC) strategy affecting successful aging in elderly people.

The model construction was based on the SOC model by Baltes and Baltes. Interviews were done with 201 elderly people aged 65 or older. Interview contents included demographics, functional health status, emotional health status, social health status, SOC strategies, and successful aging. Data were analyzed using SPSS 15.0 and AMOS 7.0.

Model fit indices for the modified model were GFI=.93, CFI=.94, and RMSEA=.07. Three out of 7 paths were found to have a significant effect on successful aging in this final model. Functional health status had a direct and positive effect on successful aging. Emotional health status influenced successful aging through SOC strategies.

This study suggests that interventions for improving functional health status and for strengthening SOC strategies are critical for successful aging. Continuous development of a variety of successful aging programs using SOC strategy is suggested.

The purpose of this study was to identify accidental mortality during school activities of students in elementary, middle or high school in Seoul and consequent compensation payment.

Fifty-eight students died due to accidents during the period 1988 through 2007. Data were obtained from the Seoul School Safety and Insurance Association, and Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education. Chi-square, t test, and ANCOVA were used in the data analysis.

Among students, 75.9% were male and 37.9% were high school students. Accidental mortality was 1.61 per one million students (2.33 for male, and 0.82 for female students, and 0.93, 2.13 and 2.31 for elementary, middle and high school students, respectively). Mortality caused by drowning and falls per one million student was 0.85 and 0.74 for male, and 0.23 and 0.35 for female students. After age, year and cause were adjusted using ANCOVA, the mean compensation payment was 40,615 thousand won for male, and 62,000 thousands for female students. Highest compensation payment was 127,137 thousand for cerebral concussion after age, gender, year and cause were adjusted.

To decrease student accidental mortality, especially drowning and falls, development of efficient safety-enforcing education is essential to prevent injuries and avoid preventable compensation costs.