Abstract

• The explosion of the aging population is changing the social environment of today's older people. Traditionally in Korea, a large percentage (over 90%) of elderly parents have lived with their married first son. But today, the number of- elderly who live with their married sons has decreased (65.6%) The number of those who live in a different situation such as with their married daughter, unmarried offspring, with a spouse or alone has increased(34.4%) We can expect that the number of the elderly who have to live in institution will increase. The objective of this investigation was to determine differences in the number of health Complaints of older people according to their living situation with a view to planning more effective health care. The sample consisted of 231 persons over 65 years of age, 60 living in an Old Age Home and. 171 living in their own home in Kwangju. Data were gathered from July 9 to 26, 1983 by nursing students using a questionnaire which was a modified form of the Cornell Medcal Index. The data were categorized according to the subjects, living, sex, educational level, previous occupation, hobbies and sexual activity. The date were analyzed for statistical significant differences using F and X2 tests. Findings included the following: 1. There was a higher number of health complaints from persons who live in the institution than those living at home, but the difference was not significant. 2. The highest number of health Complaints were from persons who live alone, followed by thoseliving with their daughters, and then by those living in the institution. Persons who live with their sons had the least Complaints. The difference in the number of Complaints according to with whom they were living was significant. 3. Women had significantly more Complaints than men. Persons who were not living with their spouses had significantly more complaints than those living with their spouses. 4. The higher eductional level the persons had, the less health Complaints they had. The number of Complaints accoraing to educational level was significantly different. 5. The highest number of health complaints were from persons who had involved in Commerce and industry, followed by those in Agriculture. Persons who were civil servant had the least 6. There were more complains from persons who had no hobby than those with hobbies. The complaints. The difference was significant. difference was significant. 7. Persons who said they were sexually inactive had significantly more complaints than those who said they were sexually active. As age increased, sexual activity significantly decreased. Those who lived with their spouse were significantly more sexually active. 8. The highest number of Somatic Complaints were eye fatigue, followed by nocturnal frequency, lumbago, cramps in extremities, vertigo, stiffness in shoulder, tinnitus, common cold and constipation. The order of Psychic Complaints from higher to lower were anger, sensitivity, anxiety, depression and loneliness. 9. This group of Elderly persons said they valued Health the most, followed by Harmony, Religion, Money and Honor.

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