Association Between Knowledge and Attitude About Aging and Life Satisfaction Among Older Koreans

Suh, Soonrim; Choi, Heejung; Lee, Choonji; Cha, Miyoun; Jo, Inhee

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to measure knowledge and attitude about aging and life satisfaction among older Korean adults and to examine the influence of attitude and knowledge about aging on these adults' life satisfaction.
METHODS
A cross-sectional and correlational design was used. A total of 405 older adults were surveyed using a written questionnaire at six elderly welfare centers in a metropolitan city in South Korea in mid April 2011. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation analysis, and multiple regression.
RESULTS
The score of knowledge on aging was below the medium level. Attitude about aging was neutral, and life satisfaction was at the medium level. Variables such as female sex, age, economic status, monthly allowance, living with a spouse, self-rated overall health, knowledge and attitude about aging accounted for 33.8% of the total variance in predicting life satisfaction of the older adults. Older age and lower economic status reduced life satisfaction. Being female, having a monthly income of 300,000 Korea Republic Won or more, living with a spouse, and better knowledge and attitude about aging were associated with enhanced life satisfaction.
CONCLUSION
The effect of knowledge and attitude about aging on life satisfaction is significant. Economic status, living with a spouse and self-rated overall health status are also predictive factors in life satisfaction. Consequently, nursing interventions for education and psychological support to increase knowledge about aging and induce a positive attitude towards it should be developed to improve older adults' life satisfaction.