Factors Influencing Health Conservation among Elders

Oh, Won Oak; Kim, Eun Jung

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to determine the predictors of health conservation for elders in Korea. METHOD: Random sampling method was used and data from 113 elders were used for final analysis. Data collection was conducted through the use of questionnaires which were constructed to include Health Conservation Scale, Purpose in Life Test and Self-efficacy Scale.
RESULTS
Health conservation of the elders was in the middle range. The elders of this study had few goals towards meaning in life, and were in an existential vacuum state. There was a positive correlation between health conservation, meaning in life and self-efficacy. The significant factors influencing health conservation of elders were meaning in life, education level and gender. These 3 factors explained 30.6% of health conservation of elders.
CONCLUSIONS
The results indicate that health conservation is an important link with meaning in life in elders. There should be a comprehensive study in the future for in-depth understanding of health conservation of elders.