A Survey on Perceived Health Status and Health Promoting Lifestyle Patterns between Korean Elderly and Korean-American Elderly

Sohng, Kyeong Yae; Lee, So Young

Abstract

This study was designed to explore and compare health-promoting behaviors and perceived health status between Korean elderly and Korean-American elderly. One hundred fifty Korean elderly and one ten Korean-American elderly recruited from senior centers respectively. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS program through which with a structured questionnaire. T-test, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation coefficients were tested. The results were followings : 1. In religion, 32.7% of Korean elderly were protestant, while 61.8% of Korean-American elderly were protestant. 61.3% of Korean elderly were living with their children, and only 17.3% of Korean-American elderly were living with their children. 2. Perceived health status of Korean elderly was 3.08 and Korean-American elderly was 3.01, there was no significant difference in those two groups. 3. The mean HPLP score of Korean elderly was 2.63, showed significant relationships with age, economic status and education, while Korean-American elderly was 2.54, showed significant relationships with education and economic status. 4. There was no significant difference in the mean HPLP score in two groups, but Korean elderly showed higher practices in health responsibility, exercise, and stress management than that of Korean-American elderly. Both two groups showed highest practices in nutrition(3.14, 3.01), and the lowest practices in exercise(2.14, 1.92). 5. The HPLP score of Korean and Korean-American elderly showed(r=0.24, r=0.20) positive correlations with perceived health status. To draw concrete resolution for health promotion of Korean-American elderly, this study suggests followings for future research: 1. Developing health promotion programs focused on exercise and stress management is also imperatively suggested not only for better health practices of Korean immigrant elderly population but also for enhancing their level of well-beings and life satisfaction. 2. Identifying the influences of culture on their practices of health-promoting lifestyle patterns among Korean, Korean- American and other racial elderly groups.