Korean J Adult Nurs.  2017 Feb;29(1):41-50. 10.7475/kjan.2017.29.1.41.

Attitude toward One's Own Aging among Korean Middle-aged Adults and the Elderly

• Jo A
• Oh H

• KMID: 2406335
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7475/kjan.2017.29.1.41

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to identify and compare the factors influencing attitude toward one's own aging among Korean middle-aged adults and the elderly.
METHODS
A cross sectional study was performed with a total sample of 70 middle-aged adults and 64 elderly reside in two metropolitan areas. Data were collected from August 2015 to November 2015 using the Perceived Health Status Scale, the Health Locus of Control Scale and the Attitude Toward own Aging (ATOA) Scale. The statistics used include percentage, t-test, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and multiple regression.
RESULTS
Mean age for each age group were about 52 and 76 years old for middle-aged adults and the elderly respectively. A considerable proportion of all participants reported a negative attitude toward aging. Perceived health status was the common factor influencing attitude toward one's own aging in both age groups. Middle-aged adults identified presence of chronic illness and internal health locus of control as important factors. In contrast, the elderly reported that education and others-dependent health locus of control such as powerful others had a significant impact on ATOA. Each regression model explained 31% and 55% of the total variance of ATOA among middle-aged adults and among the elderly.
CONCLUSION
Both middle-aged adults and the elderly with low perceived health status are at risk of negative ATOA's. The type health locus of control need to be identified and utilized based on individuals' tendency to improve positive ATOA. That is, middle-aged adults might need reinforcement of their self-will whereas the elderly might need enhancement of social support and network of family and healthcare providers.

MeSH Terms

Adult*
Aged*
Aging*
Chronic Disease
Education
Health Personnel
Humans
Internal-External Control

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