J Cosmet Med.  2020 Jun;4(1):17-22. 10.25056/JCM.2020.4.1.17.

The effect of life satisfaction on the silver generation’s spa recognition and preferences

• Park GH
• Kang EJ
• Seo SH

• KMID: 2561088
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.25056/JCM.2020.4.1.17

Abstract

Background
Although the spa industry is becoming increasingly popular as it is integrated and combined with the aesthetic, cosmetic, medical, food, apparel, and amusement park industries, research and development on spas for the silver generation is still lacking.
Objective
The present study aimed to analyze satisfaction with life (SwL), spa perception, and spa program preferences of the silver generation with the objective of using the findings to develop spa programs that are actually needed by the growing elderly population, and provide basic data for the revitalization of the spa market.
Methods
The study population consisted of people aged 60 years and older—also known as the silver generation—who were visitors at tourist sites in Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do (South Korea).
Results
The results showed that the silver generation’s self-esteem was highly correlated with their spa perception, while those with high SwL reported a high number of responses for “body massage/body treatment.” Regarding the appropriate cost of a single program, “Korean Won (KRW) 30,000–49,999” was the most common response among respondents with high SwL and “less than KRW 30,000” was the most common response among respondents with low SwL. Regarding the ideal combined program services, “special facial care+massage+care using water” was the most common response among respondents with high SwL, while “massage+care using water+total relaxation care” was the most common response among respondents with SwL.
Conclusion
The silver generation’s SwL was found to be mutually associated with spa perception and spa program preferences. Therefore, the study’s findings could be used as basic data for the development of programs tailored for the silver generation and increase the positive perception about spas and the development of spa programs that consider the characteristics of people with high or low SwL.

Keyword

satisfaction with life; silver generation; spa awareness; spa program preferences