Choi, Jae Yong; (1998) Multi-dimensional view of quality of life amongst the elderly in Seoul, Korea. Doctoral thesis (Ph.D), UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

Never before in human history have so many people lived to be old. Korea like many countries has been experiencing the rapid growth of its elderly population. However in Korea, little research has been undertaken in regard to this group. This thesis aims at contributing to a better knowledge of the elderly in Korea, especially of their quality of life. The thesis examines the relationships between the quality of life determinants and life satisfaction amongst the Korean elderly with special reference to activities. Quality of life determinants include socio-economic status, health, environment, and cultural value which serve as independent variables. Activity, an intervening variable, is disaggregated into three types: group, informal, and leisure. Life satisfaction is conceptualised as a global sense of subjective well-being which does not represent any specific life concern. The field research for the study was carried out in four different areas of Seoul, Korea, selected on the basis of their contrasting residential land value. Data was collected from four different but complementary sources: archival records, 285 representative interviews using a structured questionnaire, 30 in-depth interviews with a sample of individuals over 60 years old, and 4 in-depth interviews with social workers. In this research greater participation in leisure activities amongst the Korean elderly was found to be positively correlated with their increased life satisfaction. The descending order of variables which have relatively significant influence on leisure activities and life satisfaction is cultural value, economic status, health, and environment. However, sociodemographic variables such as age, gender and educational level do not have any significant impact.

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