Effects of Physical Health Status, Social Support, and Depression on Quality of Life in the Korean Community-Dwelling Elderly

Abstract

Background. This study was conducted to determine the effects of physical health status, social support, and depression on the quality of life in the elderly aged 65 and over who visit the senior employment center in G city, Republic of Korea. Methods. This study is a descriptive research targeting 466 elderly people aged 65 and over who lived in G city in Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea. Results. The subjects had one or more chronic diseases and slightly higher than normal depression, but had a slightly higher quality of life. A lower level of education, a higher number of chronic diseases, and a lower value of social networks was associated with lower quality of life. A higher subjective health status, a higher value of emotional network and a lower level of depression was associated with a higher quality of life. The explanatory power of this model for the quality of life was 31.3%. Conclusions. In order to improve the quality of life in the elderly, it is necessary to manage chronic diseases in old age, to increase the frequency of contact with family, relatives, and friends, to reduce negative emotions and depression and to enhance social support through various social activities. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a program and intervention strategies for individual and customized health care suitable for the characteristics of the elderly in the local community.