Cluster Analysis of the Different Types and Degree of Preparation for Old-age Among Middle-aged Rural Residents in South Korea

This study aimed to analyze the degree of preparation for old-age of middle-aged rural residents, and to classify the types of preparation for old-age by degree of preparation using cluster analysis. The study analyzed the data obtained from 822 adults aged 40~64 in rural communities in the North and South Jeolla provinces. First, the degree of preparation for old-age (range: 0~100 points) was 62.6 points for social aspects, 73.8 points for physical aspects, 52.7 points for leisure activities aspects, and 64.2 points for economic aspects. Second, through the application of cluster analysis, preparation was classified into 4 different types. The percentages of the 4 types were obtained as follows: 30.2% for Type 1 (overall vulnerable type), 22.7% for Type 2 (overall well-prepared type), 32.0% for Type 3 (leisure activities vulnerable type), and 15.1% for Type 4 (economically vulnerable type). Third, as a result of conducting a chi-square analysis to examine the association between the different types of preparation for old-age and various socio-demographic characteristics, statistically significant differences were found with respect to gender, age, level of education, type of housing, and occupation. Fourth, through an examination of the association between the types of preparation for old-age and a number of family-related characteristics, where statistically significant differences were found in terms of marital status, number of children, number of surviving parents, and family functioning. Based on these findings, the need to account for leisure activities in the preparation for the old-age of rural residents was emphasized. In addition, potential solutions to improve the degree of preparation for old-age while reflecting upon the characteristics of each type were discussed.