Effects of satisfaction with the programs of senior welfare centers on the depressive emotions and well-being of the elderly

Abstract

Effects of satisfaction with the programs of senior welfare centers on the depressive emotions and well-being of the elderlyUi -Yo n gL e e 1 a n dS a n g -Ha eB y u n 1 * 1De p a r t me n to fS o c i a lWe l f a r eCo u n c e l i n g ,S e o u lVe n t u r eUn i v e r s i t y Abstract The purpose of this study is to investigate how leisure programs are utilized by senior welfare centers, and analyze the relationship between the degree of satisfaction and the resulting effect on the depressive emotions and psychological well-being of program participants. To that end, a survey was made on 128 persons aged 65 or over who were participating in leisure programs at 2 senior centers located in Seoul. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS Ver. 21. The findings were as follows: First, the most satisfactory program was Sing-Along program, while the reason for using senior welfare centers was for meeting friends and the most favorite program was hobby classes; Second, significant differences were found in depressive emotions according to age and educational background and in psychological well-being according to educational background. Third, the degree of satisfaction in programs had a meaningful relationship with depressive emotion and well-being; Fourth, there was no mediating effect of psychological well-being between the degree of program satisfaction and depressive emotion.

Social engagement and cognitive function among middle-aged and older adults: gender-specific findings from the Korean longitudinal study of aging (2008–2018)

“…In senior centers, a wide variety of free services for physical and mental health improvement, as well as social/educational programs and recreational activities are organized by healthcare professionals, social workers, and community volunteers 25,26 . In Korea, senior centers offer opportunities for middle-aged and older adults to socially interact with other people while playing chess or 'Hwatu' (Korean traditional cards), singing, dancing, playing musical instruments, and learning calligraphy or origami 27,28 .…”

Which type of social activities may reduce cognitive decline in the elderly?: a longitudinal population-based study

“…Other research on senior center participation and health has shown that senior center participants had higher levels of social interaction and better mental health than non-participants [ 48 ]. In South Korea, older people participating in senior citizen clubs can spend their leisure time with other people playing hwatu (Korean card game) or chess, singing songs, or dancing [ 49 ]. The senior centers provide diverse group activities for the elderly including painting, calligraphy, origami, gardening, playing musical instruments, acting, and exercise programs [ 41 , 49 ].…”

“…In South Korea, older people participating in senior citizen clubs can spend their leisure time with other people playing hwatu (Korean card game) or chess, singing songs, or dancing [ 49 ]. The senior centers provide diverse group activities for the elderly including painting, calligraphy, origami, gardening, playing musical instruments, acting, and exercise programs [ 41 , 49 ]. Our result suggests that participation in senior citizen clubs may protect against CD in elderly people.…”