Multilevel Effects of Community Capacity on Active Aging in Community-Dwelling Older Adults in South Korea

Abstract

This study aimed at identifying the level of active aging in older adults and the influence of the individual and community levels of community capacity on active aging. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on a stratified sample of 380 older adults living in 35 neighborhoods of five regions in Seoul, the capital of South Korea. The structured questionnaire included the Korean version of instruments that measure active aging and community capacity at the individual level. Secondary data including metropolitan statistical information, a public data portal, and a city plan were used to acquire community-capacity factors at the community level. Data were analyzed with multilevel models. Results: The overall active aging mean score was 3.00 ± 0.55 out of 5; the highest mean score was in the security domain (3.46 ± 0.65) and the lowest one was in the participation domain (2.71 ± 0.66). Individual factors associated with active aging included age, education, income, and community capacity at the individual level. At the community level, two community-capacity factors (senior leisure welfare facilities and cooperative unions) were significantly associated with active aging. In active aging, 6.4% and 4.1% of total variance could be explained by 35 neighborhoods, after considering individual and community level variables, respectively. Conclusion: This study showed that community capacity is important for active aging among older adults. Appropriate strategies that consider both individual and community factors, such as contextual indicators of community capacity, are necessary to improve active aging.

Social Activities and Health-Related Quality of Life in Rural Older Adults in South Korea: A 4-Year Longitudinal Analysis

“…We tried to compare our findings with studies targeting community-dwelling or rural older adults in various regions. Our findings were similar to those of one study of community-dwelling older adults in Korea by Kim et al (2020) that reported a moderate average active aging score. The authors also reported on the three subdomain scores of active aging: scores on "safety" were the highest, followed by "health" and "participation" scores [43].…”

“…Our findings were similar to those of one study of community-dwelling older adults in Korea by Kim et al (2020) that reported a moderate average active aging score. The authors also reported on the three subdomain scores of active aging: scores on “safety” were the highest, followed by “health” and “participation” scores [ 43 ]. In contrast with our findings, Henchoz et al (2019) found that the score of all domains of quality of life, including social and cultural life, health and mobility, and esteem and recognition, decreased in community-dwelling older adults [ 30 ].…”

“…These discrepancies may arise from several sources. For example, living arrangements may vary due to both cultural norms regarding filial responsibility and differences in community services across the selected countries and contexts, reflecting variations in the availability, cost, and quality of institutional care for older adults [43]. Future research should investigate the differences in health-related quality of life in older men and women between urban and rural areas.…”

Associations of City-Level Active Aging and Age Friendliness with Well-Being among Older Adults Aged 55 and Over in Taiwan

“…Older people's individual characteristics are found to be related to active aging, including age (being younger), gender, higher education, absence of disability, higher income, absence of material deprivation, and engagement with the community [45,46]. Community-level factors related to active aging include a higher percentage of college-educated residents, a higher percentage of migrant residents, more urban development, sufficient infrastructure, and greater community capacity in terms of shared interests and collaboration [45,46]. Empirical studies show that an age-friendly environment is positively related to an individual's active aging [38].…”

Two-Step Floating Catchment Area Model-Based Evaluation of Community Care Facilities’ Spatial Accessibility in Xi’an, China

“…The research of Kim J. (2020) and Joan K. (2016) also emphasized the importance of the community for active aging among older adults [ 25 , 26 ]. Improving accessibility to community care facilities is also beneficial for promoting regular screening of some diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy [ 27 ].…”