The Journal of Korean Society of Community-Based Occupational Therapy Vol.9 No.1 pp.57-67
Study of General Characteristics of the Korean Elderly and Their Leisure Time Spending : Analyzing the Data of Hours of Living 2014
Key Words : Successful aging,Time,Leisure time,the Korean elderly
Abstract
Objective : This study aimed to identify types of leisure time spending of the Korean elderly according to the data of Hours of Living 2014 from National Statistical Office, and compare and analyze features of leisure time spending based on general characteristics of the elderly. Method : This study has only adopted the data of 9228 elder people whose ages were above 65, and their general characteristics and time spending features form the data of Hours of Living 2014. The final comparison and analysis has been made through behavior classification (1 major classification, 7 medium classification, 39 minor classification), which reflects how the elderly spend their leisure time according to their household and personal characteristics. Result : Firstly, the Korean elderly were found to spend most of their leisure time with media. Secondly, analyzing the features of leisure time spending based on household characteristics of the elderly, their gender and household income showed significant differences in all types of leisure time activities except for cultural and sightseeing activity. And their marital status showed significant differences in most of the leisure time activities excluding leisure time activity with media and cultural and sightseeing activity. Thirdly, analyzing the features of leisure time spending based on personal characteristics of the elderly, their education level has made significant differences in all types of leisure time activities. As for their economic activity status and average monthly income, they showed meaningful differences in most of the leisure time activities excluding cultural and sightseeing activity and ritual activity. Conclusion : We should help to find meaningful occupation within personal contexts and arrange it properly with balanced leisure time spending. Moreover, it is highly important to have appropriate occupational approach to prevent social isolation of the Korean elderly, and ensure their fruitful and successful later life.