Although the global population of the elderly has been increased remarkably for the last decade, the health needs of elderly of a specific ethnic heritage has not been identified sufficiently. One hundred community-dwelling Korean elderly aged from 62 to 88 residing in mainland Korea were interviewed. A structured questionnaire elicited their health care needs defined in three domains: perceived health status, physical functioning, and accessibility to medical care. In perceived health status, present ailments (x2=9.309, p < .05) and weight consistency (x2=14.805, p < .05) were significantly associated with age. The older group aged over 75 made a positive evaluation of their own health status, confronting the general idea that perceived vulnerability in health status would be increased with age. Ninety percent of the Korean elderly had one or more physical ailments among which musculoskeletal problem was the most prevalent (32%). Among the seven physical functioning indicators, doing housework (x2=17.225, p < .05) and using transportation (x2=16.058, p < .05) were significantly associated with age. While the majority of the elderly (80%) had trouble with illness during the previous month of the study, 70% of them were seeking medical care. In terms of new health problems that required further medical follow up, musculoskeletal system was the most needy area of treatment (32.8%). Further research on the health needs of Korean elderly is imperative in order to develop general data to reform more efficient health services for the Korean geriatric population.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the learners will be able to: 1. Recognize the most prevalent health ailment among the elderly living in Korea. 2. Identify the factors that affect the access to medical care by the Korean elderly. 3. Discuss the differences in health needs between the elderly population living in the USA and Korea
Keywords: Elderly, Health Needs
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.