The Effects of Elderly Koreans’ Individual Characteristics on Living Arrangements

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of individual characteristics of elderly Koreans on their living arrangements. Interviews with elderly persons aged 65 years and over were conducted in Seoul, the capital of Korea.

The study population was Korean elderly people who lived either independently or with their children. The sample was stratified to represent older adults in high- and low - income areas of Seoul. Regression was used for data analysis.

Independent living situations by the elderly were influenced by the existence of the spouse, the level of higher education, the ability for self-support, the individual's health status, and the marital status of the children. Older adults in Korea consider their marital status, their ability for self-support, and the marital status of their adult children as important determinants of their living arrangements for the nearfiture. Such elderly demographic statistics as age, gendel; number of children, and number of sons were not signijkant in predicting elderly living arrangements in Korea.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Min-Ah Lee

Min-Ah Lee is a graduate of the College of Human Environmental Sciences, Oklahoma State University, and adjunct Assistant Professor, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.

Margaret J. Weber

Margaret J. Weber is Dean, Graduate School of Education and Psychology, Pepperdine University.