독거여부가 노인의 자살생각에 미치는 영향: 사회참여의 매개효과를 중심으로

Abstract

This study examined the association between the living arrangement of older adults(living alone vs. living with other family members) and suicidal ideation. This study also investigated whether the association between living arrangement and social participation is mediated by the level of social participation(e.g., club activities, social group activities, religious activities and volunteer activities). Using the 2017 National Survey of the Living Conditions and Welfare Needs of Older Koreans, this study analyzed 10,299 older adults aged 65 and older in South Korea. The main results are as follows: Older adults living alone tended to show significantly higher levels of suicidal ideation compared to those who were living with other family members. In addition, among different types of social participation, social group activities were found to significantly mediate the link between living arrangement and suicidal ideation among older adults. The results of this study suggest the importance of considering different forms of social activities, especially social group activities, in the development of policies for preventing suicide among older adults living alone.