도시 노인의 걷기실천과 건강증진에 관한 근거이론 연구

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to conceptualize the walking experience of urban older adults from the perspective of health promotion. Methods: The research design applied a grounded theory approach. Theoretical sampling was implemented until theoretical saturation was reached, and 33 older adults living in a pedestrian-friendly community in Seoul were recruited for the study. Data were collected only at the first stage of social distancing between July and December 2020. This study employed qualitative multi-methods that combined in-depth interviews and field observation. The collected data were analyzed through open, axial, and selective coding, while text and spatial information were integrated during axial coding. Results: The open coding resulted in 83 concepts, 35 subcategories, and 14 categories, which were reconstructed according to the coding paradigm structure for axial coding. The walking experience phenomenon among urban older adults was reflected through the following: “subjectivity as a healthy older adult,” “autonomy of movement,” and “diverse range of daily experiences in terms of walking.” This phenomenon was linked to multidimensional health promotion by facilitating interactions between older adults and the environment in the context of urban old adults. Conclusion: A healthy and age-friendly community should move toward promoting the interaction between older adults and the environment by increasing the frequency of walking for various purposes.