earticle

영어

The purpose of this study was to identify the social networks used by the rural elderly and to analyze the effects of these social networks on the need for life services. The research subjects were 1,000 people aged 65 years and over living in the rural areas of Korea. Among the total 1,000 respondents, 979 elderly who have children were included in this study. The data were analyzed using frequency analysis, descriptive statistics, and multiple regression analysis. The results of this study were as follows. First, the frequency of contact with friends/ neighbors was higher than that of children, whereas the social support of children was higher than that of friends/neighbors(excluding physical support). Second, the rate of use of home services and the elderly welfare center was very low. Promotion, a minimum cost burden, convenient transportation (circulation bus operation, etc.), and the provision of visiting services are examples of ways to be using them much more. Third, the elderly who do not live with their children have a higher need for life services. As well unlike the elderly who live with their children, in the case of the elderly who do not live with their children, the necessity for life services was influenced not only by their children but also by the relationship with their friends/neighbors and by home services. This implies that comprehensive social networks are important for the elderly who do not live with their children. Therefore, it is necessary to activate the social support of the community as well as of children and friends/neighbors.