Korea is rapidly becoming a super-aged society, with a growing older population facing various health challenges. Frailty, a complex condition involving physical, psychological, and social factors, is common among older adults and increases risks of dependency, falls, and hospitalization. Digital literacy has become essential, helping older adults access information and enhancing life satisfaction and active aging. Furthermore, social participation and leisure activities significantly contribute to better health and well-being in later life. This study aimed to examine how digital literacy, social participation, and leisure satisfaction affect frailty, a major health concern in older age using senior welfare centers. A descriptive survey design was employed with 217 older individuals using senior welfare centers in Korea. Data were collected using a self-reported questionnaire from August 21-22, 2024. The instruments included scales for digital literacy, social participation, leisure satisfaction, and frailty. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 with descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, ANOVA, Scheffé’s test, Pearson’s correlation, and stepwise multiple regression. The average frailty score among participants was 3.38 on a 15-point scale. Frailty showed significant negative correlations with digital literacy (r=-.29, p<.001), leisure satisfaction (r=-.20, p=.004). Key predictors of frailty included perceived economic status (β=.21 p=.001), leisure satisfaction (β=-.17, p=.007), marital status (β=.15 p=.028), number of chronic disease (β=.14, p=.025), living arrangement (β=-.13, p=.040), explaining 23% of the variance in frailty. Enhancing leisure satisfaction are essential in reducing frailty among older adults. Interventions focusing on providing accessible leisure activities can play a critical role supporting healthy aging and and mitigating frailty risks.

Authors:
Jiyeon Ha, Ajou University, South Korea
Gi Ran Lee, Howon University, South Korea
Seung Eun Jeong, Ajou University, South Korea

About the Presenter(s)
Professor Jiyeon Ha is an Associate Professor at College of Nursing, Ajou University. Her primary research interests focus on geriatric nursing, particularly in the areas of frailty among older adults and ICT-based health promotion interventions.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Friday Schedule

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