What is the relationship between physical health status and depression among the elderly in Korea?

Abstract

This study attempts to provide future directions for a strategy to manage the health of the elderly, including the treatment of depression. The subject in this study were 139 elderly people older than 65 years age. Through our analysis, it was found that the health of females, older subjects, subjects living in rural communities, and subjects who were illiterate was worse than the health of other subjects. Subjects living in rural communities showed higher levels of depression than subjects in urban areas. Health status and depression were negatively correlated. Based on these results, it is believed that managing depression is a critical aspect of managing physical health. In addition it is thought that a strategy for health improvement and depression reduction is needed for women, elderly seniors, the elderly with low education, and especially, for the elderly who live in rural communities. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.