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KMID : 0385219990090010044
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Korean Journal of Gerontology
1999 Volume.9 No. 1 p.44 ~ p.56
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A Study of Health Education Programs for the Elderly in Senior Centers
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Cho Kyung-Hae
Kim Kyoung-Won
Ko Young-Gyu
Park Sang-Cheol
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Abstract
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Study purpose was to examine health education programs in senior centers and to suggest strategies for developing programs for the elderly. According to pilot study, health education for the aged were categorized into 5 domains: general health education, health screening and diagnosis, treatment program, meal service, and exercise program. A main survey was performed in 90 senior centers. Most of senior centers implemented health education programs, however, more systematic programs were needed. Among 5 domains, general health education and exercise programs were common. Frequently covered topics in general health education were health management for the aged, dementia, hypertension and stroke, mental health, while preventive health education such as nutrition, quitting smoking and drinking was held less. Only 10-50 percent of senior centers had health screening and diagnosis. Most treatment programs were acupuncture and physical therapy. Fifty-nine percent of senior centers provided meal service(lunch) and only 24% have nutrition education. Commonly held exercise programs were free gymnastics, aerobics, Korean dance, samulnoli and exercise using traditional motion, in the order of decreasing frequency. The barriers to implement health education included technical and financial problems in developing educational materials, lack of professional educators and systematic programs, and problems in educational methods. To improve health education programs in senior centers, respondents indicated the followings; programs that are practical and interesting, regular health check-up, treatment programs implemented by professionals, menu diversity in meal service, providing foods that are easily digested, adequate exercise intensity, providing exercise facility and space, diversity in exercise type, exercise using Korean dance and traditional motion. It is suggested that future programs focus on changing lifestyles and use methods that induce active participation of the elderly. It is needed to develop standardized health education programs so that it is easily implemented in senior centers. In addition, it is important to develop education materials for the elderly and train educators to meet the needs of the elderly.
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KEYWORD
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Elderly, Health Education, Program Content, Barriers, Strategies
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