Suicide Among the Elderly in Korea: A meta-Analysis

Abstract

in challenge-skill balanced activities than in underchallenging or overchallenging activities, F(2,392)=133.42, p<.001, partial eta-squared=.405 for HAP emotions; and F(2,392)=139.92, p <.001, partial eta-squared=.417 for LAP emotions. In addition, although older adults experienced less frequent HAP emotions than younger adults in underchallenging and overchallenging activities, such affective difference was not observed in balanced activities. These findings are consistent with flow theory that challenge-skill balance is associated with high frequencies of HAP and LAP emotions among both older and younger adults. More important, engagement in sufficient but not overwhelming challenges can offset the differences in HAP emotions between younger and older adults. The study provides insight to older adults and those who serve this population on the importance of older adults maintaining sufficiently challenging activities to maximize their positive emotional experience. SUICIDE AMONG THE ELDERLY IN KOREA:A META-ANALYSIS J. Lee, J. Yang, J. Lyu, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Korea (the Republic of) Elderly suicide is a major public health issue in South Korea. The aim of this study was to systematically examine the current knowledge about suicidal ideation among Korean older adults with specific focus on risk and preventive factors. In order to achieve this aim, a meta-analysis was conducted using Korean academic peer-reviewed journals published since 2001. A total of 97 articles were selected that met the research criteria (e.g., original study findings and key words of suicidal ideation, suicidal thought, and suicide). Three domains were identified and used for further analysis: individual, family, and society. Results showed that among individual factors, depression and burden or stress increased the risk of suicidal ideation, while better mental health reduced the risk of suicidal ideation. Among family factors, living alone was a risk factor for suicidal ideation, while family cohesion was a preventive factor for suicidal ideation. Among social factors, elderly discrimination, social isolation, and negative relationships were significant risk factors, while social support, social environment, and social activities were significant preventive factors affecting suicidal ideation. The results suggest several practical implications for developing suicide prevention programs and counseling approaches to address suicidal ideation. For example, depression and stress can be reduced by MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) program where meditation is used as a coping strategy. In addition, counseling programs specifically focused on improving family and social relations should be implemented. Government should continuously support for these programs to prevent suicide among older Koreans. Self-reports of cognitive problems are required for the clinical diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Identifying factors affecting subjective evaluations of cognition is essential to the early recognition of...

Active Ageing Index in Korea – Comparison with China and EU countries

“…In contrast, mental well‐being status of older persons is lower than what is observed on average for the EU countries and for China. This is in line with many recent research reports showing that Korea has one of the highest elderly suicide rates among the OECD countries and one of the main causes of suicidal death is the depression and social isolation in old age (Lee, Yang, & Lyu, ). There is an urgent need for social policies promoting enabling environment for the older population, with special attention to their mental well‐being.…”

Individual and regional factors associated with suicidal ideation among Korean elderly: a multilevel analysis of the Korea Community Health Survey

“…In addition, low education levels, absence of social activity, high levels of depressive symptoms, poor subjective health status, high stress levels [3-5], and low social support [6] among individuals living alone have been reported as causes of suicidal ideation. Previous studies [3,5] have often identified the causes of suicide by focusing on mental-health problems among elderly persons living alone and have presented the causal characteristics of suicidal ideation among elderly persons in terms of individual and social aspects. Further, studies comparing individual factors and regional factors, including socioeconomic factors, among elderly persons are rare and few domestic studies have performed a multilevel analysis of regional factors as well as individual characteristics [7,8].…”

Social Relationships and Suicidal Ideation Among the Elderly Who Live Alone in Republic of Korea: A Logistic Model

“…Most research has been devoted to theories on suicide 16,17 and empirical studies. 2,10,13,15,[18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28] Researchers have vigorously studied the sociodemographic factors that affect suicide among the elderly in addition to the effects of their relationships. 18,22,23,[28][29][30][31][32][33][34] Unfortunately, FSRs have been studied far less than ISRs in Korea, 14,15,35 even though the government has promoted FSRs.…”