Influencing Factors on Depression, Suicidal Thought, and Life Satisfaction of Korean Elders

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the factors that influence depression, suicidal thought, and life satisfaction of Korean elders. Method: The subjects for this study were 219 Korean elders living in three different provinces. The data was collected using structured questionnaires from October through December, 2007. Result: There were statistically significant differences in the levels of depression, suicidal thought, and life satisfaction according to age, health state, sleep state, economic state, feeling of loneliness, feeling of abuse, and having friends or neighbors. Suicidal thoughts correlated less with the above factors than depression did. Depression significantly correlated with age, life satisfaction, loneliness and suicidal thought. Suicidal thought was influenced significantly by depression. Life satisfaction was influenced significantly by depression, health state, and economic state. Conclusion: It could be concluded that nursing interventions for reducing depression and suicidal thought should be developed to improve life satisfaction and the health state of Korean elders as well as to relieve their feelings of loneliness.