경로당 활성화 요인 연구

Abstract

This study gathered in-depth data on senior citizen hall managers with open-ended questionnaires sent via email, with the goal of revitalizing senior center functions. The questionnaires were implemented after the suspension of the focus group interviews (FGIs) that were conducted with managers who support the operation of more than 3,400 senior citizen halls in Seoul due to COVID-19. The study’s questionnaire was administered to 68 out of 71 senior citizen hall program managers in Seoul and asked open-ended questions about five areas, including those about the managers - the length of service, education level, etc. - and other aspects of senior citizen hall operations – senior citizens’ preferred programs, the main reasons for using the halls, and requirements for revitalizing the centers and attracting younger seniors like baby boomers. The results demonstrated the most frequent opinions to be: “the main reason for using senior citizen hall is to have lunch with friends of the same age,” “lack of operating costs,” “singing classes and hwatu games are most preferred activities,” and “in dire need for an activity room.” As such, this study aimed to provide basic data for senior citizen halls to become spaces of integrated care in the community and become a family community during the daytime to share lunch, hobbies, and leisure activities.