A Study on Strengthening the Functions of Senior Citizen Centers

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to research and analyze the functions of leisure and welfare facilities that are self-managed by senior citizens themselves, and contribute to helping local senior citizens lead a healthy life in their old age. Based on December 2017 numbers, there are 3,369 senior citizen centers in Seoul, amounting up to about 7.8 centers in one ‘dong’(administrative area), and approximately 68,000 centers nationwide. This makes senior citizen centers the most accessible type of leisure and welfare center. Moreover, it is also a good carrier for culture and traditional customs and plays the role of a social overhead capital by providing senior citizens with excellent welfare. For this study, a survey was carried out from 2016. 4. 1~2016. 6. 30 on the presidents of 3,369 senior citizen centers in the city of Seoul from which 3,100 valid samples were analyzed. The SPSS/WIN 21.0 program was used for data analysis. Study results showed that 70.7% of senior citizen centers in Seoul had between 21 or more ~less than 50 registered members, while 14.7% had 51 or more~less than 100 members. 46.2% of senior citizen centers had 200,000 KRW or less to use for support funds for lunch time helpers, which shows that a major function of senior citizen centers is being neglected. 67% were ‘very satisfied’ with the program, while up to 70% were very satisfied with Alzheimer’s prevention and checkups, heathy walking, and healing urban agriculture. 64.7% had a land area of less than 30 ‘pyeong’, revealing that space is a big hindering factor for managing programs. Some major factors for vitalization were revealed to be improving the facilities of senior citizen centers, providing tailored programs, and the president/manager’s leadership. Through improving the overall functions of senior citizen center, this study aims to contribute to secure efficient managing capabilities, and to improve and strengthen the service quality.