The rapid aging in Korea is going elderly depression is a serious social
problem. Physical illnesses caused by aging, bereavement with friends and Family,
the economic situation deteriorated, isolated from society, should feel the loneliness
and solitude to allow the elderly. These changes should serve as a great stress for
the elderly. Stress leads to anxiety in the elderly. They are lowered to the interest in
social activities. Eventually the stress is developed by the elderly depression.
The objective of this study was examine social support, stress and depression in
the elderly. The study was done by statistical analysis of the questionnaires which we
re extracted from 500 elderly people who were using senior center in Chuncheon-si
in Gangwon-do. All the participants were elderly people who were over 65 years old.
The results showed that there was a negative correlation between social support
and depression, there was a positive correlation relationship between stress and
depression. And, stress and social support showed a negative correlation. In addition,
among sub-parts of social support(family support, the support of friends, someone''s
support) and depression showed a negative correlation. However, the interaction of the stress and social support did not affect the depression.
Through the results of this study stress and social support was identified as fac
tors affecting the elderly depression. Based on this, we can obtain the following
elderly depression prevention ways.
First, stress management, social relations and expanding programs for the elderl
y are needed. Second, it must find a ways to take advantage of the capabilities of
the elderly. Third, it is necessary to amplify the interest in the concept of the traditio
nal path of Korea.