Discriminant analysis of ecological factors influencing sarcopenia in older people in South Korea.

This study aimed to investigate the ecological system factors that influence discrimination of sarcopenia among older individuals living in contemporary society. Data analysis included information from 618 older adults individuals aged 65 years or older residing in South Korea. To assess variations in ecological system factors related to SARC-F scores, we conducted correlation analysis and t-tests. Discriminant analysis was used to identify factors contributing to group discrimination. The key findings are summarized as follows. First, significant differences at the p < 0.001 level were observed between the SARC-F score groups in various aspects, including attitudes toward life, wisdom in life, health management, social support, media availability, sports environment, collectivist values, and values associated with death. Further, service environment differences were significant at p < 0.01 level, while social belonging and social activities exhibited significance at p < 0.05. Second, factors influencing group discrimination based on the SARC-F scores were ranked in the following order: health management, attitudes toward life, fear of own death, wisdom in life, physical environment, sports environment, media availability, social support, fear of the own dying, collectivist values, service environment, social activities, and social belonging. Notably, the SARC-F tool, which is used for sarcopenia discrimination, primarily concentrates on physical functioning and demonstrates relatively low sensitivity. Therefore, to enhance the precision of sarcopenia discrimination within a score-based group discrimination process, it is imperative to incorporate ecological system factors that exert a significant influence. These modifications aimed to enhance the clarity and precision of the text in an academic context.

Effects of Community Environment, Leisure, and Social Activities on Health Status of Older Adults with Diabetes in South Korea.

This study investigates the effects of community environment, leisure, and social activities on the health status of older adults with diabetes, a serious disease in modern society. Data from the 2020 National Survey of Older Koreans were analyzed. Descriptive statistics were used to assess participants' characteristics, and regression analyses were conducted to assess the effects of community environment, leisure, and social activities. Mediating effects were tested using hierarchical regression analysis and bootstrapping. The key results are as follows. (a) Community environmental satisfaction affected participation in leisure and social activities. (b) Community accessibility had a negative effect on subjective health, while community environmental satisfaction had a positive effect on subjective health, cognitive function, and chronic diseases. (c) Leisure activities had a positive effect on cognitive health, while social activities influenced subjective health, cognitive function, and chronic diseases. (d) Analysis of the mediating effect of leisure and social activities on the relationship between the community environment and health status of older adults with diabetes confirmed a partial mediating effect. To improve older adults' mental and physical health, mere quantitative increases in the community environment will not be sufficient. It is necessary to cultivate and manage professionals to increase opportunities for participation by increasing social exchanges and systematically managing older adults' health.