Table 1 Sex differences in general characteristics of older adults living alone
Variable | n (%) or mean ± standard deviation | |
|---|---|---|
Older males (n = 232) | Older females (n = 805) | |
Age (years) | 76.7 ± 5.66 | 79.7 ± 5.29 |
Surviving child | ||
 Yes | 209 (90.1) | 741 (92.0) |
 No | 23 (9.9) | 64 (8.0) |
Educational level | ||
 No education | 29 (12.5) | 385 (47.8) |
 Elementary school | 53 (22.8) | 263 (32.7) |
 Junior high school | 51 (22.0) | 93 (11.6) |
 High school and above | 99 (42.7) | 64 (7.9) |
Actual monthly cost of living (KRW) | 691,206.9 ± 493,205.96 | 517,199.0 ± 267,533.08 |
Social activity | ||
 Yes | 119 (51.3) | 639 (79.4) |
 No | 113 (48.7) | 166 (20.6) |
Presence of complex chronic disease | ||
 Yes | 129 (55.6) | 596 (74.0) |
 No | 103 (44.4) | 209 (26.0) |
Self-efficacy (CDSE-6) | 39.2 ± 15.52 | 34.8 ± 15.49 |
Functional disabilities (K-IADL) | 1.0 ± 0.11 | 1.1 ± 0.23 |
Number of falls per year | ||
 No falls | 190 (81.9) | 569 (70.7) |
 One fall | 24 (10.3) | 137 (17.0) |
 Two or more falls | 18 (7.8%) | 99 (12.3) |
Nutritional status (MNA-SF) | 12.0 ± 2.12 | 11.8 ± 2.17 |
Alcohol consumption | ||
 Never | 66 (22.4) | 615 (76.4) |
 Ex-drinker | 58 (25.0) | 92 (11.4) |
 Current drinker | 108 (46.6) | 98 (12.2) |
Smoking | ||
 Never | 52 (22.4) | 760 (94.4) |
 Ex-smoker | 110 (47.4) | 26 (3.2) |
 Current smoker | 70 (30.2) | 19 (2.4) |
Physical activity (IPAQ-SF) | 2092.8 ± 2651.94 | 1553.7 ± 2330.36 |
Loneliness (R-UCLA) | 45.3 ± 13.69 | 41.3 ± 13.27 |
Suicidal ideation (VAS) | 1.5 ± 2.76 | 1.1 ± 2.47 |
Decreased sleep quality (VAS) | 2.7 ± 3.33 | 3.1 ± 3.39 |
Cognitive function (MMSE-2SV) | ||
 No cognitive impairment | 27.3 ± 1.75 | 26.6 ± 1.76 |
 Mild cognitive impairment | 21.2 ± 1.45 | 20.9 ± 1.75 |
 Severe cognitive impairment | 15.0 ± 2.00 | 14.0 ± 2.88 |
Social support (ESSI) | 3.1 ± 2.05 | 3.9 ± 1.88 |
Frailty (KFI) | 2.1 ± 1.65 | 2.9 ± 1.89 |