Journal of Industrial Convergence · Oct 31, 2026
The Mediating Effects of Social Support in the Relationship between Social Activities and Healthy Aging among Elderly Women in Rural Areas
By 교수 청간, Yeom EY, Seo K
This descriptive survey study aimed to examine the mediating effects of social support in the relationship between social activities and healthy aging among elderly women in rural areas. The participants were 140 elderly women aged 65 years or older residing in rural areas of C Province, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire from May 1 to August 7, 2026. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, and Baron and Kenny's 3-step hierarchical regression analysis with SPSS WIN 26.0, and the significance of the mediating effects was tested using the Sobel test. The results showed that healthy aging had significant positive correlations with social activities (r=.62, p<.001) and social support (r=.66, p<.001). Social support showed a partial mediating effect in the relationship between social activities and healthy aging (Z=5.21, p<.001), and the explanatory power of the final model was 51.4%. Therefore, promoting healthy aging among elderly women in rural areas requires the development and implementation of integrated intervention programs that can expand opportunities for participation in social activities while strengthening social support.