근거이론과 IPA 방법론을 활용한 고령자 인식 기반 보행환경 영향 요인 분석

초록

As the proportion of the elderly population continues to increase with the advent of a super-aged society, the need to identify the factors affecting the walking of the elderly living in urban areas is also growing. Meanwhile, existing studies investigating the walking behavior of the elderly have been mainly conducted based on research questions, thereby inducing the differences between elderly individuals' actual experiences and the response options provided in surveys. To solve these problems, this study more accurately analyzed by identifying the factors affecting the walking pattern of the elderly through depth interviews using the grounded theory. Responses were categorized through open and axial codings to derive common opinions on the factors affecting elderly pedestrians. The grounded theory analysis confirmed that walking was reduced owing to the inconvenience experienced when walking and the limitations of response such as lack of resting spaces. New elements such as the interest shown by companions, pets, and young people were also noted. In particular, owing to the increase in pet ownership, the aggressive and erratic behavior of pets when walking was a factor that increased anxiety in older pedestrians. The results were subsequently confirmed through Importance–Performance Analysis (IPA) by surveying 222 people of age more than or equal to 60. The IPA showed that quality and convenience were the essential factors in walking that had to be enhanced over time. This study had policy implications in that it derived new factors affecting walking from the perspective of the elderly, reflected them in the analysis process, and evaluated the extent of generalized suitability they showed in the actual environment.

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