Research on Trends in Gerontology using Keyword Network Analysis

This study conducted a keyword network analysis based on 934 gerontology-related papers published in South Korea between 2001 and April 2024.Frequency analysis, centrality analysis, and CONCOR analysis (a cluster analysis method) were performed using Textom and UCINET 6.0.The results are as follows: First, through frequency and centrality analysis, key keywords in gerontology were identified, and the relationships between these core keywords were examined.Rather than simply calculating word frequency, an important position the more frequently a word is retrieved, the TF-IDF value, a statistical measure that indicates how important a word is in a specific document, was used to organize the data.Second, through the CONCOR analysis, the keywords were clustered into four major issues: 1) improving the quality of life for the elderly in an aging society, 2) studies on changes in cognitive function and attitudes, 3) psychological and physical health during the aging process, and 4) policy support and infrastructure expansion to improve care and protection services.This paper will be utilized as basic data to support strategic planning and decision-making for establishing policies related to gerontology, and the relationships between keywords and major topics derived through network analysis will contribute to understanding the complex context of gerontology research.