An Analysis of Factors Influencing Daily Living Performance in Older Adults: Focusing on Sociodemographic Characteristics and Chronic Diseases

Objective : To examine the effects of sociodemographic characteristics and five major chronic diseases (hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis, and dementia) on the daily living performance— Basic Activities of Daily Living (BADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL)— among older adults in Korea. Methods : This study utilized secondary data from the 2023 National Survey of Older Koreans by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. A total of 10,078 participants aged 65 or older were analyzed. Independent sample t-tests and one-way ANOVA were conducted to determine the impact of sociodemographic variables and chronic disease presence on BADL and IADL. Results : Older adults who were not married or physically inactive showed significantly lower independence in BADL and IADL. Increased age, lower education, lower income, and poorer sleep quality were associated with greater declines in daily living performance. Chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis, and especially dementia negatively affected both BADL and IADL, with dementia having the strongest influence. Conclusion : Tailored early interventions are needed for older adults without a spouse, those who are physically inactive, and those with poor sleep quality. To promote and maintain functional independence, strategies including early dementia prevention and intervention, chronic disease management, and customized health promotion policies for socioeconomically vulnerable groups are essential.