Multidimensional Factors Associated with Subjective Health among Community-Dwelling Frail Older Adults: A Population-Based Study

This study aimed to identify factors influencing subjective health status (SHS, an individual’s self-rated perception of their overall health) among frail older adults using data from the 9th Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA). By examining multidimensional variables, the study seeks to inform tailored interventions designed to enhance perceived health and prevent frailty progression in frail community-dwelling older adults. A secondary data analysis was conducted utilizing the 9th wave of KLoSA. The sample comprised 447 community-dwelling older adults classified as frail. SHS served as the dependent variable. Data were analyzed using a complex samples general linear model with IBM SPSS Statistics version 26.0. The mean SHS score was 2.48 ± 0.04 on a 5-point scale. Factors significantly associated with higher SHS scores among frail older adults included physical activity at least once a week (P = .040), absence of cognitive impairment (P < .001), fewer chronic diseases (P = .032), lower depression scores (P = .033), better instrumental activities of daily living function (P < .001), and higher life satisfaction (P = .036). These findings underscore the multidimensional nature of SHS, reflecting both overall health and early indicators of frailty progression and functional decline. Based on these findings, community-based interventions emphasizing physical activity, mental health management, functional rehabilitation, and life satisfaction enhancement are suggested for frail older adults. Further longitudinal research and intervention development guided by these findings are needed.