Hyun Joo Kwon

U.S. Baby Boomers’ Desire to Age in Place and Residential Satisfaction

This study examines the relationships between U.S. baby boomers’ desire to age in place and residential satisfaction with their housing unit, neighborhood, and access to services. An online survey was conducted and 403 valid responses were obtained. Respondents who had higher residential satisfaction with their housing unit and neighborhood were more likely to desire to age in place. However, satisfaction with access to services was not significantly related to desire to age in place. Results of the study suggest that housing practitioners and policy makers should consider offering services and implementing policies to support baby boomers’ desire to age in place.

Aging in Place: A Rural-Urban Comparison in Jeju Island, South Korea

Abstract The purpose of this paper was to examine rural-urban differences in aging Korea. The study was based on data collected from Jeju Island, South Korea. The sample (N=350) was divided into rural and urban areas; we compared demographic and housing characteristics, and health-related variables associated with aging in place. Seniors living in rural areas were less educated and younger than those in urban areas. In addition, seniors living in rural areas were likely to own their house, to live in single-family housing, and to have lived longer at their current housing. However, they were likely to struggle with more chronic health conditions, health symptoms, Activities of Daily Living and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living. In predicting aging in place (length of residence at current housing), our regression analysis showed different factors associated with aging in place. People living in single family housing and owning their homes were likely to have lived longer in their current housing both in rural and urban areas. However, age and marital status were significant only in rural areas. Interestingly, none of the health-related variables were statistically significant in predicting aging in place.

Supporting Aging-in-Place Well: Findings From a Cluster Analysis of the Reasons for Aging-in-Place and Perceptions of Well-Being:

Prior research on gerontology and housing has frequently adopted a perspective that aging-in-place is the “goal.” Despite these meaningful results and policy implications, opportunities to explore consequences of aging-in-place, such as the association of this with overall well-being, have been overlooked. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating perceptions of well-being that could act as a driver or result of aging-in-place. With a nationwide random sample of non-Hispanic White, older individuals (60+), living in their homes (N = 328), three segments of senior residents based on their reasons for aging-in-place were identified. Results reinforce the importance of community-based integrative programs and policies by indicating that the three identified clusters were not homogeneous; however, inclusive community-based supports and services can provide what each cluster needs to successfully age-in-place. Discussion provides a perspective on how to support successful aging-in-place, including the role of the federal government in funding and legislation.

Household and Housing Characteristics of Young Renters in South Korea in Relation to Housing Value Clusters

Abstract The purpose of this study was to explore housing value clusters of young renters in South Korea and their relationshipsto household and housing characteristics reflected in the 2012 Korea Housing Survey (KHS). The 2012 KHS microdatawas used as secondary data. Among the households included in the microdata, 1,196,144 young renter households(between 20 and 34 years of age) in private rental units were analyzed. The main findings are as follows. Ten ratingscale items measured housing values. Eight of them were grouped into three value factors: Investment, Affordability andCost Increase. Using these three value factors and perception of homeownership, households were classified into fourclusters: Prospective Home Investor, Settled Renter, Homeowner Wannabe, and Support Needed. The current tenure types,income and expectation for next tenure types of four housing value clusters of young renters reflected Korea’s tenureladder which has home ownership at top followed by Jeon-se rental, monthly rental with deposit and monthly rentalwithout deposit. The households in Prospective Home Investor and Homeowner Wannabe clusters would consider homepurchase in the near future. Finally, households in Support Needed Cluster would be the main target to consider indevelopment and implementation of housing welfare policies and programs to resolve housing problems of young renters,including beginning-stage professionals.Keywords : Housing Values, Young Renters, Cluster Analysis, Factor Analysis, 2012 Korea Housing Survey주요어: 주거관 , 청년 임차자, 군집분석 , 요인분석 , 2012년도 주거실태조사

Zero-energy home development in Korea: energy-efficient and environmentally friendly design features and future directions

Zero-energy houses, one of the progressive types of energy-efficient homes, theoretically consume no energy for heating, cooling, or other daily activities. The purposes of this research were to identify representative experimental housing projects in South Korea and analyze their major features in terms of energy efficiency and environmental friendliness. This study used case studies consisting of two zero-energy experimental houses and one occupied zero-energy neighborhood. This study found that efforts have been made to build zero-energy homes in Korea. The study also found renewable energy systems such as solar and geothermal systems have been applied in zero-energy houses in Korea. The study discusses future research needs focusing on post-occupancy evaluations that should involve current residents to maintain energy-efficient housing performance. In addition, a holistic strategy to embrace design, development, and maintenance aspects of zero-energy houses should be established to promote this energy-efficient and environmental-friendly housing option for diverse resident groups.

U.S. Boomers′ Lifestyle and Residential Preferences for Later Life

Abstract The purpose of this study was to identify U.S. Boomers′ lifestyles and their future housing preferences, and to examine the relationship between the lifestyles and future housing preferences. A total of 403 usable data were collected through an online survey using a self-administrated questionnaire. Factor analysis and structural equation modeling were used to analyze the data. Four Boomers′ lifestyles (the Beautiful Home, the Economical, the Engaged, and the Family Centric) and four housing preferences for later life (the Supportive Housing, the Apartment Rental, the City Townhouse, and the Country House) were identified and the significant relationships between lifestyles and housing preferences were found. The results of this study provide a better understanding of U.S. Boomers′ future housing preferences for their later life according to their lifestyles. This study has several implications for housing development, management and marketing.

Housing Satisfaction of 55+ Single-Person Householders in U.S. Urban Communities

This study aims to analyze the housing satisfaction of 55 years and older (55+) single-person householders in U.S. urban communities with the 2011 American Housing Survey Data. Single-person householders younger than 55 years of age (55-) were used as a reference group. Housing Adjustment Theory was used to develop a research framework to depict the relationships of housing satisfaction (dependent variable) with demographic and housing variables (independent variables). The regression analysis revealed that age, health status, government income, race, gender, age of house, housing quality, neighborhood, structure type, and tenure status had a significant effect on housing satisfaction levels of both those aged 55- and 55+. However, for the cohort of 55+, education, census region, housing affordability, and structure size also affected their housing satisfaction. Neighborhood satisfaction had the strongest effect on housing satisfaction of both groups. These variables were discussed in terms of resources and constraints contributing to their housing satisfaction. This study highlights the present and future housing trends and challenges of U.S. single householders in U.S. urban communities.