As of 2024, the population aged 65 and older accounts for 19.2% of South Korea’s total population. This figure is projected to rise steadily, surpassing 30% in 2036 and 40% by 2050. The period of living with illness is also significant, recorded at 16.2 years for men and 20.2 years for women. Notably, the prevalence of diabetes has increased in both genders, reaching 13.3% for men (a 1.3% increase) and 7.8% for women (a 0.9% increase). Self-management of glycemic control in diabetic patients encompasses self-care behaviors such as diet, medication, exercise, and self-monitoring of blood glucose. However, elderly patients may hold negative views toward active self-management; they often find it difficult to change lifelong habits and may believe their remaining life expectancy is not long enough to warrant concern over long-term complications. Furthermore, they face challenges such as polypharmacy (taking multiple medications), physical changes, cognitive impairment, economic difficulties, and shifting family structures. The implementation of active self-care behaviors and self-efficacy plays a pivotal role in successful blood glucose management. These factors not only prevent or delay complications but also positively impact the quality of life for diabetic patients. Therefore, during patient education, it is essential to guide elderly patients toward available resources and support their utilization. This approach will improve their quality of life, ensuring a healthy old age and a dignified end of life.
Seol Park (Mon,) studied this question.