Factors Influencing Older Adults’ Intention to Aging in Place: The Roles of Social Relationship Satisfaction and Social Activity Participation

This study investigates factors influencing older adults' intention to age in place (AIP), focusing on housing stability, social relationship satisfaction, and types of social activity participation. We analyzed microdata from 5,759 older adults included in the 2023 Korean Survey of the Elderly. First, multiple regression analysis explored the relationship between social activity participation and social relationship satisfaction. Then, hierarchical binary logistic regression identified factors associated with AIP intention. Our findings indicate that housing stability factors, specifically home ownership and housing satisfaction, were consistently and strongly linked to AIP intention. Among social relationship variables, satisfaction with friends and community relationships significantly increased the likelihood of AIP intention, while satisfaction with spouses, children, and social activity participants showed no significant independent effects. Regarding social activity participation, engagement in leisure and cultural activities was positively associated with AIP intention, whereas participation in educational and religious activities showed negative associations. These results suggest that older adults' AIP intention is influenced by physical and economic housing conditions, as well as by everyday peer networks and community-based participation. This study underscores the importance of integrated policy approaches that support housing stability, foster community-based social relationships, and provide locally embedded leisure and cultural activity opportunities for older adults.