독거노인 맞춤형 뷰티케어 프로그램 구축을 위한 뷰티 서비스 욕구 및 뇌기능 분석

Analysis of Beauty Service Needs and Brain Function for the Establishment of Customized Beauty Care Programs for the Elderly Living Alone

(Purpose) This study set up to conduct EEG(brainwave) tests and analyze brain function in elderly living alone in the capital area. In particular, it aims to provide an academic basis for preventing dementia and establishing programs for brain health by checking their mental and physical stresses. It also aims to understand their appearance and health care status, and assess their desire for beauty welfare services. Ultimately, it aims to study customized beauty care service programs based on this data. (Design/methodology/approach) 80 seniors from in their 60s and 80s living alone in U-si, Gyeonggido took part in this study. In order to recruit research participants, official letter was sent to elderly colleges, senior welfare centers, and senior citizen centers. EEG was conducted to analyze brain function of participants. Moreover, it assessed the needs for appearance care, health care, and beauty welfare services. (Findings) First of all, for health care, elderly living alone mainly do walking exercise. In addition, they have an interest and desire for appearance management; however, for various reasons, passive care was mainly conducted for them. Since COVID-19 pandemic, many seniors have suffered from health and economic problems. Both physical and mental stress is caused by difficulties in human relationships, and their quality of life is mostly lowered because of sleep disorders. Secondly, elderly living alone are commonly exposed to stress due to weakening brain function, pain caused by imbalance in the left and right brains, difficulties mind control, and many problems from the environment. At this point, it needs social welfare action plan for them. Finally, since there are differences between research participants(EEG variables) from each institution such as elderly colleges, senior welfare centers, and senior citizen centers. In other words, their characteristics should be considered when establishing and implementing brain health or dementia prevention programs. (Research implications or Originality) Brain waves are electrical flows between brain nerve cells which vary depending on mental and physical conditions. These are one of the most important indicators of indirect measurement of brain condition. This study analyzes brain function using EEG equipment, so it is scientific and objective compared to the existing method using depression scale paper. In other words, it is believed that more deeply and broadly. After the development of dementia prevention programs, a system should be established to guide elderly to participate this program well and to continuously manage them.