This study investigated dietary behaviors, nutrient intake, and quality of life among elderly individuals living alone compared to those in multi-person households. Data were obtained from 5,311 individuals aged 65 years and older who participated in the 2015-2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Nutritional intake was assessed by analyzing the proportion of individuals with insufficient intake relative to the Korean Dietary Reference Intakes (KDRIs) and the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR). Quality of life was measured using the EQ- 5D instrument. The results showed that single-person households were more likely to be female, older, and have lower income and education levels compared to multi-person households. Additionally, single-person households were more likely to skip breakfast, eat at places other than home, eat alone, and dine out less frequently. Nutritional intake was lower among elderly individuals living alone. Furthermore, after adjusting for relevant variables, single-person households were significantly more likely to report poor quality of life (OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.07-1.28)—defined as being in the lowest 20% of EQ-5D scores—compared to those in multi-person households. The findings highlight the need for targeted nutritional support and policy interventions to improve dietary intake and quality of life among elderly single-person households.

본 연구는 노인 1인 가구의 주거문제에 주목하여 최저주거기준 미달가구의 특성을 파악하는데 목적을 두고 한국복지패널 11차 자료를 이용하여 노인 1인 가구 1,504명을 대 상으로 분석하였다. 최저주거기준 미달가구와 충족가구로 나누어 비교분석한 결과, 인구 사회학적 특성에 있어 두 집단은 연령, 학력, 공적연금보유 여부, 월소득, 주관적 건강상태, 우울증 여부, 가족관계만족도, 사회적 친분관계 만족도에서 유의미한 차이가 나타났다. 또한 주거 특성에 있어 주택유형, 주택소유 여부, 주거위치, 주택관련서비스 경험과 주거만족도에서 두 집단 간 유의미한 차이를 보였다. 이러한 결과를 바탕으로 노인 1인 가구 중에서도 최저주거기준을 미달하는 노인 1인 가구는 생활 전반에서 더욱 취약한 저소득⋅고위험가구이므로 경제적 지원 및 심리사회적 지원이 종합적으로 제공되어야 하고, 주거복지가 확대되어야 함을 제시하였다.