고령자의 교류활동을 촉진하기 위한 매개공간 연구 -탑골공원을 대상으로-

초록

(Background and Purpose) South Korea’s transition into a super-aged society has precipitated challenges related to psychological decline and psychological isolation, such as loneliness, among the elderly Given the scarcity of accessible intermediary spaces for low-income seniors, Tapgol Park - a pivotal urban node in central Seoul - presents a critical site for investigation. Consequently, this study focuses on Tapgol Park, a representative congregation hub for older adults, employing field observation and semi-structured interviews to analyze the spatial utilization patterns of low-income seniors and to isolate the specific elements of intermediary spaces that foster social connectivity. (Method) First, Tapgol Park, characterized by its high density of elderly users, was selected as the focal urban mediating space. Through non-participant field observation, this study examined the correlations between the behavioral dynamics of older adults in public domains and specific mediating space elements. Second, semi-structured interviews were conducted to investigate both the demand for social interaction and the constraints encountered during daily park usage. Third, these datasets were synthesized to derive micro-scale intermediary elements that facilitate and sustain social exchange among the elderly. (Results) The primary drives for visiting Tapgol Park were identified as leisure, meals, rest, and social interaction, underpinned by the availability of affordable food, free meal services, open environments, and peer density. While accessibility and cultural symbolism contributed to psychological stability, and adjacent welfare facilities functioned as safety nets, usage was impeded by deterrents such as ergonomically inadequate seating, fricition during meal queues, and mismatch between solemn symbolism and daily needs. To enhance interaction, respondents prioritized the need for: First, affordable food hubs; Second, climate-responsive amenities; Third, expanded and varied seating; Fourth, free cultural and light exercise spaces that enable multi-layered engagement. (Conclusions) The analysis identifies accessible small-scale commercial frontages and small open clearings as critical mediating spaces that facilitate social interaction. Notably, social exchange among older adults was observed to be predominantly sedentary. Furthermore, low-income seniors exhibited a dual preference for social engagement within a tranquil atmosphere, while simultaneously placing a high value on personal privacy. These findings offer actionable insights for the design of age-friendly public spaces that synergistically promote social integration and physical well-being.

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