녹지환경 만족도가 노인의 인지기능에 미치는 영향: 신체적 건강과 정신적 건강의 다중매개효과 검증

The purpose of this study is to examine multi-mediation effects of physical health and mental health in the relationship between satisfaction with green space and cognitive function of the elderly. Social survey(year 2022) data of Statistics Korea were used and a total of 9,120 elderly aged over 65 years was analyzed. For the analyses, using SPSS Process Macro, multi-mediation analyses were performed and the significance of mediation effects were examined by use of a bootstrapping method. Results of the analyses show that first, satisfaction with green space had a direct positive effect on cognitive function. That is, the elderly with a higher level of satisfaction with green space showed a higher level of cognitive function. Second, satisfaction with green space had a significant positive effect on physical health and mental health. That is, the elderly with a higher level of satisfaction with green space showed a higher level of physical health and the elderly with a higher level of satisfaction with green space showed a higher level of mental health. Third, physical health and mental health had significant positive effects on cognitive function. That is, the elderly with a higher level of physical health and the elderly with a higher level of mental health showed a higher level of cognitive function. Fourth, satisfaction with green space had a significant effect on cognitive function mediated by physical health and mental health. Results of this study show that green environment need to be used actively for healthy cognitive function of the elderly and factors that can improve physical and mental health should be considered in making green environment.