@article{ART003231156},
author={Dong Yup Yum and Sang-Ook Hong},
title={A Phenomenological Study on Subjective Perceptions of Poverty Income Elderly Living Alone},
journal={Industry Promotion Research},
issn={2466-1139},
year={2025},
volume={10},
number={3},
pages={403-416},
doi={10.21186/IPR.2025.10.3.403}
TY - JOUR
AU - Dong Yup Yum
AU - Sang-Ook Hong
TI - A Phenomenological Study on Subjective Perceptions of Poverty Income Elderly Living Alone
JO - Industry Promotion Research
PY - 2025
VL - 10
IS - 3
PB - Industrial Promotion Institute
SP - 403
EP - 416
SN - 2466-1139
AB - This study applied a phenomenological approach to explore the subjective meaning of poverty as experienced by low-income elderly individuals living alone. Participants included five older adults aged 65 and over, recruited with the cooperation of a local community welfare center. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven-step analytical method. The analysis revealed five key themes: persistent anxiety about livelihood, a sense of deprivation through social comparison, reduction and isolation in social relationships, decreased self-efficacy and self-esteem, and resignation and acceptance toward life. Participants perceived the emotional distress and social isolation resulting from poverty more severely than the economic deprivation itself. Their understanding of poverty extended beyond material hardship, deeply interwoven with issues of meaning in life, relational disconnection, and existential value. These findings highlight the necessity of psychosocial support in addition to economic assistance to improve the quality of life for low-income older adults living alone. This study offers foundational insights for developing welfare and counseling intervention programs for the elderly. Future research should aim to generalize findings by including a broader sample across different regions and genders. Moreover, mixed-method and longitudinal studies are recommended to examine how poverty perception affects self-esteem and life satisfaction.
KW - Low-income elderly living alone;poverty perception;Qualitative Research;phenomenology;Colaizzi’s method.
DO - 10.21186/IPR.2025.10.3.403
ER -
Dong Yup Yum and Sang-Ook Hong. (2025). A Phenomenological Study on Subjective Perceptions of Poverty Income Elderly Living Alone. Industry Promotion Research, 10(3), 403-416.
Dong Yup Yum and Sang-Ook Hong. 2025, "A Phenomenological Study on Subjective Perceptions of Poverty Income Elderly Living Alone", Industry Promotion Research, vol.10, no.3 pp.403-416. Available from: doi:10.21186/IPR.2025.10.3.403
Dong Yup Yum, Sang-Ook Hong "A Phenomenological Study on Subjective Perceptions of Poverty Income Elderly Living Alone" Industry Promotion Research 10.3 pp.403-416 (2025) : 403.
Dong Yup Yum, Sang-Ook Hong. A Phenomenological Study on Subjective Perceptions of Poverty Income Elderly Living Alone. 2025; 10(3), 403-416. Available from: doi:10.21186/IPR.2025.10.3.403
Dong Yup Yum and Sang-Ook Hong. "A Phenomenological Study on Subjective Perceptions of Poverty Income Elderly Living Alone" Industry Promotion Research 10, no.3 (2025) : 403-416.doi: 10.21186/IPR.2025.10.3.403
Dong Yup Yum; Sang-Ook Hong. A Phenomenological Study on Subjective Perceptions of Poverty Income Elderly Living Alone. Industry Promotion Research, 10(3), 403-416. doi: 10.21186/IPR.2025.10.3.403
Dong Yup Yum; Sang-Ook Hong. A Phenomenological Study on Subjective Perceptions of Poverty Income Elderly Living Alone. Industry Promotion Research. 2025; 10(3) 403-416. doi: 10.21186/IPR.2025.10.3.403
Dong Yup Yum, Sang-Ook Hong. A Phenomenological Study on Subjective Perceptions of Poverty Income Elderly Living Alone. 2025; 10(3), 403-416. Available from: doi:10.21186/IPR.2025.10.3.403
Dong Yup Yum and Sang-Ook Hong. "A Phenomenological Study on Subjective Perceptions of Poverty Income Elderly Living Alone" Industry Promotion Research 10, no.3 (2025) : 403-416.doi: 10.21186/IPR.2025.10.3.403
