| Title |
The Effect of a Higher Education Module Aimed at Enhancing Environmental Sensibility to Improve Awareness and Competence on Elderly Housing Issues in an Aging Society |
| Authors |
이연숙(Lee, Yeun-Sook) ; 황유미(Hwang, Yu-Mi) ; 고수연(Koh, Su-Yeon) |
| DOI |
https://doi.org/10.5659/JAIK.2025.41.9.131 |
| Keywords |
Aging Society Problem-Solving; Environmental Sensitivity Response; Higher Education Module; Intergenerational Empathy |
| Abstract |
This study aims to examine the effectiveness of an educational approach that enhances environmental sensitivity among young adults by fostering their understanding of the living conditions of vulnerable elderly individuals. This study was conducted as part of a social innovation course at Y University, involving 50 students. Over five sessions totaling 200 minutes, the curriculum covered aging, elderly housing conditions, and fall-related issues, with a focus on vulnerable housing types such as single-family homes, multi-family housing, row houses, permanent rental apartments, and alternative models like community housing. The program combined informational content with real-life case studies, incorporating on-site experiences for alternative housing models. The housing environment of vulnerable elderly populations is a critical social issue in aging societies, requiring intergenerational empathy and collaboration for effective solutions. However, rapid industrialization in Korea has weakened intergenerational exchanges, leading to a lack of understanding and engagement among younger generations regarding elderly issues. Environmental sensitivity was measured using Lee’s (2023) tool, and data analysis included descriptive statistics, AI-driven text analysis, and GPT-assisted sentiment evaluation. The findings revealed that students exhibited predominantly negative reactions to existing elderly housing conditions but expressed highly positive attitudes toward alternative models such as community housing. The educational experience improved their ability to articulate perceptions of vulnerable elderly environments and increased their empathy and awareness. Initial biases and knowledge deficits were significantly reduced, and students who participated in on-site experiences displayed stronger support for community housing as a viable solution. This process contributed to enhancing their foundational competencies in identifying and addressing elderly-related challenges. The housing conditions of vulnerable elderly populations represent a social issue that requires collective efforts across generations. Educational approaches that integrate information with emotional and cognitive responses effectively foster intergenerational empathy and equip younger generations with the capacity to support and advocate for alternative housing models. This study demonstrates the potential of higher education in enhancing environmental sensitivity and presents a new framework for addressing aging society challenges. |