ABSTRACT
Amid rapid population aging and shifts in family structures, improving the quality of life (QOL) for elderly individuals living alone has become an urgent challenge. This study analyzed factors influencing life satisfaction among rural- and urban-type elderly one-person households using data from the 2023 Korean Elderly Survey. Applying a Bayesian LASSO regression model, 18 significant variables were identified for urban elderly and 13 for rural elderly out of 44 total variables. The results showed that health status, economic conditions, social relationships, community environment, and digital accessibility all significantly affect life satisfaction, with differences between rural and urban elderly. In rural areas, a diagnosis of depression had the strongest negative impact, while in urban areas, receipt of Basic Livelihood Security Benefits was the most influential negative factor. Positive influences for both groups included general health status and opportunities for interaction with neighbors. The study also found that difficulty adapting to the information society negatively impacted rural elderly more than urban elderly, highlighting the digital divide as a key factor in disparities. These findings suggest that region-specific and integrated policy strategies addressing health, mental health, economic stability, social connectedness, and digital inclusion are essential to improving life satisfaction among the elderly.