The aim of this study was to examine the later-life preparation pattern of Korean baby boomers and its effect on depression. Using the fourth wave of Korean Retirement and Income Study, later-life preparation was measured by economic, physical, and psychological preparation, and leisure, and family relationship satisfaction. The data analysis included latent class analysis, correlations, multiple logistic regression, and analysis of variance. Later-life patterns of Korean baby boomers were classified as high-level (35.7%), low-level (31.1%), and health and family relationship (33.2%) preparation patterns. For depression, the low-level pattern was associated with significantly higher level of depression; however, no differences were found in other two patterns. Researchers recommended a postretirement program to reflect the unique characteristics of Korean baby boomers. Moreover, findings regarding the importance of health and family relationships can be applied to other countries that have historical and cultural backgrounds similar to Korea.
Keywords: Korean baby boomers; depression; latent class analysis; later-life preparation.