This study is related to the development of a marriage enrichment program for Korean elderly couples using the intervention research method. The purpose of the study is to define the elderly couples\' marriage enrichment and to develop a program and evaluate its effects by comparing quantitative and qualitative changes in integrity, communication, and intimacy the before and after application of the program. The participants in this study are six couples living in an urban community near the Seoul, Korea. A total of 10 sessions were implemented, one per week regularly.
The major findings of this study were as follow: First, average scores of program satisfaction of the participants was improved steadily. Second, marriage enrichment program for the elderly couple was developed using the intervention research method. Three domains of the program resulted in self-integration, communication, and intimacy for the elderly couple\'s marriage enrichment program. Third, there were statistically significant differences in mean scores of self integration, communication, and closeness before and after the marriage enrichment program for the elderly, respectively. They showed a good compliances of the program and its effectiveness in changing elderly\'s thoughts and attitudes toward their lifestyle. Fourth, there were also meaningful changes in the couples\' marriage life after the program through in-depth interviews in each session and follow up interviews in 6 weeks after the end of the program. They showed more open-minded understanding, better relationship, and more joy in their life.
In conclusion, a marriage enrichment program for elderly couples will be helpful and necessary to improve their remaining life for further development.
Key words: Marriage enrichment, elderly couple, self-integration, communication, intimacy, intervention research method, program development.