Elderly
Overview
The elderly generally refers to the population aged 65 and over, a group experiencing biological and social changes due to aging. Globally, as life expectancy extends and birth rates decline, the proportion of elderly people is increasing rapidly. This aging trend has broad implications not only for individuals' health and economic security but also for national healthcare, welfare, and labor market structures.
Main Topics
Definition and Standards
The age threshold for the elderly varies by country and academic field. The UN regards those aged 65 and over as elderly, while the WHO has suggested 60 and over. In South Korea, the Senior Welfare Act defines seniors as those aged 65 and above. Recently, as concerns have been raised that age alone is insufficient, concepts such as functional age and healthy lifespan have become more important.
Population Status
As of 2024, the proportion of people aged 65 and over in South Korea exceeded approximately 19%, approaching entry into a super-aged society (20% or more). According to Statistics Korea, in 2025, 20.6% of the total population will be elderly. Japan has already exceeded 29%, the highest in the world, and many European countries also exceed 20%. In contrast, developing countries in Africa and elsewhere maintain relatively young population structures.
Health and Medical Care
The main health problems of the elderly are chronic diseases (hypertension, diabetes, arthritis) and cognitive and mental disorders such as dementia and depression. Aging impairs immune function and reduces resilience, making elderly people vulnerable to acute diseases. Consequently, healthcare expenditure increases, and demand for nursing care and long-term care services is surging. The importance of preventive medicine, health management, and community-based care is growing.
Economic Issues
Poverty caused by income loss after retirement is the biggest economic problem for the elderly. South Korea's elderly poverty rate is pointed out as the highest among OECD countries. The National Pension and Basic Pension provide retirement income, but there is criticism that they are insufficient. In addition, elderly consumption and economic participation have become growth drivers for the elderly-friendly industry. Senior entrepreneurship, re-employment, and social contribution activities are emerging as alternatives.
Social Participation and Leisure
Many elderly people experience social isolation and loneliness. Leisure activities, lifelong education, and volunteering play an important role in improving the quality of life of the elderly. Recently, 'active seniors' who start a new career after retirement are increasing. As the number of elderly people with high digital literacy grows, their activities on online communities and social media are also expanding.
Policies and Institutions
Major policies for the elderly include the Basic Pension, Senior Employment Program, Long-Term Care Insurance, and the National Responsibility System for Dementia. Under the Senior Welfare Act, senior welfare facilities are installed and operated, with senior citizen centers and welfare centers being representative. The government is promoting the expansion of social participation of the elderly and building a care system through the '5th Basic Plan on Low Birth Rate and Aging Society.' In addition, systems to create elderly-friendly environments, such as housing support, transportation subsidies, and tax benefits, are expanding.
Latest Trends
In 2024–2025, several distinct changes are appearing in the field of the elderly.
- Digital transformation and bridging the digital divide: AI care robots and smart healthcare devices are being introduced, but education and support to improve the digital literacy of the elderly are being strengthened.
- Healthcare and care reform for a super-aged society: Community care, an integrated local care model, is expanding, along with the activation of home-based medical care and the transformation of the role of long-term care hospitals.
- Extension of elderly employment: Extending the legal retirement age and introducing re-employment systems are being discussed, and employment of those aged 60 and over is increasing significantly.
- Changes in the definition of the semi-elderly and new middle-aged: Policies targeting those aged 50–64, not just 65, are expanding, and the concept of the elderly is being reorganized into more multi-layered categories.
Related Topics
- [[Aging society]]
- [[Elderly welfare]]
- [[Dementia]]
- [[Population decline]]
- [[Active senior]]