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🇰🇷 South Korea /Culture & Society

‘Elderly’ standard from 65 to 70? 6 out of 10 people agree

From Hankyoreh · (4m ago) Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A recent survey in South Korea indicates that 59% of adults support raising the age threshold for being considered 'elderly' from 65 to 70.
  • This proposed change affects eligibility for benefits like basic pensions and senior discounts.
  • Public opinion on the matter has shifted significantly since 2015, with a growing majority now favoring the increase.

The question of when one officially becomes 'elderly' is more than just a demographic marker; it touches upon the very fabric of our social welfare system and individual perceptions of aging. A recent poll conducted by Hankyoreh reveals a significant shift in South Korean public opinion: nearly 60% of adults now favor raising the age for senior benefits from 65 to 70.

According to the survey results, 59% of respondents answered that they support raising the age of the elderly, who receive basic pensions or senior discounts, from the current 65 to 70.

— Article TextPresents the main finding of the survey regarding the age threshold for the elderly.

This sentiment reflects a broader societal evolution. As lifespans increase and people remain active and engaged well into their later years, the traditional definition of 'elderly' at 65 feels increasingly outdated. The survey results, showing strong support across different age groups and political leanings, suggest a collective recognition that the current system may no longer align with the reality of modern aging. This is a conversation that resonates deeply in a country like South Korea, where rapid demographic changes are a constant focus.

In 2015, when Gallup conducted the same survey, support and opposition were neck and neck at 46% and 47%, respectively, but opinions favoring the age increase have been growing over time.

— Article TextHighlights the historical shift in public opinion on the matter.

Compared to Western perspectives that might focus solely on economic implications, our local context here in South Korea emphasizes the social and personal aspects. The idea that individuals should primarily be responsible for their own old-age security, supported by 60% of respondents, highlights a cultural value of self-reliance. While the government and social safety nets are important, there's a growing belief that personal planning is paramount. This shift in thinking, moving from a 2015 split to a clear majority favoring the age increase, indicates a maturing national dialogue on aging, retirement, and the sustainability of our social welfare programs.

‘The main person who should take care of their livelihood in old age is oneself,’ 60% of respondents answered.

— Article TextIndicates the public's view on personal responsibility for old-age security.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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