S. Korea is 'Super-aged Society' with 20% of population 65 years or older

Summary

South Korea has officially become a super-aged society, with 20% of its population aged 65 or older. This demographic shift, highlighted by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, sees over 10 million people in this age group out of a total population of 51.2 million. The country’s aging population has steadily increased over the years, raising concerns about the potential need to extend the legal retirement age, which currently stands at 60. The milestone sparks discussions on the societal impacts of an aging population and how the country will adapt to this new reality.

Takeaways

• 😀 South Korea has officially become a super-aged society, with 20% of its population aged 65 or older.
• 😀 As of Monday, the number of people aged 65 and over is 10,244,550, which makes up 20% of the total registered population of 51,221,286.
• 😀 The United Nations classifies societies based on the percentage of the population aged 65 and over: an aging society (7%), an aged society (14%), and a super-aged society (20%).
• 😀 South Korea’s percentage of people aged 65 and older gradually increased from 10.02% in 2008 to over 20% as of this year.
• 😀 The last recorded percentages were 14.02% in 2017, 14.9% in 2019, and the milestone of 20% was exceeded recently.
• 😀 This demographic shift marks a significant milestone for South Korea in terms of aging population statistics.
• 😀 The issue of South Korea's aging population raises questions about societal impacts, particularly on the workforce and social systems.
• 😀 One of the key debates triggered by this milestone is whether the legal retirement age, currently set at 60, should be extended.
• 😀 The government’s Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced the official classification of South Korea as a super-aged society.
• 😀 The aging population poses challenges for healthcare, pension systems, and workforce dynamics in South Korea.

Q & A

What does it mean for South Korea to become a 'super-aged society'?

It means that at least 20% of South Korea's population is aged 65 or older, indicating a significant aging trend in the country.

What is the current percentage of South Korea's population aged 65 or older?

As of the latest data, 20% of South Korea's total population is aged 65 or older, which amounts to 10,244,550 people.

How does the United Nations classify societies based on the elderly population?

The United Nations classifies societies into three categories: an 'aging society' if 7% of the population is aged 65 or older, an 'aged society' if it exceeds 14%, and a 'super-aged society' if it surpasses 20%.

When did South Korea first begin to experience a noticeable increase in its elderly population?

South Korea's elderly population started to rise gradually, reaching 10.02% in 2008 and then continuing to increase each year, reaching 20% in 2025.

What was the elderly population percentage in South Korea in 2019?

In 2019, 14.9% of South Korea's population was aged 65 or older.

What societal changes are expected with South Korea becoming a super-aged society?

With the milestone of becoming a super-aged society, there is increased attention on issues such as retirement age and policies supporting an aging population.

What is the current legal retirement age in South Korea?

The current legal retirement age in South Korea is 60.

Why is there a debate on whether to extend the legal retirement age in South Korea?

The debate arises from the increasing elderly population, as many believe that extending the retirement age could help address economic challenges and labor shortages in the country.

How did South Korea's elderly population percentage change from 2008 to 2025?

The percentage of South Korea's population aged 65 or older gradually increased from 10.02% in 2008 to 20% in 2025.

What impact does South Korea's aging society have on the workforce?

An aging society may lead to a reduced workforce, creating challenges such as labor shortages and increased healthcare costs, which may prompt discussions on extending the retirement age and other policies to support older workers.