[One Day Ten Thousand Steps One Day Thousand Characters] Elderly Saying "I Don't Know How to Exercise When Old"... Government Develops Exercise Model for Seniors

Korea Approaching Super-Aged Society
Declining Elderly Exercise Participation Rates
Rising Medical Expenses Negatively Impact National Finances

Elderly Say "Don't Know How to Exercise"
Government Considering Development of Elderly Exercise Models

"They say exercise in old age is important for a healthy retirement, but I was so busy with work when I was younger that I don't know how to exercise properly."

Mr. Lee (68), who retired from a financial institution where he worked for half his life 10 years ago, now spends most of his day watching television and YouTube. Unless he has special errands like grocery shopping with his wife, he rarely goes outside. He said that contact with his longtime former colleagues naturally faded after retirement. The number of medications he takes daily has increased from 4 to 9 over the past 10 years, making him feel closer to frailty. Mr. Lee said, "I'm afraid that in 2 to 3 years, I might not even be able to walk properly," and added, "In the new year, I want to find an appropriate exercise routine that suits my health condition."

South Korea to Enter a 'Super-Aged Society' in One Year... Red Flags for Elderly Exercise Indicators

South Korea is one of the countries rapidly entering a super-aged society. As of last year, the proportion of the population aged 65 and over was 17.5%, and it is expected to reach 20.6% by 2025, confirming the entry into a super-aged society. An unhealthy life in old age leads to high medical expenses, which ultimately results in socioeconomic costs for the nation. Although everyone knows that consistent exercise in old age can delay frailty, many elderly people say, "I want to exercise, but I don't know how."

In this context, it was confirmed on the 18th that the government is reviewing the development of exercise models that elderly people can perform to ensure the sustainability of the medical and care social security system. The Ministry of Health and Welfare recently commissioned a research project on the "Development of Elderly Exercise Program Operation Models and Measures to Promote Exercise Participation." A ministry official explained, "The purpose is to improve the quality of life by expanding elderly participation in exercise and to reduce medical and care costs."

According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, last year, the aerobic exercise participation rate and strength training participation rate among those aged 65 and over were only 28.1% and 18.3%, respectively. Despite increased interest in health following COVID-19, elderly exercise participation rates have actually decreased compared to 2015 (33.7%, 17.7%). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), regular physical activity helps prevent various diseases such as obesity, colon cancer, breast cancer, coronary artery disease, and diabetes, and reduces depression, stress, and anxiety.

However, the Ministry of Health and Welfare judges that exercise programs reflecting the current physical and emotional characteristics of the elderly are severely lacking. Most elderly facilities such as senior centers do not have exercise programs or instructors that consider the preferences and physical conditions of the elderly. The exercise preferences of the so-called "new elderly" baby boomer generation, those aged 75 and over, and elderly residents in nursing facilities also differ.

The plan is to establish policies so that elderly exercise program operation models can be used in elderly facilities and further encourage the entire elderly population. The ministry is also considering providing incentives to motivate the elderly to exercise. A ministry official said, "We aim to develop an exercise program operation model that comprehensively reflects these aspects."

By 2050, 40% of the Population Will Be Elderly... Many Sick Elderly Could Worsen National Fiscal Health

The Ministry of Health and Welfare also plans to conduct education and publicity on the necessity of exercise for the elderly. According to the National Sports for All Survey, elderly people do not engage in physical activity due to reasons such as lack of time, health problems, lack of interest, and accessibility. By 2050, more than 40% of South Korea's population will be elderly. The government is concerned that if elderly exercise indicators continue to decline, red flags will be raised for national fiscal health, including increased health insurance expenditures.

Hong Seok-cheol, Standing Member of the Low Fertility and Aging Society Committee (Professor of Economics at Seoul National University), presented at the 6th Health and Medical BIG DATA Research Conference held in April that real health insurance medical expenses will increase from 90 trillion won in 2021 to 133 trillion won in 2050 due to aging. According to the National Health Insurance Service, medical expenses for those aged 65 and over in 2021 amounted to 41.3829 trillion won, accounting for 43.4% of total medical expenses. To respond to the rapid increase in medical expenses due to population aging, a comprehensive approach to preventive health management as well as treatment is necessary. Exercise may be one of the effective methods for disease prevention.

To develop an elderly exercise program operation model, the Ministry of Health and Welfare plans to conduct surveys targeting operating institutions and the elderly. A ministry official stated, "This is to understand the extent of elderly participation, their perceptions of exercise, barriers, and preferred types of exercise." Accordingly, the goal is to develop customized exercise methods based on age groups, degree of frailty, and exercise purposes.