1,724 Single-Person Households in Cheonan Classified as Middle-Aged and Elderly at Risk of Solitary Death

Survey on Single-Person Households Receiving Basic Livelihood Benefits
6 High Risk, 312 Medium Risk, 1,406 Low Risk

The Jungangdong Happiness Care Support Group conducted a housing environment improvement project on the 3rd for vulnerable residential groups such as those living in jjokbangchon (tiny room villages).

A recent survey found that there are as many as 1,724 middle-aged and older adults at risk of solitary death (godoksa) in Cheonan, Chungnam.

From March to June this year, the city conducted the "2024 Social Isolation Single-Person Household Survey" targeting 3,358 single-person households aged 50 to 69 who are recipients of basic livelihood security.

Excluding 973 individuals who could not be surveyed due to refusal, absence, or other reasons, 2,385 people were surveyed. Among them, 1,724 were identified as being at risk of solitary death due to social or economic isolation, illness, etc., accounting for 72.3% of all respondents.

Focusing on the degree of social isolation, there were 6 high-risk, 312 medium-risk, and 1,406 low-risk individuals.

Among single-person households, 59.4% were male and 40.6% were female, with those in their 60s making up the largest proportion at 66.5%. Households without family or with severed family ties accounted for 45.6%, and 85.5% of single-person households had a disability or illness.

Regarding housing type, 67.7% were living in rental properties, and 124 were residing in vulnerable housing such as gosiwon, jjokbang, or lodging facilities.

Additionally, more than 69% of single-person households had one or fewer phone calls or social interactions per week, or had no one to care for them when ill, confirming that social isolation is the most significant issue.

Accordingly, the city connected those at risk to 2,693 public and private welfare services. Furthermore, from the second half of the year, plans are in place to provide individualized services for those at risk of solitary death, including safety checks by human networks, social relationship-building programs, and special cleaning services for godoksa households.

A city official stated, "Through this survey, we confirmed that those at risk of solitary death face issues with health management, care, and communication, separate from economic support through public assistance," adding, "In the second half of the year, we plan to conduct a survey on socially isolated households in vulnerable housing to identify and support high-risk groups."