Government to Begin Actively Gathering Public Opinion on Raising Elderly Age to 65

Since the Elderly Welfare Act in 1981, the elderly age has been 65
Average life expectancy has increased by 17.5 years over 44 years
Korea Senior Citizens Association also proposes, "Gradually raise it to 75"

The Ministry of Health and Welfare is expected to officially begin the process of revising the legal elderly age.

On the 7th, Lee Ki-il, the 1st Vice Minister of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, stated at the "Expert Meeting on Elderly Age" that "Due to rapid aging, the burden of supporting future generations is increasing, and economic growth is slowing down due to a decrease in the working-age population," adding, "It is time for our society to seriously consider the elderly age in order to move toward a sustainable society." As of December last year, Korean society entered a "super-aged society" where the population aged 65 and over accounts for 20% of the total population, but the current legal elderly age remains 65 under existing law.

This elderly age has not changed since the Elderly Welfare Act was enacted in 1981. The Vice Minister emphasized, "At the time of the enactment of the Elderly Welfare Act in 1981, the average life expectancy in Korea was only 66 years, but now it has greatly increased to 83.5 years," and added, "Adjusting the elderly age is a timely demand reflecting the increase in average life expectancy and changes in perception." However, he added, "Becoming elderly affects various systems such as retirement age, pensions, and elderly employment," and "Since the elderly age involves various issues and complex interests, sufficient social discussion must precede any changes."

Raising the elderly age can reduce the social costs associated with elderly support. One reason the government has begun to actively pursue raising the elderly age is that the Korea Senior Citizens Association officially proposed gradually adjusting the elderly age from the current 65 to 75 years.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare plans to collect opinions on changes in welfare benefits such as retirement age extension and public transportation discounts following the adjustment of the elderly age, starting with this meeting, and to promote inter-ministerial consultations.