Improvement in Physical Function of Seniors
Current 70-Year-Olds Comparable to 65-Year-Olds in the Past
As the country faces a super-aged society, the government has initiated social discussions to raise the age criterion for seniors. An analysis has revealed that the current 70-year-olds have a level of 'healthy aging' similar to that of 65-year-olds a decade ago.
On the 18th, Professor Lee Yun-hwan of the Elderly Health Research Center at Ajou University Medical Center presented at the 3rd Expert Meeting on Elderly Age hosted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare at Space Share Seoul Station, stating, "Considering healthy aging, the current age of 70 is equivalent to the previous 65." This is because recent elderly individuals are physically healthier and have fewer disabilities than those in the past.
Professor Lee disclosed that an analysis of physical function disability rates between 2011 and 2023 showed that the proportion of severe disabilities among the elderly decreased from 4.2% to 2.4% in the 65?69 age group, and from 4.9% to 4.4% in the 70?74 age group. When comparing specific ages, the functional status of 70-year-olds in 2023 was similar to that of 65-year-olds in 2011.
The healthy aging index, which comprehensively considers functional status and other factors, increased by an average of 1 point over 12 years. The age group in 2023 with a healthy aging index (10.81) similar to that of 65-year-olds in 2011 (10.88) was 72 years old. This means that the aging level of 72-year-olds in 2023 is comparable to that of 65-year-olds in 2011.
Professor Lee cited statistics showing that the first baby boom generation entering old age (born 1955?1964) has a reduced prevalence of chronic diseases and decreased medical expenses compared to the previous industrialization generation (born 1945?1954), predicting that the trend of raising the healthy aging age will continue.
He also mentioned that the average healthy life expectancy was 72.5 years (in 2020) and that the elderly's perception of the senior age criterion was 71.6 years (according to the 2023 Elderly Survey), suggesting the need to adjust the current senior age of 65.
Another presenter at the meeting, Research Fellow Kwon Jeong-hyun of the Korea Development Institute (KDI), presented on "Policy Directions for Health Improvement and Extension of Working Periods among the Elderly," reporting that overall health improvements among the elderly have been achieved based on various indicators.
However, Research Fellow Kwon pointed out, "There are clear disparities in health levels depending on socioeconomic status," emphasizing the need to consider heterogeneity within the elderly group when adjusting the senior age criterion.
He also recommended actively operating reemployment systems before raising the statutory retirement age and suggested that the reduction system, which cuts national pension benefits based on earned income from work or business, is "contrary to the direction of adjusting the senior age criterion and should be abolished or have its standards raised."
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