Pension Coverage Rate Rises to 90.9%
"Active Seniors" Report Higher Life Satisfaction
For the first time in history, South Korea has entered a super-aged society. The number of elderly people, which was in the 9 million range just last year, has surpassed 10 million in just one year.
According to the "2025 Elderly Statistics" released by Statistics Korea on September 29, 2025, the population aged 65 and over this year reached 10.51 million, accounting for 20.3% of the total population. A Statistics Korea official explained, "This is the first time the elderly population has exceeded 10 million and also the first time it has surpassed 20% of the total population," adding, "The proportion of elderly people, which was only in the 9 million range last year, has increased significantly." By gender, 22.6% of women were elderly, compared to 18.0% of men, meaning the proportion of elderly women was 4.6 percentage points higher than that of men.
Jeonnam had the highest proportion of elderly people in the country, with over 20% of its population being elderly (27.3%). Jeonbuk (25.5%) and Gyeongbuk (25.1%) followed. Notably, Busan had the fifth highest proportion of elderly people nationwide at 24.5%. A Statistics Korea official commented, "Busan ranked fifth in terms of the proportion of elderly people nationwide," and added, "As the youth population declines, overall aging is progressing."
Life Expectancy at Age 65: 21.5 Years... "Average Survival to Age 86"
The life expectancy of the elderly has also increased significantly. As of 2023, the life expectancy at age 65 was calculated to be 21.5 years. On average, a 65-year-old is expected to live until age 86. The life expectancy at age 65 was 19.2 years for men and 23.6 years for women. However, structural vulnerabilities remain in income security indicators. In 2023, the relative poverty rate among the retired population aged 66 and over was 39.8%, up 0.1 percentage points from the previous year. This remains the highest level among major OECD countries.
On the other hand, the pension receipt rate is improving. As of 2023, 90.9% of those aged 65 and over were receiving a pension, and the average monthly pension amount was calculated at 695,000 won. The receipt rate increased by 0.5 percentage points compared to the previous year, and the average pension amount has also steadily increased. Statistics Korea explained, "As the pension receipt rate rises every year, a long-term effect in alleviating the poverty rate is expected."
Average Life Satisfaction at 35.5%... New Elderly More Positive
It is noteworthy that those newly entering the elderly population at age 65 reported higher satisfaction and a sense of achievement in their lives compared to previous generations. In a subjective well-being survey, the average life satisfaction among those aged 65 and over was 35.5%, up 3.6 percentage points from the previous year.
In particular, as of 2024, those newly entering the elderly group aged 65 to 69 showed especially high satisfaction. Their life satisfaction rate was 35.3%, compared to 33.7% for those aged 70 to 74, and 31.5% for those aged 75 to 79, indicating a higher level of satisfaction among the younger elderly.
The rise of "active seniors" was also notable. More elderly people are spending more time on health management and appearance care. Compared to five years ago, the time spent by elderly people on appearance care and personal health management increased by three minutes and two minutes, respectively. In contrast, the time spent receiving medical services decreased by three minutes. A Statistics Korea official explained, "As the so-called younger elderly newly enter the senior population, interest in health and appearance has risen compared to the past."
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