7 Out of 10 Elderly in Incheon Feel 'Lonely'... "Multi-Layered Support Measures Needed"

Incheon Institute Releases Study on Measures to Address Loneliness Among the Elderly

A recent survey found that 7 out of 10 elderly residents in Incheon experience feelings of loneliness.

The Incheon Institute announced on January 8 that, according to its field interview survey of 1,000 Incheon residents aged 60 to 80 for the study "Measures to Address Loneliness Among the Elderly in Incheon," 70.8% (708 people) of respondents were classified as belonging to the 'loneliness group.'

Additionally, 68.4% of respondents reported feeling lonely despite not being socially isolated, indicating that existing welfare policies focused on isolation and single-person households among the elderly are limited in addressing the issue.

The main factors influencing levels of loneliness were found to be employment status and physical health, while age, living alone, and income level did not show a significant impact. This suggests that current elderly care services, which focus on low-income and single-person households, are insufficient in fully capturing the issue of loneliness, highlighting the need to expand the target group for such policies.

At the launch ceremony of the "Loneliness Response Team" held at Incheon City Hall, Mayor Yoo Jung-bok of Incheon and attendees are sending off hope airplanes. 2025.12.11 Provided by Incheon City

The study proposed various programs to strengthen the social networks of the elderly, such as supporting club activities, expanding social dining, and operating "Silver Conversation Cafes." In particular, for old downtown and island areas, the introduction of remote social connection services-such as loneliness zero hotlines and the distribution of artificial intelligence (AI) care robots-was recommended.

The importance of establishing an institutional foundation was also emphasized, including enacting ordinances to prevent loneliness, building a policy implementation system through fact-finding surveys, and promoting public awareness campaigns.

Jung Hyeeun, a research fellow who participated in the study, stated, "Loneliness is a serious social issue directly linked to the mental health of the elderly. It is essential for local governments to shift toward prevention-focused policies and establish tailored response systems," adding, "It is necessary to actively consider multi-layered support measures based on the characteristics of each region."

Meanwhile, the research found that Incheon generally lacks sufficient infrastructure related to mental health, such as per capita mental health budgets, professional personnel, and facilities. The rates of stress awareness, depression, and suicidal ideation among citizens were higher than the national average, and the mental health of elderly residents in old downtown and island areas was found to be particularly vulnerable.