Population aging in Korea: Changes since the 1960s.
Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology
|January 7, 2014
Summary
The study examines the characteristics and implications of population aging in Korea, highlighting rapid demographic shifts. It concludes that government, not families, should assume responsibility for elderly welfare due to societal changes.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Sociology
- Demography
Background:
- Korea has undergone rapid industrialization and urbanization since the 1960s.
- These societal shifts have accelerated demographic transition and population aging.
- This has led to increased dependency ratios and changing family structures for the elderly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the characteristics of the elderly population in Korea.
- To investigate population aging alongside social and economic transformations in Korea.
- To explore the social and economic implications of the current and projected elderly situation.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive analysis of Korean elderly demographics.
- Investigation of socio-economic changes impacting the elderly.
- Exploration of current and future implications for the Korean elderly population.
Main Results:
- Rapid population aging is evident in Korea.
- Increased dependency ratios and imbalanced sex ratios are observed.
- Fewer elderly individuals live with their children compared to the past.
Conclusions:
- The traditional family support system for the elderly is diminishing.
- Societal changes necessitate a re-evaluation of elderly welfare responsibilities.
- The responsibility for elderly welfare should transition from families to the government.
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