Geriatrics Fact Sheet in Korea 2021
Ji Yeon Baek1, Eunju Lee1, Hee-Won Jung1
1Division of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Annals of Geriatric Medicine and Research
|June 29, 2021
Summary
South Korea
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine
- Public Health Policy
- Sociology of Aging
Background:
- South Korea is rapidly aging, becoming an aged society in 2017 and projected to be a super-aged society by 2025.
- Understanding the health and welfare needs of older adults is critical for effective healthcare and policy.
- Previous research outlined the 2017 data; this study provides an update using 2020 survey data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the latest trends in the general aging profile, socioeconomic status, lifestyle, and health of Korean older adults.
- To review recent advancements in understanding frailty and sarcopenia within Korean population-based cohorts.
- To offer a current statistical reference for geriatric and gerontological research and practice in Korea.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the 2020 National Survey of Living Conditions and Welfare Needs of Older Koreans.
- Categorization of data based on aging profile, socioeconomic factors, lifestyle, and health status.
- Review of recent literature on frailty and sarcopenia from Korean community cohorts.
Main Results:
- The study presents updated statistics on the demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle, and health characteristics of older Koreans.
- Recent findings on frailty and sarcopenia prevalence and trends in the Korean elderly population are discussed.
- The data highlights key indicators relevant to the geriatric burden in South Korea.
Conclusions:
- This study provides essential, up-to-date statistical data on Korean older adults, crucial for geriatrics and gerontology.
- The findings support the need for targeted healthcare and social welfare strategies for an aging population.
- The research serves as a valuable resource for policymakers and healthcare professionals addressing the challenges of an aging society.
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