Social pension expansion and suicidal behaviour of older adults in Korea: A quasi-experimental study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Gerontology
• Social Policy

Background:

• South Korea faces high suicide mortality rates among older adults.
• Social pension systems are critical for elderly welfare and health.
• Understanding policy impacts on vulnerable populations is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of South Korea's Basic Pension (BP) reform on suicidal behavior in older adults.
• To assess the effectiveness of the BP in mitigating suicide risk among beneficiaries compared to non-beneficiaries.
• To analyze the role of income security programs in public health outcomes for the elderly.

Main Methods:

• Utilized longitudinal data from the Korean Welfare Panel Study (2011-2021).
• Employed the Callaway and Sant'Anna Difference-in-Differences (CSDID) method for causal inference.
• Compared suicidal behavior rates between BP beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries post-reform.

Main Results:

• The Basic Pension reform led to a significant 1.3% overall reduction in suicidal behavior among older adults.
• The reduction was particularly pronounced among women.
• Findings indicate improved economic and mental health stability for BP beneficiaries.

Conclusions:

• The Basic Pension reform effectively enhanced the welfare and mental health of older adults in South Korea.
• Generous old-age income security programs can mitigate factors contributing to high suicide mortality.
• Policy insights are relevant for global efforts to strengthen welfare states and improve elderly public health.