Geriatrics Fact Sheet in Korea 2018 From National Statistics

Abstract

South Korea is the fastest aging country in the world, having become an aged society in 2017, with over 14% of its population aged 65 years or older. This Korean Geriatrics Fact Sheet 2018 aimed to overview and clarify the current geriatric burden and its trends in South Korea. Using nationwide surveys and public reports from government or related organizations, especially the 2017 Survey of the Living Conditions and Welfare Needs of Korean Older Persons from the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs, our committee has summarized the profile, socioeconomic status, health-related lifestyles, geriatric syndromes with major comorbidities, and use of healthcare services in the aging population. We hope that this review will publicize the social burden and seriousness of the aging problem in Korea.

Keywords

• Aged
• Frail elderly
• Health services for the aged
• Residence characteristics
• Cost of illness