The Living Environment and Life Satisfaction of Older Koreans in 2020

Abstract

Aging in place (AIP) is the goal of the elderly policy. It is what many elderly people want in their old age. Findings from the National Survey of Older Koreans 2020 suggest that about 70% of the elderly hope to live in their own homes or places that are not a nursing facility,even if their health deteriorates. However, housing and local environments threaten the safety and convenience of the elderly. 65.7% of the elderly feel discomfort due to using public transportation or using stairs or ramps when going out, and half of the elderly who fellare due to inappropriate environments such as slippery floors, roads or thresholds. In addition, it was found that the elderly experience discrimination against the elderly in various spaces and situations. Nevertheless, the life satisfaction of the elderly showed a positive change overall, and in particular, the satisfaction with health and economic status showed an upward result compared to the previous survey. Therefore, future policy for the elderly requires continuous efforts to improve the life satisfaction of the elderly as well as to create an age-friendly environment in the local community for the realization of AIP.