Older Koreans’ Living Environments and Perceptions of Living in Old Age

Abstract

This article uses data from the National Survey of Older Koreans 2023 to examine residential environments and housing conditions for older adults in Korea, along with their perceptions and attitudes toward aging. Older Koreans generally wish to stay in their current homes for as long as they can. However, existing community infrastructure falls short of enabling older adults to make local outings and engage in activities with ease. Furthermore, access to essential amenities varies significantly across regions. Recently, the percentage of older adults reporting experiences of age discrimination has decreased. In addition, older adults increasingly prioritize their quality of life, with more planning to allocate their remaining assets for themselves or their spouse.