Familial and Social Relationships among Older Koreans

Abstract

This study aims to examine the current state of familial and social relationships among the elderly in Korea and propose strategies to address ongoing changes. Utilizing data from the 2023 National Survey of Older Koreans, conducted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs, we analyzed the structural aspects (forms and sizes) of family and social networks, as well as the functional aspects (contact patterns and support exchanges). The analysis identified trends such as the entrenchment of single-person elderly households, the contraction of kin-centered networks, the expansion of peer-centered networks, and the characteristics of individuals at risk of social isolation. Based on these findings, we recommend strengthening policy attention for elderly individuals at high risk of social isolation, enhancing support for peer relationships, and diversifying mechanisms to complement informal caregiving.