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A 'Super-Aged' Society Emerges
- South Korea is now a "super-aged" society with over 20% of its population aged 65 or older.
- The gender disparity in the ageing population is significant, with more women than men in this age group.
- In response, South Korea plans to launch a new ministry of population strategy.
- This demographic shift is a global trend, requiring innovative solutions to ensure the well-being of the ageing population.
South Korea has officially entered the ranks of super-aged societies, a term coined by the United Nations to describe countries where more than 20% of the population is aged 65 or older. This demographic shift is a result of a rapidly ageing population coupled with low birth rates. As of recent data, the number of South Koreans aged 65 or older stood at 10.24 million, accounting for 20.0 per cent of the country's total population of 51.22 million.
The ageing population in South Korea has seen a steady increase over the years. In 2008, the number stood at 4.94 million, accounting for 10% of the population. This figure surpassed 15% in 2019 and reached 19.05% in January this year. The demographic shift is more pronounced in certain regions, with South Jeolla Province recording the highest share of the ageing population at 27.18%.
Gender Disparity and Government Response
The gender disparity in the ageing population is also noteworthy. The number of women in the age group stood at 5.69 million, compared with 4.54 million men. The age group accounted for 19.41 per cent of the total population in Seoul, the country's capital.
In response to this demographic crisis, South Korea has unveiled plans to launch a new ministry of population strategy. A ministry official emphasized the need for fundamental and systematic response measures and suggested the installation of a population-focused ministry.
Global Trend of Ageing Societies
This demographic shift is not unique to South Korea. Many countries around the world are experiencing similar trends due to declining birth rates and increasing life expectancy. For instance, Japan has been grappling with an ageing population for years and has turned to technological solutions to cope with its demographic challenges.
In the United States, the changing composition of immigrants has also influenced the country's demographic trends. Immigration from India and China picked up in the 1990s due to the H1-B visa program, which provided an entry ramp for high-skilled foreigners. Meanwhile, in Europe, the ageing population has led to a shift in the urban, suburban, and rural communities.
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