Ten civic group members and private experts presented a 'social proposal from private experts regarding the standard age for seniors' on the 9th. They suggested that the current senior age standard of 65 years be gradually raised to 70.
The proposal presentation included experts from academia, the Korean Senior Citizens Association, and representatives from the Korea Consumer Federation, among others from civic groups and private experts. They have conducted social discussions regarding the raising of the senior age standard six times from February until this day. The proposal is a result of those discussions.
They argued that the senior age standard should first be raised gradually to 70 years. They cited the increased life expectancy compared to the past as a reason. The current life expectancy has increased by 15.6 years to 83.5 years compared to 1981, when the Senior Citizen Welfare Act was first established, with the current senior age standard.
Additionally, they presented analysis results indicating that the health level of a 70-year-old today is similar to that of a 65-year-old ten years ago, based on the healthy aging index.
It was also noted that the senior age standard perceived by the elderly is around 70 years. Research shows that seniors aged 65 and older have consistently considered themselves 'seniors' at ages higher than 70 since 2011. Furthermore, a recent survey conducted by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs among individuals aged 50 to 64 indicated that respondents agreed the senior age should be adjusted to 69.8 years.
Civic groups and experts stated that potential social issues arising from this increase in the senior age standard must also be considered.
They emphasized, "We need to extend the employment period and expand opportunities for seniors to participate in the labor market based on their capabilities and needs," adding, "We must also gradually raise the pension enrollment age and benefit age, considering the economic activity conditions of the elderly."
They further suggested, "The senior age standard for discounts like free subway rides should be raised but applied flexibly considering income, assets, and region," stating that "healthcare and long-term care services should be guaranteed based on health status and care needs."
This is the first time social discussions have been held regarding adjustments to the senior age standard. This follows a proposal last October by Lee Joong-geun, president of the Korean Senior Citizens Association, stating that the senior age should be gradually adjusted to 75 years. Consequently, the Ministry of Health and Welfare began social discussions on adjusting the senior age with civic groups and academic experts starting in February.
Earlier, in 2015, the Korean Senior Citizens Association also expressed support for raising the senior age to 70 years, and in 2019, former Minister Park Neung-hoo suggested that social discussions regarding the senior age were necessary. However, it did not lead to any substantial discussions.