Elderly South Koreans Face Rising Poverty and Suicide Rates
Seoul, South Korea – August 3, 2025 – New data reveals a concerning trend of increasing poverty and suicide rates among South Korea’s elderly population, prompting calls for increased mental health support and social safety nets. Teh findings, released today by Segye Ilbo, highlight a critical need to address the unique challenges faced by seniors in a rapidly aging society.
The vast majority of basic living security beneficiaries – 96.3% in 2024 – live independently, not in social welfare facilities. A significant demographic shift is occurring within this group, with the proportion of elderly beneficiaries steadily rising. In 2020, individuals aged 65 and over comprised 35.4% of basic living security recipients.This figure has climbed consistently,representing a 12.2 percentage point increase compared to 2014 (30.6%). The highest percentage of beneficiaries within the elderly population was recorded at 10.7%.
Beyond financial hardship, the elderly population experiences a disproportionately high suicide rate. according to statistics from the National Statistical Office, cited by Dr. Oh Dae-jong of the Korea mental Health Research Institute at Gangbuk Samsung Hospital, an average of 3,608.8 elderly individuals die by suicide annually – equating to 10.5 deaths per day. This rate exceeds fatalities from traffic accidents by more than 1.6 individuals daily.
The mortality rate for the elderly also remains elevated.In 2023, it stood at 40.6%, a slight decrease from 46.6 in 2019, but still 45% higher than the mortality rate for individuals aged 15-64 (28.0).
Research indicates that depression in older adults often manifests differently than in younger generations, frequently presenting as a loss of interest or feelings of helplessness. Furthermore, stigma and a lack of awareness surrounding mental health often prevent seniors from seeking help. Suicide attempts among the elderly are more often linked to physical illness than among younger demographics. Dr. Oh Dae-jong emphasized that feelings of conflict,loss of social connections,frustration,and a sense of being a burden contribute to suicidal ideation.
Common suicide methods among the elderly,such as pesticide ingestion and hanging,are often fatal,reducing the likelihood of successful intervention. Dr. Oh stressed the importance of identifying high-risk elderly individuals and connecting them with appropriate support services.
By Seung-yoon Cha
[ⓒ 세계일보 & Segye.com, 무단전재 및 재배포 금지]
