South Korea Becomes a ‘Super-Aged’ Society

1. Recently, the South Korean Ministry of the Interior and Safety formally declared that South Korea has transitioned into a “super-aged” society.
2. This milestone occurred as the share of the population aged 65 or over surpassed 20%, making South Korea the second country in Asia, after Japan, to achieve this status.

Definition of a "Super-Aged" Society:

According to the United Nations (UN), the classification of a society based on its elderly population is as follows:

1. Aging Society: When the share of people aged 65+ exceeds 7%.
2. Aged Society: When the share of people aged 65+ reaches 14% or more.
3. Super-Aged Society: When the share of people aged 65+ exceeds 20%.

Global Status of Aging Populations:

1. The global population aged 60 and above was 1 billion in 2020. It is projected to reach 2.1 billion by 2050.
2. Population aging, which initially affected high-income countries like Japan, is accelerating in low- and middle-income countries. By 2050, two-thirds of the elderly population will reside in these countries.

India’s Future Aging Demographics:

India’s elderly population is projected to exceed 20% of the total population by 2050, according to the UNFPA (2023).

Challenges of an Aging Society:

As societies become increasingly aged, several challenges arise, spanning economic, social, and infrastructure-related aspects:

1. Economic Challenges:

1. Shrinking Workforce: A declining working-age population will reduce the labor force, which may hinder economic growth.
2. Rising Healthcare Costs: As the elderly population increases, healthcare demand and associated costs will also rise.
3. Increased Expenditure on Social Security Systems: Governments may face greater pressure to provide for pension schemes, healthcare support, and other social welfare programs.

2. Social Challenges:

1. Caregiving Responsibilities: Families will face greater caregiving duties for elderly relatives, leading to increased personal and societal burdens.
2. Bridging Generational Gaps: Societal cohesion will require efforts to maintain understanding and cooperation between younger and older generations.

3. Infrastructure Challenges:

1. Age-friendly Urban Spaces: Cities and urban areas need to be restructured to accommodate the needs of an aging population, including accessible public spaces and housing.
2. Transportation Systems: Modifications to public transport systems may be required to support reduced mobility among the elderly.

Steps Taken for the Welfare of Older Adults: Global and National Initiatives

Global Initiatives	India's Initiatives
1. UN - Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (2002): Promotes a better quality of life for older adults globally, focusing on their rights and well-being.	1. National Policy for Older Persons (1999): The policy aims to ensure a life of dignity for older persons and focuses on promoting their welfare, health, and economic security.
2. WHO Global Strategy (2016-2020): Focuses on healthy aging and the creation of age-friendly environments that support the health and participation of older adults in society.	2. Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007: Ensures the maintenance and welfare of parents and senior citizens, mandating that children and heirs provide necessary care and support.
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Goal 3: Health – Addresses aging through the promotion of healthy lives and well-being for all at all ages. Goal 10: Reduced Inequality – Focuses on reducing inequalities that older people face, ensuring inclusivity and equal access to opportunities.	3. National Programme for the Health Care for the Elderly (NPHCE): Focuses on providing preventive, curative, and rehabilitative treatment for older adults, ensuring comprehensive health care services for the elderly population.
4. UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021-2030): Aims to improve the lives of older adults by promoting healthy aging and reducing age-related inequalities through coordinated global action over the decade.	4. Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY): A public health insurance scheme that provides affordable and accessible healthcare to the elderly, along with other vulnerable populations, ensuring financial protection against medical expenses.

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