Seoul citizens say old age starts at 70
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Elderly people using fitness machines installed at a park in Seoul on March 17, 2025.
PHOTO: AFP
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SEOUL – A majority of Seoul residents consider 70 to be the start of old age, according to a survey shared by the Seoul Metropolitan Government on April 9.
The 2024 Seoul Survey, conducted annually since 2003 to track public opinion on quality of life, social values and urban living, said citizens in Seoul believe that the average age at which a person becomes “elderly” is 70.2 years.
The poll was conducted on 20,000 households (36,280 individuals), 5,000 individual citizens and 2,500 foreign nationals living in the South Korean capital.
The perception of old age varied by generation. Respondents aged 65 and older considered the threshold to be 72.3 years, while those under 65 identified it as 69.8. About half of all respondents said they view individuals aged between 70 and 74 as “elderly”.
The survey also revealed that nearly 88 per cent of respondents support raising the official retirement age, reflecting changing societal attitudes in an ageing city. Currently, the retirement age of public service positions at government agencies is 65.
When asked about post-retirement life, respondents above the age of 65 expressed a strong preference for pursuing hobbies or income-generating activities over traditional roles such as caring for grandchildren. About 65 per cent of them said they would prefer to live independently and near their children, rather than share a home with them.
The survey also revealed significant lifestyle trends. Notably, single-person households now account for 39.3 per cent of all households in the city; two out of every 10 households have a pet; and 36 per cent of pet-owning households consist of one person.
Regarding transport habits, the survey revealed that most Seoul residents rely on buses for their daily commutes, with almost half reporting a travel time of 30 minutes to an hour. Foreign national residents, by contrast, reported more frequent use of the subway.
Among foreigners living in Seoul, Gwanghwamun Square was the most recognised city landmark. THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
