A new survey conducted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government reveals significant insights into how residents perceive aging, retirement, and lifestyle trends in the city. The 2024 Seoul Survey, shared on Wednesday, found that most of Seoul’s residents consider 70 to be the beginning of old age. This annual survey, which has been conducted since 2003, helps track public opinions on various aspects of city life, including quality of life and social values.
According to the survey, the average age at which a person is considered “elderly” is 70.2 years. This result is based on the opinions of 36,280 individuals from 20,000 households across the city. The survey also included 5,000 Seoul citizens and 2,500 foreign nationals living in the city.
The perception of aging varied across different generations. People aged 65 and older considered the threshold for old age to be around 72.3 years. In contrast, individuals under 65 believed the starting point of old age to be slightly younger, at 69.8 years. About half of all respondents agreed that those aged between 70 and 74 should be viewed as elderly.
Shifting Attitudes on Retirement
The survey highlighted that Seoul’s residents show significant support for raising the official retirement age. Nearly 88 percent of respondents backed this idea, reflecting a shift in societal attitudes toward aging in a rapidly changing urban environment. Currently, the official retirement age for public service employees in government agencies is set at 65. However, many citizens believe this should be extended to accommodate longer life expectancies and changing work dynamics.
Respondents aged 65 and above were asked about their post-retirement plans. Most expressed a preference for pursuing hobbies or income-generating activities rather than taking on traditional roles like caring for grandchildren. About 65 percent of older respondents said they would prefer to live independently and near their children, rather than moving in with them.
This trend signals a growing desire for independence among the elderly population, showing a shift in family dynamics and post-retirement lifestyles. Many older residents in Seoul are increasingly seeking ways to stay active, both mentally and physically, after retiring from their formal jobs.
Changes in Household and Transportation Habits
The survey also revealed significant trends in lifestyle preferences. Single-person households now make up a substantial portion of the city’s population, accounting for 39.3 percent of all households. Additionally, two out of every ten households in Seoul now have a pet. Of these pet-owning households, 36 percent are single-person households, reflecting a rise in independent living and a strong affection for pets.
Transportation habits also showed some notable trends. Most Seoul residents rely on buses for their daily commutes, with nearly half reporting that their daily commute lasts between 30 minutes to an hour. This suggests that public transport remains a vital part of daily life in the city.
On the other hand, foreign nationals living in Seoul reported a preference for using the subway. This group of residents also pointed to Gwanghwamun Square as the most recognized landmark in the city. It’s clear that transport preferences vary based on residency status, with locals favoring buses and foreigners opting for subways.
The 2024 Seoul Survey paints a picture of a dynamic and evolving city where perceptions of aging and retirement are changing. Seoul residents, particularly those over 65, are increasingly looking for ways to stay active, pursue hobbies, and maintain their independence after retirement. The growing support for raising the retirement age shows a significant shift in attitudes, with many seeing the need for longer careers and extended work opportunities.
Furthermore, changes in household structures and transportation habits reveal that Seoul’s urban environment is adapting to new lifestyles. As single-person households continue to rise and pets become more common in city homes, the city is adjusting to the needs of its citizens. At the same time, transportation preferences continue to evolve, with buses dominating local travel among Seoul’s residents.
Overall, the survey highlights the need for policies that reflect the changing needs of a rapidly aging population. As Seoul’s residents grow older, their attitudes toward aging, retirement, and urban living will continue to shape the city’s development in the years ahead.
