South Korea Grapples with Highest Elderly Traffic Fatalities and Suicide Rates Among OECD Nations

SEOUL, Dec. 27 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea has the highest traffic fatality rate for seniors among OECD member countries, with elderly suicides also remaining alarmingly high despite recent declines, according to a 2024 report.

Data reveals that the number of elderly suicides is over 2.6 times greater than traffic-related deaths.

A study by Professor Jung Ji-beom of the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, published in the winter edition of KOSTAT Statistics Plus by Statistics Korea on December 26, highlights the pressing safety concerns facing South Korea’s aging population.

In 2021, the traffic fatality rate for individuals aged 65 and older was 15.1 per 100,000 people—more than double the OECD average of 6.8. Among OECD nations, only Colombia had a higher rate.

Last year, 1,240 elderly individuals died in traffic accidents, accounting for 48.6% of all traffic-related fatalities in the country.

Pedestrian accidents were the leading cause of traffic deaths among seniors, comprising 44.4% of cases, followed by motorcycle (15.6%) and car accidents (13.9%). While seniors account for 15.2% of traffic accident injuries—similar to other age groups—they are more likely to succumb to injuries due to age-related vulnerabilities.

Suicides, the leading cause of external deaths (accidents and suicides) among seniors, have decreased but remain a critical issue. The suicide rate for those aged 65 and older dropped from 81.9 per 100,000 in 2010 to 39.9 in 2023. However, this figure is still more than twice the OECD average of 17.2.

In 2023, the suicide rate among seniors was 30.7 per 100,000 for those in their 60s, 39.9 for those in their 70s, and 59.4 for those in their 80s, with higher rates observed in older age groups.

The report attributes the decline in senior suicides to expanded public pension programs and improved social safety nets for younger elderly generations, though challenges remain in addressing the broader crisis of elderly safety in South Korea’s rapidly aging society.

M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)