The rosy prospect of single life begins to go downhill from the age of 50, according the report, as many of those living alone in their 50s do so as a result of divorce and suffer from financial problems, particularly men, many of whom are disconnected from their friends and end up with poor living conditions. (Image: Yonhap)
BUSAN, Sept. 6 (Korea Bizwire) — From those in their 20s living in humble rooftop studios, to stable and independent single thirtysomethings and elderly people in their 70s that suffer from loneliness, a new report is encouraging the government to take distinctive approaches to address the issues facing single-person households of different age groups.
The comprehensive study released on Wednesday by the Busan Development Institute, the Busan Women and Family Development Institute, and the Busan Social Welfare Development Institute was conducted as part of efforts to come up with countermeasures for issues stemming from the growing number of single-person households in the region.
According to researcher Moon Jung-hee, who participated in conducting the study, many singles in their 20s are currently residing in rather poor living conditions on a low income, while seeking full-time employment.
Though they manage to maintain good relationships with their family and friends, there is little to no interaction with neighbors, and their low income doesn’t allow them to participate much in leisure activities and invest in improving their health.
On the other hand, those in their 30s have settled in quite well, have a secure and stable source of income and enjoy living a single life, but are burdened by paying off loans and rent. Similar to their counterparts a decade younger, they engage in little to no human interaction with their neighbors.
On the other hand, those in their 40s who live alone were thought to have the most well-rounded lifestyle, judging from all aspects of life, from income and living condition to human relationships, according to the report, with the only downside being increasing worry about their health.
The rosy prospect of single life begins to go downhill from the age of 50, according the report, as many of those living alone in their 50s do so as a result of divorce and suffer from financial problems, particularly men, many of whom are disconnected from their friends and end up with poor living conditions.
Among single households in their 60s, women who rely heavily on pensions and maintain a good rapport with friends, children and neighbors dominated the age group.
Moon, who conducted the report, concluded support needs to be provided for young single households to become more financially independent, while mental and emotional support are crucial for those aged over 50 to help secure stability in their lives.
M.H.Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
