Higher income levels are strongly associated with longer, healthier lives in South Korea. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Jan. 6 (Korea Bizwire) — A new study has found that higher income levels are strongly associated with longer, healthier lives in South Korea, with the gap in healthy life expectancy between the richest and poorest nearing nine years.
The research, conducted by a team led by Professor Yoon Seok-jun of Korea University’s College of Medicine, analyzed national health insurance data from 2008 to 2020.
Key Findings: Income and Health Disparities
The study examined healthy life expectancy—the years a person lives free from illness or disability. South Koreans’ average healthy life expectancy increased from 68.89 years in 2008 to 71.82 years in 2020, a gain of nearly three years. Women had a healthier lifespan of 73.98 years in 2020, exceeding men’s 69.43 years by 4.55 years.
However, income levels significantly influenced these outcomes. The highest-income group enjoyed a healthy life expectancy of 74.88 years, nearly 8.7 years longer than the lowest-income group, which averaged just 66.22 years.
Researchers noted that the sharp disparity stems primarily from the significantly shorter healthy lifespans in the lowest-income bracket.
Longer Lifespans, but More Years of Illness
The study also found that while overall life expectancy increased from 80.83 years in 2008 to 84.55 years in 2020, the gap between life expectancy and healthy life expectancy widened. On average, South Koreans lived 12.73 years in poor health in 2020, up from 11.94 years in 2008.
Women had a life expectancy of 87.39 years compared to 81.48 years for men, further highlighting gender differences in longevity and health.
Policy Implications
The researchers urged policymakers to address health inequities by prioritizing lower-income groups in health promotion strategies. “Targeted health improvement programs for low-income populations are essential to reduce health disparities,” Professor Yoon said.
The findings were published in the Journal of Korean Medical Science (JKMS) and are expected to guide future public health initiatives aimed at improving equity in healthcare access and outcomes.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
