Right to age in place
Korea has become a super-aged society as its baby boomers grow older. According to Ministry of Data and Statistics, people aged 65 and over account for approximately 21.6 percent of the population in 2026. Older residents with mobility difficulties, stairs are more than an inconvenience: They pose a serious risk of falls. Stairs restrict their daily activities and may even leave them confined to…
Korea is experiencing a demographic shift as its aging baby boomer population surpasses 21.6 percent of the total in 2026. For older residents facing mobility challenges, the presence of stairs presents a significant hazard, with falls posing grave risks to their safety and independence. Staircases limit daily activities and can force seniors to confine themselves within their homes, against their wishes.
The absence of elevators or home lifts exacerbates the issue, making it increasingly difficult for individuals to remain in the familiar surroundings they cherish. Some are ultimately compelled to relocate to nursing facilities or housing equipped with elevators, even when they deeply desire to age in place.
The case of Yang Sung-hak, a resident of Anyang in Gyeonggi Province, illustrates this predicament. After bidding farewell to his apartment life, he relocated to his dream country home. However, his aspirations turned into a nightmare when, in his mid-70s, a fall down the stairs resulted in fractures of his leg and lower back. Installing a home lift within his dwelling proved challenging.
Various building regulations regarding fire resistance and floor-area calculations complicated his options, while neighbors voiced concerns over potential disruptions.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
