Apart from population decline, now 10 elderly South Koreans die by suicide every day — what’s really going on?

As South Korea's population ages, a troubling trend is emerging, nearly 10 elderly individuals take their own lives each day. Along with the drop in the number of people, mental health problems, loneliness, and silent suffering are causing an epidemic among seniors that isn't well-known. Now, experts are saying that action needs to be taken right away.

What’s causing so many elderly suicides in South Korea?

A new study says that we need to act quickly to stop this very worrying trend by improving mental health and raising awareness in our communities. According to a new medical study published in the Journal of the Korean Medical Association, between 2019 and 2023, about 10 South Koreans 65 and older committed suicide per day, as per a report by MalayMail.

During the five years, 18,044 persons in that age bracket committed suicide, which equates to almost 3,000 fatalities annually, according to a report published today by The Korea Herald.


Doctor Oh Dae-jong, an assistant professor at the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Workplace Mental Health Institute at Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, wrote the study.

The analysis estimates that in 2023, there were 40.6 suicide deaths for every 100,000 South Koreans aged 65 and over. This was 45% more than the rate of 28 among those between the ages of 15 and 64.

The report quoted Dr. Oh as saying, "Early identification of high-risk seniors is important because older adults are less likely than younger people to seek psychiatric help before attempting suicide, and many take their own lives after only one or a few attempts."

According to the study, depression in South Koreans 65 and older is frequently associated with divorce, financial strain, loneliness, family strife, and feeling like a burden to their families. Another important element is chronic physical sickness, particularly in the early postdiagnosis period, as per a report by MalayMail.

Why is early intervention critical for older adults?

Unlike younger age groups, seniors may not show prolonged signs of distress or reach out for help. Many feel ashamed or stoic about emotional struggles, believing they must “endure quietly.”

The likelihood of surviving is significantly reduced for those 65 and older since they are more likely to utilize lethal means like hanging or consuming pesticides than younger persons.

The number of people in that age range increased by 513,000 from the previous year to 10.12 million. Of the 51.81 million people living in South Korea, 19.5% are 65 years of age or older. Since then, about one in five South Koreans have reached the age of 65, as per a report by MalayMail.

How is the country responding to the mental health crisis?

The study emphasizes the urgent need for early intervention. For older persons at risk of suicide, the South Korean study recommended training "gatekeepers across the medical field who can identify and respond to early verbal, emotional, and behavioral warning signs."

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It also suggested a thorough, cooperative approach between the community and medical professionals to stop more suicides. According to Statistics Korea, the number of adults 65 and over surpassed 10 million for the first time in November of last year.

This growing demographic shift makes it even more urgent to address the mental health needs of seniors, not only to save lives but also to ensure dignity and care in aging. The challenge is immense, but awareness, empathy, and proactive intervention could offer hope to thousands who feel forgotten, as per a report by MalayMail.

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FAQs

Why is there such a high suicide rate among elderly South Koreans?
Loneliness, chronic illness, financial stress, and feeling like a burden are all significant contributors.
What is being done to address the crisis?
Experts advocate for improved mental health training for medical professionals and stronger community support systems.