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The aging work force in Korea

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Abstract

Objectives

Korea has the fastest aging population and least fertile population of all Organization Economic Cooperation and Development countries, and it is undertaking significant preparations for an aging society. So, we want to review the present status of Elderly workers’ occupational disorders and preparations, which is performed by governmental, social parties.

Methods

We examine the current status of Korea’s aging work force, focusing on occupational disorders (injuries and diseases), and retirements, and the associated health effects.

Results

Despite the efforts and concern about Korea’s aging society since the issue was first identified, Korea’s limited experience in operating a national public pension system, and a mature social security system shows that the needs of Korea’s aging society cannot be fully satisfied. This problem has already resulted in increasing labor employment rates and delays in retirement from the labor market.

Conclusions

We suggest a policy for elderly workers considering various determinants that can lead to successful employment, retirement, and health promotion for the aging work force.

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Conflicts of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, St. Mary Hospital, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea

    Jungyeon Hong

  2. Department of Preventive Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea

    Kangsook Lee

Authors
  1. Jungyeon Hong
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  2. Kangsook Lee
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Kangsook Lee.

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Hong, J., Lee, K. The aging work force in Korea. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 85, 253–260 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-011-0665-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-011-0665-0

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