A recent analysis of South Korea’s national health insurance data from 2008 to 2020 reveals a stark correlation between income levels and life expectancy. According to the study, individuals with higher incomes tend to live longer, healthier lives, while those with lower incomes face a shorter lifespan and more years spent in poor health. The research, conducted by Professor Yoon Suk-joon from Korea University’s College of Medicine, found that the life expectancy gap between the wealthiest and the poorest citizens is approximately nine years.
The study, published in the Journal of Korean Medical Science, tracked the health outcomes of South Koreans across five income groups over the span of 12 years. The findings show that the highest-income group had an average healthy life expectancy of 74.88 years, compared to just 66.22 years for the lowest-income group. Healthy life expectancy refers to the number of years a person can expect to live without serious illness or disability.
The research also highlighted gender disparities in health outcomes. In 2020, women enjoyed a healthy life expectancy of 73.98 years, surpassing men by 4.55 years, who had an average of 69.43 years.
Nationally, South Korea’s healthy life expectancy has been on the rise. From 2008 to 2020, it increased by nearly three years, growing from 68.89 years to 71.82 years. However, a troubling trend emerged as the gap between healthy life expectancy and overall life expectancy continued to widen. While overall life expectancy rose from 80.83 years in 2008 to 84.55 years in 2020, the increase in healthy life expectancy was slower, widening the disparity between the two figures. In 2008, the gap between life expectancy and healthy life expectancy was 11.94 years; by 2020, it had grown to 12.73 years.
Dr. Yoon emphasized the need for targeted health promotion programs, especially for low-income populations, to address these disparities and improve overall health outcomes. The study underscores the importance of addressing the socio-economic determinants of health and ensuring that all South Koreans, regardless of income, have access to the resources necessary for a long and healthy life.
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