Life expectancy has increased, but… South Koreans spend 11.6 years in poor health
A recent study has announced that the global life expectancy has increased by approximately 9.2 years over the past 30 years. As medical technology has advanced, people have begun to live longer. However, the period of healthy living has not increased in proportion to the rise in life expectancy.
During the same period, the healthy life expectancy of people worldwide increased by only 7.2 years. This means that while people are living longer than in the past, the time spent suffering from illnesses or injuries has also lengthened. Consequently, the period spent in an unhealthy state has increased by about two years.
In particular, for South Koreans, the period spent in poor health has been found to reach 11.6 years. This demonstrates that how healthily one lives has become an important task in modern society, beyond simply living a long life.
Experts emphasize that as the aging society progresses rapidly, managing chronic diseases has become even more critical. It is a time when systematic health management is necessary to improve the quality of life, going beyond merely extending one's lifespan.
In conclusion, to enjoy a healthy old age, consistent exercise and maintaining proper dietary habits are essential. It is a time when more attention at both the individual and societal levels is needed for all of us to enjoy a healthier and more vibrant life.