Health · Medical Research · 7 hrs ago
Daily abilities decline sharply among South Koreans aged 75 and older
Everyday abilities decline sharply after age 75 among older adults in South Korea, according to a new analysis.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency used data from the 2024 national health and nutrition survey, which included a new measure of older adults’ physical, social and daily living abilities.
The average score was 85.9 out of 100, with men averaging 92.1 and women 80.9.
The most common difficulty for both sexes was bending, squatting or kneeling, reported as very difficult or impossible by 35.6% of women and 8.5% of men.
Women aged 80 and older had the lowest score, at 64.3 out of 100.
Lower ability scores were linked to more limits on daily activities for both sexes; among women, they were also linked to more weak grip and muscle loss.
The agency says health programs should reflect age and sex differences, but no specific next steps were given.
South Koreans’ daily-function scores fell sharply from age 75, with difficulties especially common in movements involving the legs.
In the 2024 survey, the average score for people aged 65 and older was 85.9 out of 100.
Men averaged 92.1 points, compared with 80.9 for women.
The most commonly reported difficulty for both sexes was bending, squatting or kneeling, affecting 35.6% of women and 8.5% of men.
Women aged 80 and older had the lowest score among age and sex groups, at 64.3 points.
- Who
- South Koreans aged 65 and older, analyzed by sex and age.
- What
- A health agency analysis found daily-function scores and abilities declined with age, with a marked drop from age 75.
- When
- The analysis used data from the 2024 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The findings were reported in October 2026.
- Where
- South Korea.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey introduced the older-adult daily-function scale and collected data used in the analysis.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency’s analysis of older adults’ daily-function levels and health indicators was reported.
- Average score
- 85.9 out of 100 among adults aged 65 and older
- Men’s average score
- 92.1 out of 100
- Women’s average score
- 80.9 out of 100
- Most common difficulty
- Bending, squatting or kneeling: 35.6% of women and 8.5% of men
- Lowest-scoring group
- Women aged 80 and older: 64.3 out of 100
3 sources
What people are saying
The analysis of older adults’ physical function found that lower-limb function declined substantially as age increased.
The rate of limitations in lower-limb daily functions was about three times higher among women than men, confirming differences in daily function by sex and age and the need to develop health promotion programs for older adults that reflect these differences.