• Asian Journal of Innovation and Policy
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.363-382
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• 2023

This study aims to discern the determinants influencing the perception of workability among the elderly population and delineate an appropriate retirement age within the labor market context. Employing binary logistic regression, this research utilizes data from the Korea Welfare Panel Study (2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020) provided by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Welfare. The findings indicate that key factors shaping the elderly's perception of workability encompass familial responsibilities (household and marital status) and their levels of physical and mental well-being. Econometric analysis suggests an anticipated retirement age for the elderly population ranging between 67 and 69 years. In addressing labor market demands and informing policymakers, the study proposes deliberations on extending the retirement age for individuals aged 60 to 65. This range serves as a compromise between the identified retirement age of 67 to 69 and the current average retirement age for elderly labor market participants. Bridging the disparity between the perceived workability age and the prevailing labor market baseline is crucial for achieving social consensus. Therefore, any extension of the retirement age should carefully consider both the demand and supply perspectives within the labor market. The study's contribution lies in two main aspects: firstly, presenting a retirement age framework for the labor market that integrates the workability of the elderly population, and secondly, providing evidence-based research outcomes to guide informed labor policies.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.286-293
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• 2022

Background: The death rate of workers due to industrial accidents in South Korea (3.61 persons in 2017) is higher than the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development average (2.43) and the fifth highest among Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development member countries. Although the pandemic of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has changed, the socioeconomic aspects of Korean society, the number of Koreans suffering accidents and the number of deaths in 2020 have increased. It is necessary to take measures to prevent accidents and make comprehensive efforts to return to work. This study proposes research questions about the effect of workers' positive perception on whether to work after accidents and the impact of the experience of rehabilitation services on the return to work. Methods: This research performed a panel logistic regression analysis using data on workers' compensation insurance in Korea for two years (2018-2019). Results: This research finds that workers' positive perceptions of workability and life satisfaction contributed affirmatively to their re-employment. Several factors related to employment (e.g., work period, the number of job qualifications) also positively affect their return to work. However, the experience of rehabilitation services did not have a significant effect on re-employment. The variables of their health conditions (e.g., disability grade, feelings of health problems, age) negatively influenced their return to jobs. Conclusion: These results suggest the importance of workers' mental recovery and the need to innovate rehabilitation services for their employment. Positive thinking and self-rehabilitation could be critical for workers, parallel with social welfare policies.