Expectations shifting about family roles and caregiving in Korea, survey reveals

Five out of 10 men in Korea expect that their spouse will look after them when they get old and sick, whereas only two out of 10 women believe so, according to data from a nationwide survey released Wednesday.

 
The same survey showed that a growing number of middle-aged Koreans expect to be cared for by professional caregivers rather than their children as they age.

 
The findings reveal shifting expectations about family roles and caregiving as the country prepares for a new integrated care law to take effect next year.

The Care for All Foundation, an independent nonprofit organization, released the results of a nationwide survey that asked adults aged 40 and older about their views on long-term care. Conducted by Korea Research from April 25 to 30, the poll surveyed 1,000 men and women ahead of the March 2026 implementation of the Act on Integrated Support for Local Community Care, which aims to coordinate medical and caregiving services at the local level.

 
When asked who they expected would care for them in case of aging or illness, 39 percent of respondents named professional caregivers such as certified care aides. Spouses came second at 35 percent, followed by themselves at 21 percent. Just 4 percent said their children would provide care.

The survey also highlighted a sharp gender divide in expectations around spousal caregiving.

 
Nearly half of male respondents, or 49 percent, said they believed their wives would care for them if they became ill, while only 22 percent of women said the same of their husbands. Women were more likely than men to expect support from professional caregivers — 48 percent against 30 percent. More women also said they would care for themselves, at 23 percent, against the men’s 19 percent.

 
When asked where they would prefer to live while receiving care, 47 percent chose their current homes. Another 32 percent said they would consider relocating to community-based housing facilities suited for caregiving, while only 7 percent preferred institutional care facilities.

 
“We can clearly see that people want to age and receive care in familiar environments within their communities,” said Kim Yong-ik, chairman of the Care for All Foundation.

 
Source : https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-05-21/national/socialAffairs/

Comprehension

According to the survey, how many out of 10 Korean men expect their spouse to care for them in old age?
How many out of 10 women expect their spouse to care for them?
What kind of professionals do most respondents expect to care for them as they age?
What percentage of people said they expect their children to care for them?
Who conducted the survey mentioned in the article?
When is the Act on Integrated Support for Local Community Care expected to take effect?
What is the main goal of this new law?
What percentage of women expect care from professional caregivers?
Where do most people prefer to live while receiving care?
What does the response about care preferences say about people’s feelings toward institutional care?

Discussion

Why do you think fewer women expect their husbands to care for them than the reverse?
How do traditional gender roles affect expectations about caregiving in Korea?
What might be some reasons people now prefer professional caregivers over family?
Do you think relying on professional caregivers instead of family is a positive change? Why or why not?
What are the benefits of receiving care at home compared to care in an institution?
How can governments support aging populations while respecting people’s care preferences?
If you were asked this survey, how would you respond about who should care for you when you’re older?
Do you think the new law (Act on Integrated Support for Local Community Care) will be effective? Why or why not?
How might this shift in caregiving expectations affect family relationships in the future?
How are other countries dealing with the same issue of aging populations and caregiving?

Vocabulary

Professional caregiver – A trained person who provides physical and emotional support to the elderly or ill.
Certified care aide – A caregiver who has received official training and certification.
Long-term care – Ongoing assistance for people who are elderly or have chronic illnesses.
Integrated care – A system that combines medical and caregiving services to provide continuous support.
Institutional care – Living and receiving care in facilities like nursing homes or hospitals.
Community-based housing – Special housing designed to support people who need care while allowing them to remain in a community setting.
Gender divide – A difference in opinions, behaviors, or expectations between men and women.