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The Evolution of Age-friendly Jobs in a Rapidly Ageing Economy

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  • Hyeongsuk Kim
  • Chulhee Lee
  • Karen Eggleston

Abstract

Korea’s labor force shift toward older, female, and more educated workers has been even more dramatic than that of the US in recent decades. This paper documents how Korean job characteristics vary by age and characterizes the “age-friendliness” of Korean employment from 2000 to 2020 by applying the Age-Friendliness Index (AFI) developed by Acemoglu, Mühlbach and Scott to Korean occupational data. The AFI measures job characteristics—such as physical demands and job autonomy—based on occupational descriptions and worker preferences. Our primary empirical findings are that the age-friendliness of Korean jobs grew more slowly than in the US, and that older Koreans were not the main beneficiaries of these jobs. Both findings reflect the demographic, labor market, and institutional differences between Korea and the US. Slow growth of AFI can be partially explained by labor market rigidities, the role of large firms in Korea, and the flattening of managerial structures.

Suggested Citation

  • Hyeongsuk Kim & Chulhee Lee & Karen Eggleston, 2025. "The Evolution of Age-friendly Jobs in a Rapidly Ageing Economy," NBER Working Papers 33813, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:33813
    Note: AG EH
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I0 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - General
    • J1 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics
    • J20 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - General
    • J32 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Nonwage Labor Costs and Benefits; Retirement Plans; Private Pensions

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