Core Insights - The number of reported elder abuse cases in South Korea has significantly increased, with over 7,100 cases confirmed in 2024, marking a 14.5% rise compared to 2020 [1][2] - Among the confirmed cases, physical abuse accounts for 43.9%, psychological abuse for 43.8%, and neglect for 5.6% [1] - The majority of abuse cases, over 6,300, occur in domestic settings, while 647 cases are reported in care facilities [1] Group 1: Demographics of Victims - Elderly individuals aged 70 and above represent 41.6% of abuse victims, followed by those in their 80s at 27.5%, and those in their 60s at 25.3% [2] - Individuals aged 75 and older make up 53% of all abused elders, an increase of 4.5% since 2020 [2] Group 2: Perpetrators of Abuse - The average age of abusers is rising, with 34.7% of abusers being 70 years or older in 2024, up from 30.4% in 2020 [2] - Spouses are the most common perpetrators, accounting for 38.7% of cases, followed by sons at 26.4% [2] Group 3: Societal Context - The increase in spousal abuse is attributed to changing family dynamics, with more elderly couples living independently from their children, leading to increased caregiving burdens and tension [2] - South Korea is facing significant demographic changes, with a rapidly aging population; by December 2024, the number of individuals aged 65 and older is expected to reach 10.24 million, exceeding 20% of the total population, marking the transition into a "super-aged society" [2]