[Economy 365]

The proportion of two-person households nationwide is projected to exceed 30% for the first time next year.

According to the Household Projections by Statistics Korea, the number of two-person households is expected to reach 6.89 million next year, accounting for 30.2% of the total.

This marks the first time that the share of two-person households will surpass 30% since relevant projections began in 2000.

The share of two-person households will also surpass the combined proportion of three-person and four-person households, which stands at 29.5%, for the first time.

In particular, the proportion of two-person households headed by individuals aged 65 or older is estimated to reach 44.3% next year.

While not all of them are elderly couples, a significant portion is estimated to be elderly couple households.

Experts point out that as people age, the prevalence of so-called "old-to-old care," where an elderly person cares for another, is likely to increase. Therefore, community interest is needed to identify elderly couples in need of care and guide them toward support systems.

*This article was produced with AI audio.