Educational disparities in labor market participation among middle-aged Koreans with chronic diseases: evidence from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Elderly Employment.

ABSTRACT:

Background

As South Korea experiences rapid population aging, preventing early retirement has become a critical concern. Ill health contributes to early retirement, and educational level moderates this relationship. Although well-studied in Europe, it remains less explored in Northeast Asia, where labor markets and educational attainment differ significantly. This study investigated the moderating role of education in the relationship between chronic diseases and labor force non-participation in South Korea, considering disease severity, type, and employment status.

Methods

Using data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Elderly Employment, this study analyzed 5,758 individuals born between 1964 and 1976. Chronic diseases were categorized by severity and type. Labor force p

SUBMITTER: Jeon SY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12671944 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature