The Main Reason for Social Withdrawal Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Daejeon Is 'Difficulty Finding Employment'

Survey of 512 Reclusive Middle-Aged and Older Adults: 93% in High-Risk Group for Loneliness
Key Policy Needs Include Professional Psychological and Mental Health Support, Economic Assistance

Reclusive Middle-Aged Audience Survey Infographic / Daejeon City

A survey conducted by Daejeon City on reclusive youth and middle-aged adults revealed that the main reason for their reclusive lifestyle is difficulty in finding employment.

The city, through the Social Service Institute, surveyed 512 Daejeon residents suspected of being reclusive youth and middle-aged adults out of 3,980 respondents. When asked about the reasons for their reclusive lifestyle, the most common answer was difficulty in finding a job (26.6%), followed by family conflict (18.2%), and difficulties in interpersonal relationships (13.7%). For those aged 40 and older and single-person households, family issues were cited as the main reason for their reclusive lifestyle rather than employment problems.

The most common activity during their reclusive lifestyle was PC/mobile web surfing, accounting for 38.1%. More than half (57.2%) reported having a reversed day-night lifestyle, and 38.7% said they ate only once a day or less.

Mental health issues were also severe, with 92.8% of respondents classified as high-risk for loneliness and 65.0% as high-risk for social isolation. This trend was particularly pronounced among those aged 40 and older, single-person households, and high-risk reclusive groups. Regarding depression, 9.8% required therapeutic intervention, and 43.9% needed professional help as their daily functioning was significantly impaired.

While 65.9% of participants expressed a willingness to overcome their reclusive lifestyle, 75.4% said they had never received any help to do so. The most needed policy was professional psychological and mental health support (47.7%), followed by financial support (42.8%) and employment support (33.4%).

Based on the survey results, the city plans to strengthen job support through next year’s Youth Growth Project, Youth Challenge Support Project, and Middle-aged Support Center, as well as implement support projects for high-risk groups for solitary death.

Min Donghee, Director of Welfare at Daejeon City, said, “This survey was conducted for the first time this year in accordance with the ‘Daejeon City Reclusive Hikikomori Support Ordinance.’ Based on the results, we will establish a basic plan and systematically prepare effective support measures to resolve social isolation and reclusion.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.