Abstract
Proportion of senior population living alone in South Korea has exceeded over 20.2% in 2012, and it is anticipated that the proportion would increase every year. Poverty rate of seniors living alone in Korea is also anticipated to increase the highest rate (76.6%) among OECD countries. In particular, seniors lacking family support are having greater difficulty and isolated due to high housing costs and housing instability. Therefore, they need a new housing alternatives for considering their economical difficulty and lacking family and social support. This study attempted to examine possibility to develop a new housing alternatives for Korean seniors, especially living urban area. For this purpose, this study identified the attitudes and preference for a new house alternatives(Senior Shared House) by Korean seniors living alone. The key findings of this study were as follows: 1) Eighty-five percent of seniors participated in this study responded the senior shared house was needed. 2) It should be developed by utilizing or renovating and renting out existing housing in city areas. 3) Pre-residence checklist can be developed to connect and match prospect residents. 4) Professional workforce (e.g. housing welfare professional) is absolutely necessary to perform the role of coordinator understanding the various characteristics of the seniors, and their living requirements. Recommendations and directions for future development of senior shared house were suggested.
