ABSTRACT This study reveals the evolving landscape of old-age social exclusion amidst rapid aging in contemporary society, using data from 5,977 young-old adults aged 65 to 74 years sourced from the 2020 National Survey of Older Adults in Korea, one of the fastest-aging society. Employing 3-step latent class analysis along with multinomial and generalized ordinal logistic regression, we identified distinct types of old-age social exclusion, examined influencing factors to typology, and explored differences in age discrimination across identified types. Our findings confirmed the existence of ‘hard-working’ (7.8%), ‘well-living’ (44.8%), ‘poorly living’ (18.0%), and ‘leisurely living’ (29.5%) types. Notably, the ‘leisurely living’ type, excluded in income and work but not in socialization and leisure, demonstrates better practical and psychological adaptation to contemporary society through their digital literacy and political efficacy, and faces less challenges from age discrimination. The existence of this type underscores the importance of empowering older adults to actively participate in social and leisure activities through targeted educational programs, beyond providing income and job support.
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