The Changing Patterns of Relative Poverty and Healthy Aging Among the Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Korea: A Dual Group Based Trajectory Modeling Approach

This study examines how life-course poverty affects healthy aging trajectories. Analyzing 3,412 adults (aged 45+) from the Korea Longitudinal Study of Aging (2006-2020) using group-based dual trajectory modeling, we explored the relationship between relative poverty and a multidimensional healthy aging index. Results indicate that higher poverty risk drastically reduces the probability of maintaining healthy aging (46.9% to 10.4%) and increases severe unhealthy aging (4.0% to 30.4%). Chronic poverty significantly hinders healthy aging. Breaking this poverty-health cycle requires enhanced social safety nets, tailored healthcare, and community support to promote equity in aging.