The Association Between Residential Movement and Successful Aging: Evidence from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging.

The residential environment is a key determinant of well-being in later life, especially amid rapid urbanization and population aging in Korea. This study investigates the relationship between residential movement and successful aging among older adults in South Korea. Based on data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (2012-2022), an analysis was conducted on 5,307 individuals aged 51 to 101 years, examining residential changes across administrative divisions, urban-rural contexts, and housing types. Successful aging was defined through four dimensions: absence of major disease, no disability, high cognitive function, and social participation. Binary logistic regression revealed that individuals without residential movement had significantly higher odds of successful aging, particularly those who remained within the same administrative division (OR = 2.06) or housing type (OR = 1.59). These findings underscore the importance of residential stability in promoting health, autonomy, and social integration in later life. Policies that support aging in place, including community-based services and accessible housing, may enhance the quality of life and reduce inequalities among the aging population.