Lee Jung-geun, president of the Korean Senior Citizens Association and chairman of the Booyoung Group, reiterated the need to gradually raise the current senior age threshold from 65 to 75 and strengthen integrated end-of-life care services at home. He also stated his intention to discuss institutional improvements with the government to address the challenges of an aging society, including the establishment of a Senior Rights Protection Act and the expansion of social participation.
On October 2, the Korean Senior Citizens Association held the 30th Senior Citizens' Day ceremony at the Lotte Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul. The event was hosted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and organized by the association, with attendance from senior organization representatives and government and National Assembly officials, including President Lee Jae-myung.
This year's ceremony aimed to reflect on the contributions of the senior generation and explore ways to enhance the roles, rights, and welfare of the elderly in an aging society. During the event, six centenarians were presented with longevity canes, and ten individuals who contributed to the advancement of elderly welfare and social development received government awards (eight medals and two presidential citations).
Lee stated, "In response to the demographic changes of an aging society, I will work with the government to raise the senior age threshold, improve systems, strengthen integrated end-of-life care services, establish a Senior Rights Protection Act, and expand social participation."
Currently, the senior age is set at 65, but Lee has proposed a gradual increase of one year each year, ultimately adjusting it to 75. He emphasized the need to raise the age threshold last year, considering the social burdens of elderly support and pensions.
South Korea has already entered an aging society, with over 20% of the population aged 65 and older. According to Statistics Korea, as of last year, the population aged 65 and older reached 10.514 million, accounting for 20.3% of the total population. The proportion of elderly individuals is projected to rise to 29.9% by 2035 and 40.1% by 2050.
Lee also proposed activating home-based end-of-life care systems to allow individuals to spend their final days at home with family. He has suggested key policy tasks, including the establishment of a population department, the construction of a central headquarters for the Korean Senior Citizens Association, and support for association volunteers.
President Lee Jae-myung, who attended the event, remarked, "Today's Republic of Korea, a strong economy and cultural nation, owes its success to the dedication of our elders. The government will carefully ensure that they can enjoy healthy and happy later years. We will strive to create a mature society where the elderly understand the challenges faced by the youth, and the youth respect the elderly."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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