[Report] "How Can I Say I Was Beaten?" Elderly Suffer in Silence Despite Abuse and Verbal Attacks, Developing Chronic Illnesses (Comprehensive)

'Elder Abuse Prevention Day' Emotional Abuse Most Common
Physical Abuse and Neglect Also Present
Elderly Met Around Tapgol Park Say "Can't Say I Was Hit... Because I'm Embarrassed"
Government Plans to Strengthen Measures to Prevent Elder Abuse

On the afternoon of the 15th, an elderly person is sitting in the shade around Nakwon Arcade in Jongno, Seoul, seeking relief from the heat. Today is the "World Elder Abuse Awareness Day," and according to survey results, elderly people are suffering from verbal abuse and physical violence. Photo by Bongju Kim, intern reporter patriotbong@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy reporters Han Seung-gon and Heo Mi-dam, intern reporter Kim Bong-ju] "Many elderly people cannot speak up even when they are abused. They are too ashamed..."

On the 15th, marking the 'World Elder Abuse Awareness Day,' elderly people in their 80s gathered around the Nakwon Arcade area in Jongno-gu, Seoul, a place where many seniors enjoy their leisure time, collectively complained about the frequent verbal abuse and mistreatment they face. One elderly man even expressed his frustration, saying that his child told him to leave the house.

However, most elderly people did not share these experiences with others. They strongly felt that talking about being insulted by their children outside would be like shaming their own offspring.

Some seniors admitted to fearing abuse. They also voiced strong condemnation against hateful remarks made by people in their 20s and 30s. Yet, these grievances of the elderly remained confined within their circles, unable to cross the walls of Tapgol Park. In reality, they were left to suffer in silence.

On the afternoon of the 15th, elderly people are sitting in a line under a shade in the Nakwon Arcade area of Jongno, Seoul, seeking relief from the heat. Photo by Bongju Kim, intern reporter patriotbong@asiae.co.kr

Among the elderly gathered in small groups playing janggi (Korean chess), Mr. Choi (80), who was sitting alone, hesitated for a long time before speaking up.

He said, "It's natural that young people don't like people our age," and added, "Even my own children don't like me."

He continued, "My child didn't physically abuse me, but told me to leave the house because they didn't like me. I have three children, but only my son acts this way. I think it's been about 5 to 6 years since I last met him," wiping his eyes.

He added, "As I got older, I had nowhere to go, so I ended up coming here (Tapgol Park). All my friends who used to play with me have passed away, and since there is no suitable place to hang out, I came here."

According to a Seoul city survey, elder abuse has been steadily increasing. In 2005, when Seoul first compiled statistics on elder abuse, there were 590 cases in the city. This number rose to 863 in 2010, 1,061 in 2015, and reached 1,963 last year. This means elder abuse has increased 2.3 times compared to 2005.

On the afternoon of the 15th, elderly people in the Tapgol Park area of Jongno, Seoul, sat in the shade to escape the heat. The elderly people interviewed by the Asia Economy reporters on that day were aware of assaults against the elderly but complained that it was difficult to speak out properly. Photo by Bongju Kim, intern reporter patriotbong@asiae.co.kr

Seoul city stated, "Reports of elder abuse in Seoul were at their lowest at 375 cases in 2007 but have gradually increased, averaging 972 cases annually over 15 years."

The majority of abusers were family members (89.1%). Among them, sons (37.2%), spouses (35.4%), and daughters (11.9%) were the most common perpetrators. This is because many abused elderly people (73.1%) live with their children or spouses. Most abusers were male (78.3%).

Additionally, among the elder abuse cases reported last year, 81.4% of the victims were women. Of all abuse cases, 72.1% lasted more than one year. The most frequent occurrence was "at least once a month" at 67.5%, followed by "at least once every three months" at 13.8%, and "at least once every six months" at 7.3%.

One elderly woman expressed fear about such abuse. Ms. Kim (82), whom we met near the underground passage of Nakwon Arcade, said, "These days, it seems elder abuse happens continuously according to the news," and added, "Most elderly people here live alone. So, I haven't heard of anyone around me being abused, but seeing the news makes me scared because it seems to happen a lot."

She continued, "Elder abuse should never happen. I live alone, so I don't worry much about it, but I'm afraid I might be assaulted just because I'm old," showing signs of anxiety.

An elderly person looking at the entrance gate of Tapgol Park in Jongno-gu, Seoul, which was closed due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection. Photo by Asia Economy DB

The number of abused elderly people is actually increasing. According to the '2019 Elder Abuse Status Report' released by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the number of elder abuse reports last year was 16,071, a 3.8% increase from the previous year (15,482 cases).

Elder abuse usually involves multiple types of abuse occurring simultaneously. Last year, emotional abuse was the most reported at 42.1%, followed by physical abuse (38.1%) and neglect (9.0%).

There is also the issue of ageism. According to a study on 'Ageism in Korea' conducted by the Korea Senior Human Resources Development Institute, 71.7% and 63.7% of respondents agreed with statements such as "Elderly people nag others a lot" and "Elderly people try to assert authority based on age, experience, or position rather than ability," indicating prevalent prejudice against older adults.

On the afternoon of the 15th, elderly people lined up in front of a free meal service center near Nakwon Arcade in Jongno, Seoul. Photo by Seunggon Han hsg@asiae.co.kr

One elderly person explained that ageism sometimes arises due to unavoidable environmental factors, not because of hatred toward the elderly themselves.

Mr. Jo (83), who takes the subway daily from Noryangjin in Yeongdeungpo-gu to visit Tapgol Park, said, "Where is there a place that welcomes elderly people? But when I come here, they give us food and I can meet friends. There's really no need to go anywhere else. Tapgol Park is a place for old people. But since it was closed due to COVID-19, elderly people with nowhere to go just wander around here," he lamented.

He raised his voice, saying, "Do you think no one gets old? Young people think they will never get old. They engage in ageism without thinking about the future."

There were also criticisms that improper etiquette education leads to violence and hatred. Mr. Kim (74), who lives near Jongno 3-ga Station, said, "Education is important to eradicate elder abuse." He added, "Parents need to educate their children well. For example, parents should emphasize 'respect for elders' from a young age. If the spirit of seniority had been taught from childhood, there might have been less abuse toward the elderly," expressing his frustration.

As elder abuse and ageism increase year by year, the government plans to strengthen measures to prevent elder abuse. The Ministry of Health and Welfare plans to pilot services such as bank account management and living economy guardianship to prevent economic abuse where property or rights are taken against the will of the elderly.

Additionally, Seoul city plans to further strengthen public-private cooperation to build an elder abuse prevention system.

Jung Jin-woo, Seoul's Welfare Planning Officer, said, "Seoul will review existing systems and improve areas that need supplementation to create a Seoul without elder abuse."