[The Editors' Verdict] "Don't Think You're Old Until 90"

"You don't need to think of yourself as old until you reach 90."

At the ‘Good Brain 2022 International Conference’ hosted by Asia Economy on the 21st of last month, the keynote speech delivered by the ‘103-year-old philosopher,’ Professor Emeritus Kim Hyung-seok of Yonsei University, was clear and distinct. As a living intellectual, every word he spoke captured the audience’s full attention. Professor Kim said that while his memory seemed to decline slightly around his 50s to 60s, his thinking ability actually strengthened until he was 75. His lecture was not only logical but also enhanced in persuasiveness by appropriate examples and humor interspersed throughout. Listening to his 40-minute lecture, it was hard to believe he was 103 years old.

He presented three methods to maintain brain health for a long time. First, think a lot and study. Professor Kim said he still keeps a book by his side and writes a diary every day. The second is to continue working even as you age. Hobbies are also fine. He recommended that around the age of 60, one should actively engage in hobbies they enjoy. Lastly, maintain social interest. He emphasized that as people get older, they should pay more attention to politics and social issues.

His advice resonates deeply because of the forthcoming ‘100-year life era.’ The elderly population aged 65 and over was 8.15 million in 2020 but has surpassed 9.01 million this year. Elderly people make up 17.5% of the total population. By 2025, just three years away, the elderly population ratio will exceed 20%, entering a super-aged society. By 2070, the elderly population is expected to increase to 17.47 million, accounting for 46.4% of the population. This means one out of every two citizens will be elderly.

Along with aging, the declining birth rate is raising warnings that the very existence of the nation could be at risk. On the other hand, concerns about the lives of the elderly are also significant. Immediate issues include elderly poverty. As of 2020, the relative poverty rate among the elderly was 38.9%, three times the OECD average of 13.5%. According to the 2022 Elderly Statistics released by Statistics Korea, two out of three elderly people or their spouses directly provide for their living expenses.

Looking at last year’s suicide mortality rates by age group (per 100,000 people), those aged 80 and over had the highest rate at 61.3, followed by those in their 70s (41.8), 50s (30.1), and 60s (28.4). The elderly suicide rate is the highest among OECD countries. A recent study found that regions with higher voter turnout had lower elderly suicide rates. Dr. Lee Tae-ho of the University of Seoul, who authored the study, said, "There is a strong correlation between residents’ participation in public policy and suicide rates," and suggested, "To prevent suicide, opportunities for social participation among the elderly must be expanded." This aligns with Professor Kim’s advice.

The brain health of the elderly is also under threat. According to the National Health Insurance Service, medical expenses for those aged 65 and over reached 41.5042 trillion won last year, a 46% increase from 28.3871 trillion won in 2017. The disease with the highest medical expenses (2.2093 trillion won) was ‘Alzheimer’s dementia.’

To open a happy 100-year life era, the elderly themselves must live healthy lives. At the same time, they need to demand what kind of elderly policies the government should implement. As the elderly population grows, their political voice naturally gains strength.

At the end of his lecture, Professor Kim said, "Please live without thinking you are old until you reach 90. If the vast majority of citizens think this way, there will be no happier country."