[Insight & Opinion] Baby Boomers, Once Again Becoming Bridges in a Challenging World

There are many things to be grateful for in the world. Bridges that connect separated places are one of them. Over 2 million vehicles pass daily through the 28 bridges spanning the Han River in Seoul. However, the history of bridge construction over the Han River is remarkably short. The first Han River bridge, Hangang Cheolgyo, was completed in 1900, and the second, Hangang Daegyo, in 1917. This means that until the late 19th century, there were no bridges over the Han River. It is easy to imagine how inconvenient it must have been to cross the wide Han River without any bridges.

There are also entities in our society that serve as bridges. The baby boomer generation is one of them. Born between 1955 and 1963, the baby boomers, who now mostly make up those in their 60s, number about 7.2 million. They are the generation that has cared for elderly parents in their 80s and 90s while raising children in their 20s and 30s. This generation has experienced both the impoverished modern Korean society and the prosperous contemporary Korean society. They contributed to upgrading our society through industrialization, democratization, globalization, and informatization. They have been a pillar in their families and have also played a bridging role in the growth and development of society.

The youngest baby boomers, born in 1963, have turned 60 this year. Having passed the legal retirement age of 60, they are expected to retire from their jobs. They possess a wealth of accumulated experience and remain healthy. They are passionate and want to continue working. Yet, suitable jobs are severely lacking. It is not easy for each individual to find employment on their own.

What should be done? We need to create a new turning point together. The baby boomer generation is expected to be the first generation to realize two possibilities simultaneously. First, they are doing their best individually to make the latter half of their lives more meaningful. Second, they are full of passion to contribute something to society. It is time to actively devise platforms and programs that allow the baby boomer generation to fully unleash this potential and possibility.

Until now, society has been a “dependent elderly society.” People worked hard when young, and after retirement, the younger generation supported the retired elderly. However, with the advent of the 100-year life era, this model can no longer function. A “self-supporting elderly society” is needed. The baby boomer generation is expected to be the first generation to make this self-reliant elderly society possible.

Also, just as civic groups once sprang up like mushrooms, recently, social contribution organizations led by the baby boomer generation have been emerging one after another. For example, in September last year, “60+ Climate Action,” an environmental movement group formed with signatures from over 600 people aged 60 and above, was launched. In April, the Future Forum hosted the “Baby Boomer Change Maker Declaration” event. It is a movement led by baby boomers to design a better aging society.

The areas where the baby boomer generation can contribute to our society are countless. Education, care, health, and safety are representative examples. It is hoped that more social contribution programs led by 60+ and baby boomers will emerge actively and play new roles for our society. Through these activities, the baby boomer generation is believed to become a strong new bridge that builds a better future for our society once again. Above all, I hope the baby boomer generation achieves both possibilities.

Kim Hyungon, Director of the National Assembly Future Institute