Uiryeong-gun Ranks 8th Nationwide for 'Population Aged 100 and Over' for Two Consecutive Years

Nationwide First '95-Year-Old Longevity Celebration Fund'

Uiryeong-gun in Gyeongnam was evaluated as the eighth highest place in the nation in terms of the ratio of centenarians per 100,000 people.

The population aged 100 and over in Uiryeong-gun ranked 8th nationwide for two consecutive years among 229 cities, counties, and districts, and is the second highest among the 18 cities and counties in Gyeongnam.

County Governor Oh Tae-wan is visiting the family of Ye Tae-yeop Ong in Chilgok-myeon in October 2022, presenting a longevity cane. [Image provided by Uiryeong-gun]

According to the "Status of Population Aged 100 and Over" announced by Statistics Korea, the population aged 100 and over was surveyed to be 7,634 in 2023.

Among cities, counties, and districts, Goheung in Jeonnam had the highest number with 78 per 100,000 people, and Uiryeong-gun ranked 8th with 56. Uiryeong-gun ranked 8th nationwide in 2022 with 49, increasing by 7 in 2023.

Among the 18 cities and counties in Gyeongnam, it ranks second after Hapcheon, and in 2022, Uiryeong-gun was the number one longevity village in Gyeongnam.

Meanwhile, starting this year, Uiryeong-gun is implementing a policy honoring "longevity seniors" by providing a longevity congratulatory payment of 1 million KRW to seniors turning 95, the first in the nation.

There are about 20 local governments nationwide that provide a longevity congratulatory payment of 1 million KRW at age 100, but Uiryeong-gun is the only one to lower the age to 95 and provide 1 million KRW.

A county official stated, "This year, there are 136 eligible recipients, and by lowering the eligible age to 95, the number of beneficiaries increased by about 70."

In addition, the county is implementing distinctive senior policies such as filial piety encouragement payments, AI care robots for senior centers, and support for standing tables.

In particular, cash welfare policies such as support for hairdressing and bathing costs, implemented for all seniors aged 70 and over, have been established and are regarded as "universal welfare" for socially vulnerable seniors.

County Governor Oh Tae-wan said, "I am pleased that clean Uiryeong has gained the reputation of a longevity village for two consecutive years in a super-aged society," and added, "We will further expand the senior welfare budget and support so that seniors can live healthy and happy later years."