Kim Han-gil, Chairman of the National Integration Committee, is delivering opening remarks at a policy forum held on the morning of the 17th at the Koreana Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul. National Integration Committee
The Presidential Committee on National Integration held a policy forum on the 17th to discuss raising the elderly age threshold and home-based end-of-life care.
The policy forum took place at 10 a.m. that day at the Koreana Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, with the Korea Senior Citizens Association, the Korean Gerontological Society, and others attending under the theme "Asking a New Path for a Dignified Old Age."
Kwon Jeong-hyun, a research fellow at the Korea Development Institute, who presented on the topic of "Possibility of Raising the Elderly Age Threshold," said, "Discussions on adjusting the elderly age threshold must be accompanied by an extension of the income security period, and institutional arrangements are needed to allow the elderly to continuously participate in the labor market."
Lee Jung-geun, president of the Korea Senior Citizens Association, also explained, "To alleviate the burden on future generations in preparation for a super-aged society, continuous discussions are needed on gradually raising the elderly age threshold while maintaining respect for the elderly."
Additionally, Kim Hae-sook, a professor at Wideok University who presented on "Home-based End-of-Life Care," suggested, "As the trend in elderly welfare shifts to a person-centered approach, the right to die with dignity in the family’s care is essential, and urgent policy support and securing professional personnel are required."
In his opening remarks, Kim Han-gil, chairman of the National Integration Committee, said, "When President Lee Jung-geun took office, he mentioned two things, one of which was raising the elderly age standard," adding, "I believe this has gained nationwide consensus."
Chairman Kim also said, "The other is the home-based end-of-life care system," adding, "It is a very important issue that elderly people, if possible, pass away at home, surrounded by their families."
About 100 people attended the forum, including Lee Jung-geun, senior members, Lee Yoon-hwan, president of the Korean Gerontological Society, elderly care experts, and general citizens.
Chairman Kim stated, "The unprecedented rapid aging indicates not only an increase in the elderly population but also the need to comprehensively redesign our country's social policies, from welfare to retirement age extension and labor reform."
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