"Seniors Are Not Just Recipients, But Protagonists of Their Lives"
"Expansion of Dementia Care Facilities, 500,000 Won Monthly Support for Family Caregivers"
Well-Dying Support... Promotion of the 'Dignified Ending Act'
On May 23, the People Power Party pledged to introduce a free bus fare system for those aged 65 and older and to expand the "continued employment after retirement age" policy.
The Policy Headquarters of the People Power Party announced senior citizen pledges on the same day, stating, "We do not see seniors merely as recipients of welfare, but as protagonists of their own lives. We aim to actively support each individual so they can lead the life they desire."
Kim Moonsoo, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, is visiting a shantytown in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, and talking with the residents on the 20th. 2025.5.20 Photo by Kim Hyunmin
First, the People Power Party promised to gradually expand meal services at senior centers to seven days a week and to introduce a free bus fare system for those aged 65 and older, thereby reducing the burdens faced by the elderly.
The party also plans to gradually increase the basic pension for those whose income is at or below 50% of the median income to 400,000 won per month and to lower pension income taxes for those who receive retirement or individual retirement pensions (IRP) over the long term.
In addition, the party will abolish the severance pay system and gradually mandate the adoption of either a retirement pension or a small and medium-sized retirement fund system. The obligation to reside in the home to receive a reverse mortgage will be abolished to further promote the reverse mortgage program.
The party will also revise the system to ensure that "continued employment after retirement age" becomes the norm. By enacting the Basic Act on Middle-Aged and Senior Employment Policy, the party will require the provision of reemployment support services for middle-aged and senior workers who opt for voluntary retirement and will establish a comprehensive employment service system for this demographic.
The policy of reducing national pension payments based on earned income will be abolished.
Medical support for the elderly will also be strengthened.
The party will expand the primary care physician system for dementia management and designate long-term care hospitals with adequate staff, equipment, and facilities as dementia care hospitals. The number of specialized long-term care facilities for dementia and hospice care will be increased, and public guardianship and public trust systems will be introduced to assist dementia patients with daily tasks and asset management.
In particular, to reduce the burden on families, the party will promote a plan to provide at least 500,000 won per month to family caregivers (1,000,000 won for spouses aged 65 and older).
Additionally, the party will distribute healthcare smartwatches to the entire population to expand "K-Healthcare" and increase the supply of elderly-friendly housing near medical facilities and urban senior care housing.
To reduce the burden on families resulting from excessive life-sustaining treatment and to help ensure a dignified end of life, the party will enact the "Dignified Ending Act."
Through this, the party will expand administrative support and infrastructure to allow individuals to proactively make decisions in advance regarding life-sustaining treatment, funeral arrangements, guardianship agreements in the event of dementia, and the drafting of wills related to inheritance.
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