Population Aging and Social Strategies for Aging Problems in Korea

This paper reviews the aging of Korean society in terms of demographic transition, and explores the various social problems Korean society is facing as a result of this rapid aging and the ways in which society and families are grappling with the challenges. Economic well-being and health problems are the two most important conncerns for the elderly in Korea as well. Due to the decline in family support and the incipient stage of welfare programs, elderly Korean citizens are facing the economic hardships of an aging society. The old seem to participate in the labor market more actively than their counterparts in advanced societies, but it is because they are in danger of falling into poverty. Delaying the transition from adolescence to adulthood for Korean youths as a response to the economic recession imposes a greater burden on the middle-aged generation. The social burden of health care expenses for the growing elderly population is increasing steadily every year. If the health problems of the elderly are not dealt with properly in Korea, it will increase conflict, discord, and tragedy in families, casting a shadow over the future of society in general. It is more desirable to devise better means of caring for the elderly by combining the efforts of both state and family based on existing family values in Korea. This paper stresses that the active role of the state in caring for the elderly may stimulate and promote more participation of family into elderly care.

keywords: aging, elderly care, demographic transition, transition to adulthood, health care expenses, crowding-in, crowding-out, welfare state, poverty

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Article Contents

Vol.48 No.4

Population Aging and Social Strategies for Aging Problems in Korea

Abstract

Reference

Korea Journal