▲Illustration by Baek Hyun-seong
Myung (82), a woman living in Dong-gu, Daejeon, South Korea, spent the entire last winter in a room without heating because she might not afford to repair a broken oil boiler. Myung lived for a month on her basic pension of 300,000 won (approximately 35,000 yen) and regarding 200,000 won from collecting and selling waste paper. Her dementia symptoms gradually worsened, and she might no longer recognize people, even when she saw them, and she was unable to speak clearly. At the request of her neighbors, staff from the Dong Office (ward office) came to assist her.
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Elderly Poverty in South Korea: The Plight of “Paper Collectors”
▲Illustration by Baek Hyun-seong
Myung (82), a woman living in Dong-gu, Daejeon, South Korea, spent the entire last winter in a room without heating because she had no money to repair a broken oil boiler. Myung lived for a month on a basic pension of 300,000 won (approximately 35,000 yen) and regarding 200,000 won from collecting and selling waste paper. Her dementia symptoms gradually worsened, and she might no longer recognize people when she saw them, and she might no longer speak well. At the request of a neighbor, an employee from the Dong Office (ward office) came and interviewed her. With the employee’s help, Myung became a recipient of basic living assistance (welfare).
Mr. Cho (85), who lives in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, collects waste paper to earn money for the nursing care of his wife, who suffers from dementia. He collects cardboard boxes by himself, pulling a cart. The couple live in a one-room house with a rent of 500,000 won. His wife has suffered from dementia and arthritis for many years, and they have not been in contact with their children for several years.
The Reality of Elderly “Paper Collectors”
On the 9th, South Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare announced the results of a complete survey that found that there are 14,831 “elderly paper collectors” nationwide, people aged 60 or older who make a living by collecting waste paper. These seniors represent a stark reality of the growing elderly poverty in South Korea.
Key Findings of the Survey:
- Average age: 78.1 years old
- Largest age group: 80-84 years old (28%)
- Gender: More women (55.3%) than men (43.7%)
- Average monthly income: 766,000 won (the largest income bracket being 500,000-600,000 won)
- Highest number of elderly paper collectors: Seoul (17%) followed by Gyeonggi Province (2,511 people) and South Gyeongsang Province (1,540 people)
- Lowest number: Sejong City (0.2%)
- 28% of elderly paper collectors were recipients of basic livelihood benefits
The Problem of Elderly Poverty in South Korea
The plight of elderly paper collectors is a stark reminder of the significant challenges faced by the older generation in South Korea. Their situation underscores the critical issue of elderly poverty, which is a growing concern in the country.
A Look at the Numbers:
According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), South Korea’s elderly poverty rate in 2020 was 40.4%, significantly higher than the average for OECD member countries (14.2%). This alarming figure highlights the severity of the problem, and it consistently ranks Korea as having the highest elderly poverty rate within the OECD.
Factors Contributing to Elderly Poverty:
- Inadequate social security system: The existing system may not adequately cater to the needs of the elderly, particularly those who have not accumulated sufficient savings or have limited access to employment opportunities.
- Rising cost of living: The increasing cost of housing, healthcare, and other essential expenses puts a strain on the resources of many elderly individuals, pushing them into poverty.
- Inadequate retirement planning: Limited retirement savings and inadequate financial planning can leave many elderly individuals vulnerable to poverty as they transition into retirement.
- Discrimination in the labor market: Ageism and a lack of opportunities for older workers can limit their ability to contribute financially, further exacerbating the problem of elderly poverty.
Addressing the Issue of Elderly Poverty:
Addressing the issue of elderly poverty requires a multi-pronged approach that combines social, economic, and policy measures. This includes:
- Strengthening social security programs: Expanding access to pension schemes, providing adequate healthcare coverage, and offering financial assistance to low-income elderly individuals are crucial steps.
- Promoting affordable housing options: Addressing the high costs of housing and ensuring access to affordable housing for elderly individuals is essential.
- Encouraging financial literacy: Educating the elderly regarding financial planning, retirement savings, and managing their resources can equip them with the knowledge to navigate their finances effectively.
- Combating age discrimination in the labor market: Creating opportunities for older workers, promoting age-diverse workplaces, and ensuring fair employment practices can enable them to contribute actively to the economy.
- Investing in long-term care facilities: Providing adequate and accessible long-term care facilities can alleviate the burden on families and reduce the financial strain on elderly individuals who require assisted living arrangements.
By prioritizing the well-being of the elderly and addressing the multifaceted challenges they face, South Korea can create a more equitable and supportive society for its aging population.
Reporter Cho Baek-geon
Chosun Ilbo/Chosun Ilbo Japanese Edition
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