고령화와 노인복지대책에 관한 연구

Abstract

The Repblic of Korea has changed into the aging society in 2000. As of 2004, the elderly people over 64 years old are 4170,000, which is 8.7% of the total population. The average lifetime is getting longer due to the development of medical technology and science, and various social security policies. According to the estimate the Office of Statistics, Korea will become the aged society of which the rate of the elderly over 64 years will be 14% in 2019, and in 2020 will become the super-aged society of which the rate of the elderly over 64 years will be 20%. The aging of poulation results in relative reduction of eligible population, increase of welfare expenses, aggravation of public finance and the finance of national or public pension, weakening the base of potential economic growth. With the help of medical progress and social wlfare polcy for the increasement of participation rate of the elderly in economic activity, the number of the healthy active elderly is increasing, however, the income level of the older people is very low, and most of them are depending on their descendants for their living and spending of medical treatment. They are much worse off. For the promotion of productive welfare of the elderly, government, business and society should do their cooperative efforts to develop and execute programs for the aged such as offering jobs, starting enterprises, helping with self-supporting and paid voluntary service activities, establishing 'professional old-manpower bank' to utilize their know-how and know-why. It is also required to develop policy for the introduction and enforcement of systems of bridge-employment and gradual retirement. Pension scheme and pay system should be improved and adjusted. It is necessary to develop and practise job training program in order to enhance the productvity of old workers, and post-managment program in order to enlarge employment opportunity of old workers. With the aging society setting in, chronic and degegnerative diseases of the older people which are related to life style are on the increasing trend. So the expenditure of medical treatment becomes a heavy burden. It is, therefore, required to make medical security policy caring the elderly health. The premium rate of national health insurance should be decided in proportion to income level, however, the burden of the elderly should be lessened. Visiting medical treatment and nursing for the elderly people should be involved in beneficiary objects of national health insurance. Geriatrics hospitals and public health centers for the elderly should be established rural and urban areas. Medical equipment should be supplemented and expanded, personnel for medicine and nursing should be enforced. Programs for community care and comprehensive medicine should be developed and served to the elderly. It is necessary that government should make housing policy to design and build various types of houses which are comfortrable and convenient for the older people to be able to live, meet and enjoy diverse interests, recreations, and sports. It is also required to develop program for financial assistance in remodeling the existing welfare centers and heating ＆ air-conditioning systems, expanding and using welfare facilities, promoting leisure participation.