Korea's elderly suicide rate is overwhelmingly number one among OECD countries. The 'triple distress of old age'—poverty, disease, and loneliness—is driving the elderly to death.
< h3 > 1. Economic PovertyMany elderly people suffer from poverty due to unprepared old age and insufficient social security systems. Practical economic support like increasing the basic pension is urgent.
2. Physical Disease
Chronic diseases and decline in physical function lower the quality of life and cause depression. Health care systems like medical expense support and expansion of visiting nursing services must be strengthened.
3. Social Isolation and Loneliness
The nuclear family trend and increase in elderly living alone lead to serious social isolation. We must build a community-centered care network to become companions for the elderly.
4. Sense of Loss of Role
They feel worthless as social roles disappear after retirement. We must raise self-esteem by creating jobs for the elderly and expanding opportunities for social participation.
5. Mission of the Church
The church must pay more attention to elderly ministry. We must serve the elderly through senior colleges and soup kitchens and plant hope with the gospel.