Korean society is entering what I call the "caregiving society." With rapid aging and increased life expectancy, every elderly household is now burdened with caregiving responsibilities. This article explores why the Korean church must pay attention to this growing crisis.
The Coming Caregiving Crisis
As Korea transitions into a super-aged society, caregiving has become more than a family matter—it's evolving into a full-scale "caregiving war." Medical advances have brought us into an age of longevity, but many elderly illnesses require long-term care, creating what I call "endless diseases of longevity."
This burden falls not only on the elderly themselves but heavily on their families. Dual-income couples often have no choice but to outsource parent care, but even this solution has its limits. The strain creates family conflicts and spreads into broader social problems.
The Reality of Longevity
Extended lifespans are not always a blessing. When longevity comes with chronic illness and dependency, it can become a source of suffering rather than joy. We must acknowledge this reality honestly and prepare accordingly.
The National and Social Burden
The responsibilities that society and the state must shoulder have grown tremendously. Healthcare costs, long-term care insurance, and support systems for caregivers all require significant resources. But beyond policy and budgets, we need communities of compassion and practical support.
The Church's Role
This is where the Korean church must step in. Caregiving ministry—caring for both the elderly and their caregivers—should be a priority. The church can provide:
- Respite care programs for exhausted family caregivers
- Training and support groups for those caring for loved ones
- Spiritual counseling and prayer support
- Practical help through volunteers and community networks
- Advocacy for better caregiving policies and resources
A Ministry of Blessing
In my book The Blessing of Caregiving (『간병의 축복』), I explore how caregiving, despite its challenges, can become a ministry of love and blessing. When the church embraces this calling, we demonstrate Christ's compassion in tangible ways.
The "caregiving war" ahead will intensify. But it also presents the church with an opportunity to shine Christ's light in the midst of suffering, to support the vulnerable, and to model the kind of community God intended—one where we bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Will the Korean church rise to meet this challenge? The time to act is now.