고령화 사회에 대한 법적 대응과 전망

Abstract

"Aging society" is a worldwide phenomenon because of the growth of population of old people. It is anticipated that Korea will also become aging society. However, this anticipation just comes from national statistics and in some areas we are now seeing aging society, in particular in a rural community. Rapid aging population is now causing many social problems, including support and protect of old people. However, we do not have secure enough legal and social measures to deal with these problems. In aging society, the demand of service from old people varies and its scopes have been increasingly extended. Their demands include economic and vocational stability, stable family relations, housing, health care, education, opportunity of social cooperation, culture and entertainment. However, the central government does not have capacities to provide effective services just as did in the past. In addition, the world lowest birth-rate in Korea makes this problem worse so that we are now suffering from the shortage of labor force and the weakening of national competitiveness. Considering these problems, the services at regional level are essential to meet the demand of welfare service for older people. In this sense, the role of local government, regional NGOs and local residents are important. The central government should carry out a ceaseless reform of legislation for the welfare of old people and cooperation and coordination between the central and local governments should be conducted.