21 세기 생산적 노인복지 정책 방향

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Along with the increase in older population, the welfare needs of older persons also increase and become more diverse. In addition to that, as we head for the 21st century, it has been realized that our social security system needs to be re-evaluated and overhauled thoroughly, since we are faced with massive unemployment resulting from the recent economic crisis. That is, more comprehensive and integrated socio-economic policy, which will be able to set a new direction for the future of Korea, will be needed to improve older people`s quality of life and to achieve social unity and integration. This new welfare paradigm will be named `generative/productive welfare` and will consist of an integrated model, based on the current market-oriented economic system, with socio-economic policy that ensures a better quality of life for all people, by achieving an adequate equilibrium between production and life. Generative/productive welfare includes market workfare plus well-being creation and efficiency generation. Based on generative/productive welfare paradigm, following directions regarding social policies on ageing are suggested. First, the government should secure a national minimum standard of living for older persons by constructing an integrated public income maintenance system. Second, by expanding public health & medical services, by reducing medical costs, by strengthening special plan for bed-ridden elderly and elderly with dementia the healthy lives of older persons should be ensured. Third, the public sector should secure a national minimum standard of housing for older persons. Fourth, the government should establish the infrastructure for welfare services. Well-being creation for older persons can be attained through above-mentioned programmes. As market workfare, the government should promote employment opportunities and volunteer activities. Also, active social participation of older persons can be encouraged by developing lifelong education programmes.