Give Job Opportunities to Elderly

Dear editor,

Regarding an Oct. 3 editorial, ``Rapidly Aging Society,'' I agree with the writer that the social security system should be reformed to help senior citizens lead decent lives, and that the issues of our aging society and lower birthrate should be tackled by the government.

As the country's medical system has developed, average life expectancy has been extended up to 79 years of age, but the average retirement age is 53, so many retirees have to live jobless for about 25 years.

Even if they can keep working, they have to retire in accordance with the law. The retirement age for salaried workers needs to be postponed to help them manage their livelihoods.

These days, the younger generation tends to avoid having babies after marriage. They don't want the burden of raising children.

Thus, the government should try to encourage married couples to have babies to maintain the population level. The government should assuage the costs of raising them and reduce taxes on families who have babies.

Many retirees and elderly people need to make a living since pension benefits are not enough. Moreover, the number of young people able to contribute to pension and health insurance schemes has been steadily decreasing.

Nowadays, elderly people have been committing crimes due to financial difficulties and a feeling of being isolated from society. Therefore, the government should create proper jobs for them and prevent them from being excluded.

A rapidly aging society could cause many serious social problems. The government should not overlook the importance of our aging society and the lower birthrate.

The government should give the elderly the chance to work, and try to promote childbirth among young couples. The aging society problem is not only our parents' but will also be ours in the future.

Jung Hye-won Seoul JHW20@paran.com