By Kim Rahn
A senior citizens’ group wants the government to increase gradually over the next 10 years the minimum age of “elderly people” entitled to a state pension and free public transport to 70 from 65 now.
Its opinion is likely to pave the way for the government and businesses to start discussing raising the age, which is a key factor for various welfare policies.
The Korean Senior Citizens’ Association said Tuesday that its board recently agreed unanimously that the minimum age should be increased.
“Considering public recognition about the elderly and senior citizens’ health, we thought 65 was too low to be recognized as being old,” said association official Kang Se-hoon said.
“We believe the government and experts should discuss the issue and listen to public opinions about the issue, including to what age the minimum should rise and what follow-up measures will be needed.”
Raising the age has long been proposed, because government spending on elderly welfare is expected to snowball amid a rapidly aging population. But the government has feared a strong backlash from senior citizens.
But the group said it had now changed its position.
“The retirement age has been put off and the average life span has become longer,” Kang said. “Now we must co-exist with young generations. By delaying the time to qualify for welfare benefits, we hope the savings will help expand jobs for young people.”
He said various options might be possible, such as raising the age by one year in every two years so the minimum age will gradually reach 70 in 10 years.
A change in the minimum age will have considerable influence on senior citizens, because many people will not be eligible for free transport and free or discounted admission to museums and parks. Subway operators have suffered losses mainly because of the free transport.
Raising the minimum age may also affect the basic old-age pension paid to people over 65. The government budget for the pension is 10 trillion won this year. This is expected to increase to 13.7 trillion won in 2020 and 53.6 trillion won in 2030.