By Bernard Rowan
The words of the song, "Auld Lang Syne," written by the famous Scottish poet Robert Burns, tell me something atypical this year. I'm thinking of the elders' return to self-sufficiency, a goal worthy of invigorated national efforts in 2020, including in South Korea. I'm thinking Korea's elders represent the beautiful red-capped crane or durumi.
President Moon Jae-in's term has reached midpoint. Too little occurs for Korea's elderly, not because of Mr. Moon. One democratic ruler's platform, even under a powerful presidency such as South Korea, can't do it all. South Korean people must demand more of the national, provincial, city, county, district and neighborhood councils ― and of themselves.
Nearly half of older Koreans live in poverty. The national pension doesn't cover basic living expenses for those living in cities. Grandmas and grandpas must go it alone. Many live alone. Many have little income or hope. Many face loneliness. How sad. Does South Korea need an equivalent to China's law mandating filial attention for elders? I've read little commentary about it ― if any.
Many younger Koreans use the term "Hell Joseon" of late to show their plight. Rising expectations and falling lower incomes, as well as stagnant employment, amount to failing prospects for more of the next generation. But for the elderly in Korea, the generation that wrought Korea's world historical successful advance, it's "Deeper Than Hell Joseon," all too often. The younger generation's fears and realities are theirs ― in spades. There are problems with suicide among younger Koreans. Too little attention follows the high numbers of suicides among the elderly. Why it happens isn't hard to see.
Foreigners can learn something about this sad state of affairs from recent movies. The titles include "The Way Home," "My Love, Don't' Cross That River," and "Bacchus Ladies." Poor mature women prostitute themselves to survive, and it's a popular movie. The male Bacchae should rethink. The movies represent an increasingly forgotten generation, with themes and younger characters discovering the genuine humanity of the poor in elders. Life isn't a movie. Can't we translate the lessons?
Of course, heroism and self-reliance exist among the elderly. My favorite movie on this theme is "Late Blossom." We learn that love happens in old age, it can happen again, and the elderly find ways to survive. The first two messages need further celebration. The last fits a bureaucratic authoritarian mindset leaving too many burdens to the least powerful. Many older Koreans work, find new jobs and renew their outlook on life in so doing. Yet, outliers don't make for norms. The needs of most Korean elders need more attention.
The next Korean government, if not the present, must further increase national senior pensions. Koreans should guarantee daily nourishment through public and private efforts. More funding must create more elder care centers, day activity centers, and mental health provision. Younger adults should form voluntary associations to "Adopt a Grandma" or grandpa, even if they aren't one's own.
The crane is a favorite Korean image. This awkward but majestic bird stands for long life, happiness, purity and good luck. My prayer is Korea will lead by hastening reforms for elders.
"Should Old Acquaintance be forgot, and never thought upon; the flames of Love extinguished, and fully past and gone: Is thy sweet Heart now grown so cold, that loving Breast of thine; that thou canst never once reflect on old long syne." These are Burns' words. Are they dying letters?
Today's elders built the Korea on which our present and future depend. The world looks to Korea more than Koreans know. Have our hearts grown cold to forget the high days just past? Let's awaken to the New Year promises that shouldn't die. It's time to see the durumi rise. It's time to hasten the return of our elders to happiness. That's my prayer when I hear the old song this year.
Bernard Rowan (browan10@yahoo.com) is associate provost for contract administration and professor of political science at Chicago State University. He is a past fellow of the Korea Foundation and former visiting professor at Hanyang University.
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President Moon Jae-in's term has reached midpoint. Too little occurs for Korea's elderly, not because of Mr. Moon. One democratic ruler's platform, even under a powerful presidency such as South Korea, can't do it all. South Korean people must demand more of the national, provincial, city, county, district and neighborhood councils ― and of themselves.
Nearly half of older Koreans live in poverty. The national pension doesn't cover basic living expenses for those living in cities. Grandmas and grandpas must go it alone. Many live alone. Many have little income or hope. Many face loneliness. How sad. Does South Korea need an equivalent to China's law mandating filial attention for elders? I've read little commentary about it ― if any.
Many younger Koreans use the term "Hell Joseon" of late to show their plight. Rising expectations and falling lower incomes, as well as stagnant employment, amount to failing prospects for more of the next generation. But for the elderly in Korea, the generation that wrought Korea's world historical successful advance, it's "Deeper Than Hell Joseon," all too often. The younger generation's fears and realities are theirs ― in spades. There are problems with suicide among younger Koreans. Too little attention follows the high numbers of suicides among the elderly. Why it happens isn't hard to see.
Foreigners can learn something about this sad state of affairs from recent movies. The titles include "The Way Home," "My Love, Don't' Cross That River," and "Bacchus Ladies." Poor mature women prostitute themselves to survive, and it's a popular movie. The male Bacchae should rethink. The movies represent an increasingly forgotten generation, with themes and younger characters discovering the genuine humanity of the poor in elders. Life isn't a movie. Can't we translate the lessons?
Of course, heroism and self-reliance exist among the elderly. My favorite movie on this theme is "Late Blossom." We learn that love happens in old age, it can happen again, and the elderly find ways to survive. The first two messages need further celebration. The last fits a bureaucratic authoritarian mindset leaving too many burdens to the least powerful. Many older Koreans work, find new jobs and renew their outlook on life in so doing. Yet, outliers don't make for norms. The needs of most Korean elders need more attention.
The next Korean government, if not the present, must further increase national senior pensions. Koreans should guarantee daily nourishment through public and private efforts. More funding must create more elder care centers, day activity centers, and mental health provision. Younger adults should form voluntary associations to "Adopt a Grandma" or grandpa, even if they aren't one's own.
The crane is a favorite Korean image. This awkward but majestic bird stands for long life, happiness, purity and good luck. My prayer is Korea will lead by hastening reforms for elders.
"Should Old Acquaintance be forgot, and never thought upon; the flames of Love extinguished, and fully past and gone: Is thy sweet Heart now grown so cold, that loving Breast of thine; that thou canst never once reflect on old long syne." These are Burns' words. Are they dying letters?
Today's elders built the Korea on which our present and future depend. The world looks to Korea more than Koreans know. Have our hearts grown cold to forget the high days just past? Let's awaken to the New Year promises that shouldn't die. It's time to see the durumi rise. It's time to hasten the return of our elders to happiness. That's my prayer when I hear the old song this year.
Bernard Rowan (browan10@yahoo.com) is associate provost for contract administration and professor of political science at Chicago State University. He is a past fellow of the Korea Foundation and former visiting professor at Hanyang University.
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