Gwangju Mayor Kang Ki-jung: "We Will Pay Closer Attention to a Joyful and Healthy Old Age"

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] On the afternoon of the 23rd, Gwangju Mayor Kang Ki-jung held a policy picnic at the newly opened senior cafe ‘Moreless’ to discuss job creation measures for a rewarding and secure old age for the elderly.

At the policy picnic, seniors Kim Chan-jung, Son Jae-soon, and Lee Ok-sim, who are participating in the senior job project, Kim Mi-gon, President of the Korea Senior Human Resources Development Institute, Kim In, Head of the Gwangju-Jeonnam Regional Headquarters of the Korea Senior Human Resources Development Institute, Jeon Seong-nam, Director of Dong-gu Senior Club Association, Chu Wang-seok, Director of Seo-gu Senior Club Association, Ma Eun-joo, Director of Nam-gu Senior Club Association, Song Yoon-joo, Director of Buk-gu Senior Club Association, and Lee Yong-jun, Director of Gwangsan Senior Club Association attended.

Kim Chan-jung (78), who attended the policy picnic, said, “Participating in the senior job project has improved my health, helped me cultivate my mind, and allowed me to earn a small amount of pocket money. I was very worried because the government said it would reduce senior jobs next year, but fortunately, Gwangju City prepared its own budget to prevent that. I hope Gwangju City will continue to work hard so that the senior job projects that bring vitality to old age do not decrease.”

Lee Ok-sim (74), a barista at Moreless Cafe, said, “I obtained a barista certificate and have been working hard at the cafe for five years. When neighborhood people ask where I am going, I proudly say I am going to work at the coffee shop. It gives me a sense of fulfillment and pride. I will wholeheartedly welcome customers who visit the cafe with a mother’s heart.”

The attendees unanimously agreed to strive to create various senior jobs with social value in areas such as citizen safety and environmental protection, so that senior jobs can utilize the experience and capabilities of the elderly and contribute to community development.

Mayor Kang said, “During my time as a member of the National Assembly, I worked to amend the Senior Welfare Act, laid the foundation for the Korea Senior Human Resources Development Institute, and enacted the Basic Old-age Pension Act and the Long-term Care Insurance Act. Since then, senior jobs have expanded, but issues such as the loneliness of the elderly have not been properly resolved. As we become a low birthrate and aging society, more detailed policy demands are increasing. Gwangju City will strive to firmly support the old age of the elderly who have sustained and led our society.”

On this day, Mayor Kang signed a ‘Senior Job Creation Business Agreement’ with the Korea Senior Human Resources Development Institute to cooperate in the stable operation of senior job projects and the creation of senior jobs that highlight the experience of the elderly.

Additionally, the unveiling ceremony of the newly opened senior cafe ‘Moreless’ near Jeonnam National University Hospital was held.

Meanwhile, in response to the recent announcement of the government’s 2023 national subsidy welfare budget cuts and the reduction of public interest activity-type senior job projects, Gwangju City has allocated its own budget to operate the senior job projects at this year’s scale.

This is due to concerns that the reduction of senior job projects will create welfare blind spots for low-income elderly who urgently need to maintain their livelihoods.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.