[News Terms] Elderly Self-Determination Rights

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jong-hwa] The right to self-determination refers to the right to make choices and decisions independently without interference from third parties regarding one's private matters.

It is a right guaranteed under Article 10 of the Constitution, which states, "All citizens shall have the right to pursue happiness." Every individual has the right to live by choosing and deciding matters concerning their life according to their own will and values as a dignified and individual being.

However, elderly people often have their right to self-determination deprived. In the field of elderly welfare in Korea, the elderly are perceived more as socially vulnerable groups or as subjects of services and care rather than as rights holders or decision-makers. When elderly individuals experience old age-related illnesses or cognitive decline, it is customary for family members to make decisions regarding personal matters such as their affairs, and there is little resistance to this reality.

Elderly Kiosk Utilization Training.
Photo by Asia Economy DB

In particular, with the recent shift to mobile-based services in places like restaurants equipped with kiosks, banks, and movie theaters, criticisms have been raised that the elderly's rights to economic participation, survival, mobility, and access to information are being infringed upon in many aspects of daily life.

Experts warn, "Elderly people become increasingly dependent on others for digital usage, which lowers their self-esteem and makes them feel worthless," adding, "Digital exclusion will ultimately lead to the elderly being excluded from society itself in the long term."

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