During our stay, we had the possibility to visit two companies that provide subsidized housing for persons with low incomes. The majority of the tenants were older adults, including those with different types of disabilities and dementia.
Our main goal was to develop a better understanding of Korean housing policy and provision as well as health and social care systems. We presented ongoing research at CASE and Dalarna University. And each of the housing companies shared information about how they support tenants with a diversity of needs and preferences, by providing appropriate housing as well as coordination of many of their care needs.
The women in the picture work as a housing welfare manager (a profession in South Korea). Besides organizing different activities, she was the link between the tenant and a variety of service organizations such as health and social services.
We met colleagues at various career stages, PhD students, postdocs, and professors who provided us with an overview of their research around housing market policy, healthcare provision, and innovative programs for prevention among homeless people.
40 percent of the population will be older than 65 years in the next 30 years.
South Korea is a super ageing society, meaning that more than 21 percent of the population is 65 years or older. It is projected that more than 40 percent of the population will be older than 65 years in the next 30 years. In addition, South Korea has the lowest fertility rate in the world, leading to a decrease in the total population size. Also, the number of marriages has declined rapidly, and several policies are in place to encourage marriage and childbirth. In terms of older adults, many live alone and struggle with social isolation. As a response to this, researchers are studying innovative solutions such as developing and providing AI chat bots.
During our week, we experienced a record snowfall for Seoul in November, while Skåne had the warmest day ever measured in November. Besides scientific exchange, our hosts treated a diversity of Korean food and culture.
It was a very productive week. We now have a much better understanding of the housing context and care provision for older adults in South Korea, which will help us to develop joint projects where we can have mutual learning between South Korea and Sweden. Ultimately, we can work together to develop and test solutions that can improve the quality of life for older adults in both countries.
Maya Kylén, Agneta Malmgren Fänge and Steven Schmidt