President Lee Jae Myung presents a cheongnyeojang — a traditional cane made from goosefoot symbolizing longevity — to centenarians at a ceremony marking the 30th National Elderly Day at a hotel in Seoul on Friday. [Yonhap]
President Lee Jae Myung presents a cheongnyeojang — a traditional cane made from goosefoot symbolizing longevity — to centenarians at a ceremony marking the 30th National Elderly Day at a hotel in Seoul on Friday. [Yonhap]

President Lee Jae Myung said Friday that South Korea's rise to a top-10 global economy and a cultural powerhouse recognized worldwide was built on the sacrifices of its elderly generation. "It is you who stood at the forefront of industrialization and democratization and redirected the great currents of history," Lee said at a ceremony marking the 30th National Elderly Day, held at a hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul.

The event was attended by Health and Welfare Minister Jeong Eun-kyeong, Korean Senior Citizens Association President Lee Jung-geun, Korea Constitutional Association President Jeong Dae-cheol, Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik and Cheong Wa Dae Social Affairs Senior Secretary Kim Kyeong-ja.

Lee, accompanied by first lady Kim Hye-kyeong, personally presented cheongnyeojang canes and congratulatory cards to attendees who had turned 100. The cheongnyeojang is a cane crafted from goosefoot and is a traditional symbol of longevity and good health.

"The government will look after you with the care of a devoted child, so that the lifetime of experience and wisdom you carry is respected and you can enjoy a healthy and happy old age," Lee said.

He said the government would strengthen basic pension support for low-income seniors, expand elderly employment to a record 1.18 million positions and push to bring nursing-care costs under national health insurance coverage.

Lee said the government would move away from a system reliant on nursing homes and hospitals, completing a community-based care network so seniors can receive care services at home.

He added that the government would do its utmost to build a mature society in which the elderly understand the hardships facing young people, and young people in turn respect and honor their elders.


sunpine@heraldcorp.com