Society in the 21st century has radically changed due to the information age and the advances of modern science – one result is a significant increase in life expectancy. In the past, people have desired to live longer lives. However, living longer does not necessarily mean living well.
The quality of life of the elderly is not guaranteed to be good, and in fact can be poor, and the older community may become a burden to families and society at large. In previous generations elders were highly respected and cared for by their families. Now this tradition has somewhat disappeared, and with it the dignity of aging parents.
This has become an important issue not only for the individual but for society. From a psychological and sociological vantage point, the effect of these increased years, in many cases, results in loneliness, alienation, and a sense of loss of social standing. To reverse this trend, the need then is to involve the elderly in activities that utilize their strengths and redeems their spare time.
For a long time, I have considered how the social work profession could be helpful in easing the plight of the elderly. I have observed that prior to retirement, the seniors were quite active in the workplace, some specialists others having various skills. Now separated from their vocations, the elderly find their latter years tedious.
The research in Hanam City confirmed this reality of the present condition of the elderly. Therefore, I have proposed a reformation of the senior programs that focus on their volunteering. The study involved 150 men and women over the age of sixty living in Hanam. An analysis of their daily activities revealed what was lacking in the current system. Consequently, this paper calls for a reformation of public policy concerning the welfare of the elderly. If the proposals advocated here are implemented, the sociological and emotional benefits will be positively manifold.