earticle

영어

The purpose of this study, which focuses on safe living as an important determinant of the quality of life for the elderly, is to provide policy proposals for their safe living in rural areas by examining their current living conditions and related policies. To examine the related policies, we analyzed government plans including: the first, second and third Basic Plan on Low Fertility and Aging Society, first implemented in 2006, the first, second and third Basic Plan for Healthy Families, also first implemented in 2006, and the first, second and third Five-year Plan for Improvement of the Quality of Life of Rural People and Regional Development of Rural Areas, first implemented in 2005. In addition to these plans, government projects concerning safe living environments were assessed. we present the following policy proposals for the safe living of the elderly in rural areas. First, integrated, customized policies are required for the rural elderly’s everyday life. That is, elderly-friendly residential improvement policies are needed since accidents involving the rural elderly usually occur in their own houses. Policies should also be introduced to monitor and improve the elderly’s nutritional and health status. Also considering the high proportion of elderly people in rural areas, policies must be aimed at creating elderly-friendly and family-friendly villages. Second, educational sessions for the elderly are necessary to raise their awareness of safety in everyday lives, which they often overlook.