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Healthy at 100, Happy in Later Life, Living as Respected Elders... 30th Senior Citizens’ Day Commemoration to Be Held

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Busan Metropolitan City, led by Mayor Chun Jae-soo, announced that it will hold the 30th Senior Citizens’ Day Commemoration today, October 2, at 10:00 a.m. in the City Hall Auditorium.

October 2 is observed annually as Senior Citizens’ Day, a statutory commemorative day established in 1997 to raise social awareness of and respect for older people and to carry on the traditional values of honoring and caring for one’s elders. Each October, designated as Senior Citizens’ Month, Busan Metropolitan City holds a commemorative ceremony to reflect on the significance of Senior Citizens’ Day.

Attendees at this year’s ceremony are expected to include Mayor Chun Jae-soo, Busan Metropolitan Council Chair Kang Mu-gil, the Deputy Superintendent of Education, the president of the Busan Federation of the Korean Senior Citizens Association, and representatives of organizations and institutions serving older adults.

Marking its 30th anniversary this year, the ceremony will be held under the slogan, “Healthy at 100, Happy in Later Life, Living as Respected Elders.”

The slogan expresses the aspiration for older residents not only to enjoy healthy and happy lives, but also to live as active and respected members of society who share their life experience and wisdom.

The ceremony will feature awards for distinguished contributors, the presentation of cheongnyeojang longevity canes to centenarians, the presentation of living-expense assistance to grandparent-headed households, and celebratory performances.

Before the ceremony, traditional performance group Cheorat will present a modum-buk drum performance, offering an opportunity to reflect on the values of honoring and caring for elders while heightening the festive atmosphere.

A total of 20 commendations will first be presented to individuals and organizations that have contributed to improving senior welfare in the local community.

The awards consist of two Presidential Commendations, one for an individual and one for an organization; three Prime Minister’s Commendations, two for individuals and one for an organization; five Ministerial Commendations, four for individuals and one for an organization; and ten Mayor’s Commendations, nine for individuals and one for an organization.

The recipients include four exemplary older residents who have consistently worked to promote the rights and interests of older people in the community and participated in volunteer activities, as well as 12 individuals, including social workers who have contributed on the front lines to improving welfare services such as senior care, and four organizations.

Next, cheongnyeojang longevity canes will be presented to residents who turn 100 this year in celebration of their centennial birthdays and as an expression of respect and gratitude.

A cheongnyeojang is a walking cane traditionally made from the stalk of the goosefoot plant and is regarded as a symbol of health and longevity.

A presentation ceremony for living-expense assistance to grandparent-headed households will also be held as a gesture of support and encouragement, helping older residents who care for and guide the next generation continue to play an active role in their communities.

With sponsorship from the Korea Housing Finance Corporation, the Busan Federation of the Korean Senior Citizens Association will provide KRW 500,000 each to 20 grandparent-headed households caring for children under the age of 18, for a total of KRW 10 million.

The event will conclude with a variety of celebratory performances marking Senior Citizens’ Day.

The program will include a trot performance by the Silla Ensemble featuring songs widely enjoyed and frequently sung by older audiences, followed by the traditional Hwagwanmu dance and a special performance by Na Geon-pil, winner of the Kim Gun-mo episode of Hidden Singer, providing an enjoyable and festive experience.

Mayor Chun Jae-soo is expected to say, “The life of every older resident is part of Busan’s history. We will continue to build a more comprehensive senior welfare system whose benefits can be felt in everyday life, so that older residents can lead their own lives and enjoy happy later years.”