According to Statistics Korea, South Korea’s relative elderly poverty rate was 43.2% in 2019, the highest among the member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Its fertility rate has reached below 1% for the fourth consecutive year in 2021, and the country is expected to be a super-aged society in 2025. 

As the elderly population of 65 or older increases, it is impossible to turn our backs on the difficulties they experience every day. Caritas Restaurant of Love is a non-governmental organization that directly helps this cause. 15 to 20 volunteers provide the elderly with warm home-cooked meals 5 days a week. This organization does not receive government funding and runs entirely on donations, volunteers, and partnerships with local markets. 

Around 9 AM, volunteers arrive at the restaurant and put on their aprons. From high school students to seniors beyond retirement, everyone finds something to do: preparing utensils, chopping vegetables, cleaning the dishes, or making a pot of steaming kimchi soup. After two busy hours, visitors customarily stand in a straight line at the door. Around 80 to 120 people fill themselves at the restaurant daily. Although unemployed elders, elders without housing, and people with disabilities have been this organization’s priority, the COVID-19 pandemic has led them to widen their service to those of all ages. 

However, there are certain difficulties that Caritas Restaurant of Love is experiencing. After the COVID-19 outbreak, visitors have been required to sit with at least one chair between them. The limited space causes them to wait longer outdoors until their turn comes around. Moreover, the support of volunteers is inconsistent during holidays. With fewer people present, the preparation of nearly 100 servings of rice and various side dishes becomes challenging. 

Organizations like Caritas Restaurant of Love are essential, especially in a society in which the elderly population is increasing. To serve those living in poverty, more government funding and involvement are necessary. I encourage our society to take action in giving back to our community to help lessen the immeasurable burden on those around us.

■ 참고 자료: (웹사이트 4, pdf 3) 

https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20220525007352320#:~:text=In%20the%20first%20quarter%2C%2068%2C177,lowest%20tally%20for%20any%20March.
http://www.icaritas.or.kr/bookmark/03_01.asp 
https://datacommons.org/place/country/KOR?utm_medium=explore&mprop=fertilityRate&popt=Person&cpv=gender%2CFemale&hl=en 
https://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_national/1013419.html 

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