On June 13, the Cabinet approved the partial amendment to the Senior Welfare Act Enforcement Decree, which sets out criteria, procedures, validity periods, and regulations for support and cancellation of age-friendly city designations. This amendment provides a legal basis for the Minister of Health and Welfare to designate age-friendly cities and institutionalizes the management and support system. Age-friendly cities are defined as regions where seniors actively participate in local policies, and initiatives are implemented to strengthen their capabilities, ensure care and safety, and promote vibrant, healthy aging. The aim is to comprehensively improve the quality of life for seniors at the local government level in response to Korea’s transition to a super-aged society. Events like the 25th Senior Olympics held in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, highlight the importance of age-friendly communities.
According to the revised decree, mayors, governors, and heads of local governments seeking age-friendly city designation must establish organizational systems and dedicated personnel, promote senior participation and empowerment, and submit documentation demonstrating compliance with designation criteria to the Minister of Health and Welfare. The designation is valid for five years, during which the Ministry provides administrative support such as education, consultation, cooperation, and publicity. Annual progress checks are required to ensure that age-friendly city plans are implemented effectively, and local government heads must report results to the Ministry. Designations obtained through fraudulent means or failure to implement plans without valid reasons will be revoked.
Notification of designation or cancellation is given to the relevant local government head and published on the Ministry of Health and Welfare website. To ensure stable implementation, the Ministry plans to issue detailed guidelines within the first half of the year. This will encourage tailored age-friendly policies suited to local conditions and expand senior participation, care, safety, and health support. Lim Eul-gi, Director of Senior Policy at the Ministry, stated, “Through age-friendly city designation, we will actively support the reflection of seniors’ perspectives and needs in local policies, spreading regions where seniors can live well.”
This amendment marks a significant turning point in Korea’s efforts to enhance senior welfare amid a rapidly aging population. Active participation and systematic management by local governments are essential, and clearer criteria and post-management procedures are expected to improve policy effectiveness. The expansion of customized age-friendly policies will likely lead to increased support for elderly welfare, safety, and health. Ongoing monitoring and administrative support from the Ministry will help ensure the stable establishment of the age-friendly city system.