The Korean Geriatrics Society noted on the 11th that it has proposed health policies for the elderly to the Presidential Committee on Policy Planning. The society emphasized the need for policies encompassing disease prevention, diagnosis, and care in an ultra-aging society where 20% of the population is aged 65 and older.
The society stated that guidelines for home and visiting medical care should be established. The elderly often suffer from various ailments and may take many medications. In such cases, it is important to prioritize visiting and home medical care.
Individuals aged 65 and older have reduced immunity and are more susceptible to infectious diseases. The society has requested that the state include the immuno-enhanced influenza vaccine and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine in the national mandatory vaccination program. In the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany, immuno-enhanced vaccines are provided free of charge to the elderly.
The society suggested that it would be beneficial to set appropriate insurance fees for comprehensive assessments of the physical, psychological, and social conditions of the elderly. Chobi, the chairperson of the society (professor at Seoul National University Hospital's Department of Family Medicine), said, “I hope for health policies that are felt by all citizens.”