As Korea ages, suicides rise > 영어토론방

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Most experts highlight the urgent need for more active support for seniors -- who are statistically more prone to suicide than any other age group -- from the government and society especially due to Korea's aging population status. Korea joined the United Nation's list of "aging countries" in 2000 -- meaning citizens aged 65 or older comprise over 7 percent of the total population.

According to the National Statistical Office, the percentage of senior citizens rose to 9.9 percent in 2007 and is expected to climb to 14.3 percent in 2018 and to 20.8 percent in 2026.
The most recent data from the NSO shows that 72.1 people per 100,000 senior citizens committed suicide in 2006 -- a big jump from 28.6 per 100,000 in 1996. Korea's senior suicide rate is the highest among the 30 member nations of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

Despite such figures putting Korea on top of an undesirable list, the nation's efforts to prevent senior suicide appear Spartan. There are only two municipal agencies, in Seoul and Suwon, which specialize in elderly suicide.
The Seoul agency, founded in January last year and subsidized by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, has only seven counseling staff. An weekly average of only three people contemplating suicide visit the agency for help, mainly due to a marked lack of publicity, one counselor told The Korea Herald on condition of anonymity.
Most experts ascribe senior suicides to a combination of various risk factors, such as failing physical and mental health, and few people nearby to confide in. This can create a huge financial burden, contributing to depression and suicidal thoughts.

Experts also note that the deteriorating cognitive abilities of senior citizens stop them from finding better options than suicide, and the loss of their spouses and close friends may also contribute to the problem.
With regard to the surge in senior suicides, experts believe the notable weakening of family support foundations has also played a significant role.
By Song Sang-ho

Question
1. What do you think the biggest reason for senior sucide?
2. Do you prepare something for your senior life? If you do, what are they?
3. Have you ever thought about the quality of life? What is the essential factor for your happy life?
4. What are you afraid of about aging?

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