Survey Research on the Status of Job Creation and Related Programs for Elderly Women in Korea

Abstract

This study examined problems concerning the elderly and related characteristics as perceived by the frontline officials in charge at senior employment assistance agencies - all based on the recognition of the need to reinforce the expertise of workers. It also examined the educational needs regarding the kind of educational programs that must be provided to help these people develop expertise in related fields. In order to accomplish the purposes of the study, the researchers distributed questionnaires to officials in government and public offices, including the Korean Senior Citizens Association, Senior Welfare Center, Seoul Senior Employment Center and Employment Service Center, from November to December in 2008. The result shows that there are differences in purposes, targets, activities and achievements of employment assistance organizations for elderly people, which result in inefficiency and ineffectiveness. The organizations that conduct employment assistance programs for the elderly have few, if any, experts who adequately understand the particular characteristics of elderly people and who can operate and manage diverse employment programs; moreover, the capacity and skills of such experts are at beginners’ levels in terms of planning, coordination and control functions. The officials need an understanding of the developmental and psychological characteristics of female and male senior citizens that result in differentiated education strategies and programs and the creation of diverse jobs; accordingly, they urged the provision of specific and continuous education of working-level officials in charge. As such, a top priority is education to boost the capacity of working-level officials in charge, who can carry out educational programs for creating jobs that specifically cater to female seniors; to this end, national and local governments should extend steadfast and systematic assistance.