Aging In Place 시대, 노인의 이동권에 관한 소고

Social care for the elderly aims for ‘Aging In Place’ (AIP), enabling them to live in their existing homes or within familiar local communities. While integrated provision of medical and care services within the elderly person's living space is important for AIP, guaranteeing their right to move freely and safely within the community is essential. This is because in the era of the digital revolution and super-aging, the new three foundations for a dignified life for the elderly can be described as medical care (healthcare, long-term care), information accessibility, and mobility. The right to mobility for the elderly is a right grounded in the right to a dignified life, human dignity and value, the general right to freedom of action, and the right to equality. It has been legislatively defined in the Act on Promotion of the Transportation Convenience of Mobility Disadvantaged Persons. The right to mobility for the elderly possesses the nature of both a civil and social right. It also has the character of a universal right, as it can contribute not only to ensuring the mobility of the elderly but also to guaranteeing mobility for all. The right to mobility for the elderly consists of: (i) the right to move freely without hindrance; (ii) the right to be free from discrimination in mobility and transportation; and (iii) the right to demand the creation of practical conditions enabling safe and convenient movement. This demonstrates its nature as a comprehensive right encompassing elements of civil liberties, equality, and social rights. Amid the crisis of local extinction, whether the mobility rights of elderly residents in townships and rural districts are guaranteed can significantly impact the region's survival. Therefore, to reduce the gap in mobility rights between these elderly residents and those in urban areas, it is necessary to introduce demand-responsive transportation services or, in areas where they are already in place, expand their operation. Furthermore, while discussions about restricting the driving rights of the elderly have emerged due to an increase in traffic accidents caused by their negligence, the right to mobility is a fundamental right for the elderly to live a dignified life and maintain their human dignity. Therefore, the perspective of the elderly's right to mobility must be emphasized in institutional design. It is also necessary to create practical conditions to prevent situations where seniors have no choice but to drive their own vehicles due to the lack of alternative transportation options. Furthermore, regarding free subway rides under the Welfare of Senior Citizens Act, it should be approached from the perspective of guaranteeing seniors' right to mobility. For regions where seniors cannot enjoy free subway rides, it is necessary to consider alternative methods to enhance the guarantee of their right to mobility. As time passes, the physical and cognitive decline of the elderly makes mobility increasingly difficult. To prevent their isolation and to create and maintain conditions where they can effectively exercise their right to mobility or freedom of movement, proactive measures - including national financial investment - are required. We must also consider the mobility rights of the elderly within the context of our interconnected community, where we depend on one another for mutual aid and coexistence.