[하루리딩] 노인 빈곤 : 한국의 노인 인구의 경제적 불안정성을 드러냄

소개글

오늘은 한국의 노인 인구가 직면한 도전 과제에 대해 읽어보겠습니다.

한국에서 66세 이상의 노인 중 거의 40%가 빈곤선 이하에서 생활하고 있다는 사실은 심각한 문제입니다.

이 문제는 경제적 불안정성을 나타내며, 우리 사회의 미래와 경제에 큰 영향을 미칩니다.

하루 리딩 공부

A significant portion of the elderly population in Korea faces economic challenges.

Recent statistics reveal that nearly 40% of individuals aged 66 and over live below the poverty line.

This situation reflects a growing concern regarding economic insecurity among older adults in the country.

The report indicates that the poverty rate for this age group is the highest among OECD countries.

In fact, it is nearly three times higher than the OECD average.

The most severe poverty is observed in those aged 75 and older.

These individuals often experience a dual crisis involving both income insecurity and declining health.

While more seniors are participating in the labor force, many are stuck in low-paying jobs.

Approximately 69% of workers aged 60 and older work fewer than 36 hours per week.

Despite a slight decrease in the poverty rate for households led by those aged 65 and older, significant challenges persist.

The rate fell from 42.4% in 2016 to 36.1% in 2023.

However, older individuals, particularly those over 75, receive less support from public income transfer programs.

Health disparities also become more pronounced with age.

For those aged 75 and older, 46.2% suffer from three or more chronic conditions.

This is compared to 28.5% in the 65 to 74 age group.

The most common health issues include high blood pressure, diabetes, and arthritis.

Additionally, the prevalence of dementia among older adults has reached alarming levels.

In fact, 15.7% of those aged 75 and older are affected by dementia.

This rate is over three times higher than that of individuals aged 66 to 75.

These findings highlight the urgent need for policies that address the challenges faced by the elderly.

실전 문제들

TOEIC Reading

1. What percentage of Koreans aged 66 and older live below the poverty line?

   A) 39.7%
   B) 14.8%
   C) 50%
   D) 42.4%

2. Which age group faces the highest rate of poverty in Korea?

   A) 60-64
   B) 65-74
   C) 75 and older
   D) 66-69

IELTS Reading

1. What is a major health issue among those aged 75 and older?

   A) Osteoporosis
   B) Cancer
   C) High blood pressure
   D) Asthma

2. How does the poverty rate of households led by those aged 65 and older compare from 2016 to 2023?

   A) It increased
   B) It stayed the same
   C) It decreased
   D) It doubled

TOEFL Reading

1. What does the term 'dual crisis' refer to in the context of the aging population?

   A) Health and unemployment
   B) Income insecurity and health decline
   C) Social isolation and poverty
   D) High cost of living and low wages

2. What is a significant finding related to dementia prevalence?

   A) It is highest among those aged 60-64
   B) It affects 15.7% of those aged 75 and older
   C) It is declining among older adults
   D) It is less common than diabetes

마무리글

오늘 우리는 한국의 노인 인구가 겪고 있는 빈곤과 건강 문제에 대해 이해했습니다.

우리는 이러한 도전 과제가 사회에 미치는 영향을 살펴보았으며, 이를 통해 더 깊이 있는 독해력을 기를 수 있었습니다.

앞으로 이러한 문제를 해결하기 위한 노력이 필요함을 인식해야 합니다.

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