본 연구는 한국의 고령화 현황과 노인의 욕구 및 노인문제를 파악해 국가의 역할과 노인복지의 방향을 제안하고 있다. 이를 위해 인구변화와 고령화 추세에 대한 통계청 데이터, 보건복지부, 국가인권위원회의 자료 를 활용해 비교분석했다. 그 결과 한국의 고령화는 OECD국가의 평균 고 령화 속도보다 2-3배가 빠르다. 또한 2070년에 노년부양비는 100.6%로 증가하고, 노령화 지수는 620%로 급격하게 증가할 것으로 예상된다. 이 러한 현상으로 나타나는 노인빈곤 문제는 적극적인 소득보장정책의 추진 과 고령 친화적 주거환경 조성을 통해 해결해야 한다. 또한 노인차별과 고령자 학대를 예방하기 위한 홍보 및 학대행위에 대한 처벌의 강화가 필요하며, 신체적 노화를 보완할 수 있는 노인건강관리 지원이 필요하다. 마지막으로 노인 1인 가구에 대한 노인의료-돌봄의 연계망을 구축해야 한다.

Most advanced countries that are members of the World Physiotherapy have established a 4-year education system or specialized graduate school system for physical therapists based on national standards. They have also expanded their laws and systems to provide physical therapists with the autonomy and independence to offer services in their clinics. However, compared with developed countries in North America and Europe, there are issues with the autonomy and independence of physical therapists in Korea related to national regulations. Social status and recognition of the profession are also lagging. Korea is expected to become a super-aged society by 2025. To reduce the financial burden of healthcare and welfare on the government, it is necessary to extend the time spent by older adults on independent activities and minimize their time spent using medical services. To achieve this goal and maximize the active life of older adults, a plan to efficiently use licensed physical therapists in the country should be prepared. Korea should increase the license utilization rate of physical therapists to reduce waste at the national level and increase the professional hope of the younger generations of physical therapists. To create a healthcare policy focusing on the use of physical therapy personnel, similar to that in advanced countries, it is necessary to unify educational systems and produce excellent physical therapists. Providing professional autonomy can help physical therapists develop a sense of job satisfaction. Outstanding talent will choose physical therapy as a profession if they can see hope for their future careers, and if physical therapy services in Korea are similar to those delivered in advanced countries, physical therapy in Korea can develop into a healthcare service that people desire.