Hyoungjae Kim

Despite Medi-Cal expansion to allow all immigrants, regardless of immigration status, to qualify for health care coverage, some undocumented Koreans are leery of signing up and those who do face long wait times.

Preparing for death is often seen as a foreign concept in the Korean community. Managing living conditions is emphasized over preparations for death. Somang Society, a senior led organization has come up with the campaign “Well Being, Well Aging, and Well Dying” to create a “beautiful life and a beautiful end.” Korean seniors are invited to discuss dementia diagnosis and coping, advance directives, and body donation pledges to be aware of their physical and mental health and to prepare for death in a way that brings emotional stability.

A legal case filed by a Korean-American woman against her company for wrongful termination after advocating against ageist language used by her coworkers reflected cultural attitudes and negative perceptions of older people in the work environment at some Korean companies. Experts emphasize the detrimental effects of age discrimination on mental health, causing feelings of inadequacy and identity loss.

Sevety-four-year-old Cha Seung-pyo volunteers at the LA Korean Community Center everyday from 9a.m. to 3 p.m. On average, he assists 20 individuals daily with their various needs. Volunteering has given Cha a sense of purpose and helps stave off loneliness and isolation.

Low income seniors struggle with unaffordable rents in densely populated Koreatown, in Los Angeles. Amid the high concentration of residents, there is a severe shortage of low-income and senior apartments with long waiting lists for government-assisted public housing.

For Korean seniors, finding their lunch meal in Koreatown is one of their biggest concerns. It is not just about having a simple, nutritious meal. Having a culturally appropriate lunch with others is also a precious time for socializing with friends and acquaintances.

In 2022, Father’s Table Mission Church built the Victorville healing center, costing about $650,000 at the time, with the help of church members, supporters, and benefactors. The church uses the facility to help rehabilitate and rebuild the lives of the homeless.