South Korea is currently experiencing the effects of the Baby Boom generation reaching retirement age, leading to a significant increase in the elderly population. They’ve worked their entire lives. Many live alone but bring an authenticity and energy to their lives. Many others suffer and want social and familial support for loneliness, lack of necessities and for eliciting the contributions they still can make. I remember walking through Songpa District and seeing droves of older people manually cutting the grass of Pungnaptoseong. From recycling to gardening to running shops or selling streetside, older people still count.

In this regard, I recommend viewing the 2023 film "Perfect Days," starring K?ji Yakusho. It tells the story of a Japanese man at the door of elder status and his effort to maintain a full and authentic life. He does this as a solitary man in general, and I think he does it well. In this way, the character Hirayama is an example for the present day, and perhaps for many other days and times too.

Hirayama lives in a simple apartment where he cares for plants. They hold great meaning for him. The plants aren’t people but represent life for him and a basis for self-reflection. Hirayama is a........

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