Author name: Simran

In today’s world, health issues like obesity, diabetes, and heart diseases are becoming common in India. It’s essential to find inspiration from countries that manage to stay healthy despite busy urban lives. South Korea is one of those countries. It is known not only for K-pop and K-dramas but also for its high life expectancy and healthy population. South Korea has simple lifestyle habits that Indians can learn from and adopt in our daily lives. 1. Balanced and Nutritious Diet One key to Koreans’ good health is their diet. A typical Korean meal is colorful, balanced, and varied. It usually includes rice, soup, grilled or boiled fish or meat, and many side dishes (called *banchan*), featuring seasonal vegetables, pickled items, and fermented foods like kimchi. Kimchi, made from fermented cabbage and radish, is rich in probiotics that are great for gut health. In India, we also have a tradition of diverse and healthy foods, like millets, pulses, seasonal veggies, and fermented items such as idli, dosa batter, and homemade pickles. However, fast food, processed snacks, and sugary drinks have gradually replaced our healthier options. By taking inspiration from Korea, we can return to balanced thalis, include more fresh vegetables, and consciously add probiotic-rich foods to our diet. Small changes, like swapping sugary drinks for buttermilk, kanji, or green tea, can make a big difference. 2. Eating in Moderation In Korea, people generally practice portion control. Meals are served in small plates and bowls, which encourages tasting different dishes without overeating. Mindful eating is also common; people eat slowly, chew well, and enjoy food with family. In India, food plays an important role in celebrations and hospitality, but this sometimes leads to overeating. Large portions at weddings, functions, or even daily meals can burden the digestive system. By following the Korean habit of smaller portions and mindful eating, we can avoid lifestyle diseases linked to overeating. 3. Staying Physically Active Regular physical activity is essential in Korean life. Walking is common; people prefer to walk to nearby shops or public transport stations. Hiking is nearly a national hobby in Korea. Parks and mountains are filled with families, students, and elderly people enjoying weekends outdoors. In contrast, many Indian cities lack good walking spaces, and people tend to rely heavily on vehicles, even for short distances. Busy schedules and traffic also discourage outdoor exercise. However, small changes, such as walking or cycling for short trips, taking stairs instead of elevators, or spending weekends in parks rather than malls, can make a significant impact. Community programs like group yoga, cycling clubs, or weekend treks can also make fitness fun and social. 4. Clean and Supportive Public Spaces South Korea’s cities are known for their clean, well-maintained parks, walking trails, and recreational areas. Elderly people can often be seen stretching, using outdoor gym equipment, or simply walking together. The government actively supports this by providing clean parks, safe sidewalks, and hiking trails. India can take inspiration from this by investing more in green spaces, safe footpaths, and outdoor fitness areas. While many Indian cities have public parks, they often lack proper maintenance. Clean, accessible, and safe community parks can encourage people to step out and stay active. 5. Hydration and Healthy Drink. Koreans drink plenty of plain water and herbal teas. Barley tea (boricha), ginseng tea, and green tea are commonly consumed instead of sugary sodas. Soups and broths are regular parts of meals, helping with hydration and nutrition. India also has a culture of herbal drinks, such as tulsi tea, kadha, jeera water, and various traditional beverages. However, sugary cold drinks and energy drinks are becoming more popular, especially among young people. By reintroducing traditional healthy drinks, we can cut out empty calories and boost immunity naturally. 6. Stress Management and Community Bonding Another healthy aspect of Korean life is their approach to stress relief and community bonding. *Jimjilbangs* (public bathhouses and saunas) are popular places where families and friends relax together. Spending time in nature, sharing meals, and taking breaks to rest are highly valued. In India, stress levels are rising due to work pressure, urban crowding, and lifestyle changes. Yet, we have ancient practices like yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda that promote holistic wellness. By combining these with Korea’s habit of spending quality time with loved ones and taking regular breaks, we can manage stress better. 7. Focus on Preventive Healthcare One of the strongest aspects of South Korea’s health system is preventive care. Regular health check-ups are common, and the government encourages screenings to catch diseases early. In India, many people avoid health check-ups until problems become severe. By promoting awareness about regular check-ups and preventive care, we can reduce the burden of major diseases. Conclusion Adopting healthy habits doesn’t mean copying another country blindly but rather learning what works and blending it with our own culture. India already has a rich tradition of balanced diets, seasonal eating, community bonding, yoga, and natural remedies. By combining these with practical lifestyle lessons from South Korea, like balanced meals, walking more, mindful eating, staying hydrated, and focusing on preventive care, we can create a healthier future for ourselves and future generations.

Aging is a fate we all have to accept – but how well we look after our elderly speaks volumes about us as a nation. India, along with many other nations, is witnessing an explosive growth in its elderly population. As per recent estimates, by the year 2050, there will be one Indian aged above 60 years out of every five Indians. This demographic change is both a challenge and an opportunity – but currently, our systems are running behind. I have always been very curious to know how societies care for their elderly generations. In India, we are known to honor our tradition of respect for elders. Grandparents traditionally live with their children and grandchildren in the same house, sharing family memories, love, and wisdom. But with cities growing, families shrinking, and children migrating away from homes to work, our elderly are progressively left without the same kind of day-to-day care and companionship they had before. It is here that I see South Korea’s elder care strategy really touching the heart. Though like all of us, South Korea also had to contend with the challenges of aging and shifting family patterns, it has come a long way in establishing a strong elder care infrastructure blending cultural sensitivity with technological advancements. As a prospective student of healthcare, I think India has much to learn from South Korea’s model – to ensure our elderly not just live longer, but better as well Community Care Systems: Beyond the Family Both South Korea and India used to count on extended families to take care of the elderly. But with urbanization and modernization, the traditional support systems have frayed. South Korea addressed this change by evolving community-based elder care centers, senior welfare centers, and neighborhood day-care programs where the elderly can meet, socialize, and undergo medical check-ups or therapy.For instance, most Korean cities operate “Senior Citizens’ Centers” — tiny local halls providing meals, health checks, and such activities as dance, handicrafts, or exercise classes. This keeps the elderly both mentally and physically active, and on their feet — one of the most significant dangers for the elderly. In India, while we do have a few old-age homes and clubs for the elderly, they are much fewer in number and not easily accessible to individuals in the smaller towns or rural areas. By investing in additional localcommunity centers modelled after the Korean approach, India can enable older adults to stay connected, engaged, and taken care of — without losing their sense of community Integrated Healthcare and Rehabilitation Another field where South Korea is better is in blending elder care with primary healthcare. Their system provides convenient access to annual health check-ups, screening tests, physiotherapy, and mental health services for seniors. Rehabilitation is no longer solely hospital-based — community nurses and therapists regularly visit elderly patients in their homes to keep track of their progress and assist families. Even with great doctors and nurses in India, access to geriatric healthcare and rehabilitation remains limited,particularly in rural India. Most older adults forego follow-up appointments due to cost, distance, or unawareness — resulting in avoidable complications. If India would imitate Korea’s model of integrating hospitals, neighborhood clinics, and home care, we could ensure elder care is more continuous and accessible. A Cultural Foundation While systems and technology are important, what inspires me most about South Korea is how they blend modern elder care with cultural respect. Elders are still seen as pillars of the community. Many government programs focus on keeping them involved through volunteering, mentoring, or community leadership. This helps seniors feel valued and included, which is just as important as medical care. In India, we already have the cultural underpinnings to respect elders. If we superimpose the supporting systems of today over this foundation, we can create an elder care model that is future-ready but also grounded in tradition Technology: Empowering Independent Living Perhaps the most impressive thing about South Korea’s elder care is its integration of technology. From basic monitoring devices that sense falls or suspicious movements, to intelligent pill dispensers that alert the elderly to take their medication, technology is very much involved in allowing older persons to stay independently for as long as they can. Even simple home adaptations — such as anti-slip flooring, handrails, or intelligent alarms — can be life transforming. These measures alleviate the workload for family members, while granting older persons greater freedom and independence.In India, assistive technology is not very old yet andtends to be costly. But with low-cost, cutting-edgesolutions and government initiatives, we can bring inaffordable devices and smart home solutions forseniors. In a nation as large as ours, even marginaldifferences can make a difference to millions of people. Why This Inspires Me As someone who wants to pursue a healthcare career, I feel a deep sense of responsibility to help shape a better future for India’s elderly. My own family has taught me the importance of caring for elders with love and patience, but seeing the gaps in our current system has made me determined to learn how other countries tackle this challenge. South Korea’s approach shows that with the right blend of community support, healthcare integration, and technology, we can help older adults live safer, happier, and more independent lives. That is why I am determined to study healthcare and elder care in South Korea – so that one day, I can help bring the best ideas and practices back home. I hope more young people, policymakers, and communities in India will look to countries like South Korea for inspiration and work together to ensure our seniors receive the dignity, care, and respect they truly deserve. Simran Writer & Blogger