South Korean journalist meets Age UK Barnet top team

Learning across borders: South Korean Journalist meets Age UK Barnet top team to talk about ageing, loneliness and community.

Earlier this month, Age UK Barnet welcomed Wooeun Choi, a journalist from The Gangwon Domin Ilbo, the leading regional newspaper in Gangwon Province, South Korea. Choi is currently working on an investigative series titled “Lonely Gangwon: The Forgotten People,” which shines a light on the rising crisis of social isolation and unattended deaths in her province — a challenge with increasing global relevance.

With over 600 people in Gangwon having died alone in the past five years - often remaining undiscovered for weeks or months - Choi travelled to the UK in search of solutions. She - and translator Chanhee Noh - came specifically to speak with Age UK because, in her words, “the Korean government believes the UK is leading the world in tackling loneliness.”

During her visit, she interviewed Age UK Barnet’s CEO Helen Newman and Advice Services Manager Jenny Jean-Charles to learn more about how we support older people in the borough - particularly those who are isolated.

Tackling loneliness the Barnet way

“We know that social isolation is as bad for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day,” said Helen. “Here in Barnet, around one in four older adults live alone – but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re lonely. Our role is to identify those who are, and to prevent people from becoming isolated as they age.”

Jenny outlined the many ways we do this: “Our advice team help people to overcome the barriers to living well, such as debt and housing issues, then people can focus on taking part in our groups and activities, including our digital inclusion sessions to help people stay connected. And for those who can’t get out, our befriending services offer a friendly weekly chat with one of our volunteers at home or over the phone.

A cultural contrast: the role of volunteering

One of the most striking aspects of the conversation was the cultural contrast around volunteering. Choi explained that in Korea, volunteering is rare. “Everything is measured in financial value. Working culture is so intense that people have no time to volunteer. In fact we don’t really have many charities – the ones that we do have are very general and don’t target different groups such as older people or specific issues.”

This, she said, often leads to a kind of emotional cliff-edge when people retire - usually around age 55 - with no interests, hobbies, social networks or volunteering opportunities to fall back on. “They have nothing. They feel empty,” she said.

In response, Helen shared how vital volunteering is to Age UK Barnet’s work - not just for the people we support, but for the volunteers themselves. “Volunteers tell us that their role gives structure, purpose, and community and we see people coming to us because they might be new to the area or after retirement. It’s a two-way street - it’s as rewarding for the volunteer as it is for the person they’re helping.”

A message for home

The visit left a deep impression on Choi. When asked what philosophy guides Age UK Barnet’s work, Helen replied:

“We believe in building a society where older people feel valued, where they’re contributing, and where getting older is not seen as a bad thing. A society where older people are heard.”

At that, Choi became emotional. “I want to tell this to my dad,” she said quietly. “And to everyone back in South Korea.”

The exchange was a powerful reminder that while ageing and loneliness are global issues, they are not unsolvable. By sharing knowledge, listening with curiosity, and learning from each other, we can all play a part in shaping a more inclusive, supportive experience of later life - wherever we live.