미용실 사장 스토킹하다 제지한 행인에 흉기 휘둘러…60대 남성 체포

As the aging society progresses in Korea, interest in senior citizens' quality of life has increased. A 60-year-old couple, professors at Sookmyung Women's University, jointly completed their PhD degrees and received their degrees together on December 14. 이상섭 (61) and 장숙자 (63) are the couple who achieved this milestone. Currently, both are actively involved in the Sookmyung Women's University-affiliated organization, 대진대, in various key roles. 이상섭 (61) serves as the deputy director of 교정원 and holds key positions such as the foundation's treasurer and department head, while 장숙자 (63) has been actively involved in the foundation's social welfare sector.

The couple's academic journey began with 장숙자's strong academic curiosity. Having missed out on education due to challenging early life circumstances, 장숙자 decided to pursue further education and, with her husband's encouragement, entered a joint PhD program at Sookmyung Women's University. Two years later, they made history by graduating together. 이상섭 (61) conducted his PhD research on "The Social Support Mediated Effect of Senior Citizens' Social Participation on Self-esteem and Their Successful Aging" among 496 seniors aged 65 and above.

His findings suggested that the sequential and positive structure of increased social participation leading to higher self-esteem, ultimately resulting in successful aging, is a crucial aspect of successful aging. 장숙자 (63) focused on "The Impact of Family Health on Successful Aging of Seniors: Mediating Effect of Self-efficacy and Volunteering Activities" through a survey of 498 seniors.

Her personal experience as a stepmother and granddaughter of deceased parents formed the basis of her research. Her study demonstrated that family health not only directly influences successful aging but also serves as a key mechanism in promoting it through self-efficacy. While this couple approached the subject from different angles—hereditary participation for 이상섭 and family health for 장숙자—their conclusions were unanimous: successful aging requires psychological resources such as self-esteem and self-efficacy.

In essence, a happy retirement is supported by healthy bodies, sound finances, and active social participation, not just health or financial preparation. The couple plans to contribute their research findings to social welfare centers within the foundation. 장숙자 expressed her desire to assist wherever needed, stating, "If there is a place that needs us, I want to go there with my expertise."

At their graduation ceremony, the couple shared their gratitude for receiving their degrees at the campus with towering pine trees, expressing their deep longing for home. To those who hesitated to start learning later in life, they advised, "Don't hesitate to deeply immerse yourself in studies, and let the happiness of life flow back by savoring the sunlight of the campus pine trees."