Couple Earns Social Welfare Doctorates Together at 60s

In a remarkable display of lifelong learning and shared purpose, a couple in their 60s has achieved a significant milestone, earning social welfare doctorates together from Sahmyook University. Lee Sang-seop, 61, and Jang Sook-ja, 63, completed their doctoral studies in the Department of Social Welfare and Digital Integrated Care, graduating on February 14.

Their academic pursuit was inspired by Jang's desire to overcome early educational disadvantages. She persuaded her husband to join her in pursuing higher education, a journey that saw them complete master's degrees at Seoul Media Graduate University before enrolling in Sahmyook University's doctoral program in September 2024. They completed their doctorates in just two years.

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We are truly grateful to have received our degrees together on the Sahmyook University campus, which is full of beautiful pine trees. We will miss our alma mater dearly.

Lee's dissertation, 'The Mediating Effects of Social Support and Self-Esteem in the Relationship Between Social Participation Activities and Successful Aging Among Older Adults,' analyzed data from 496 individuals aged 65 and above. His findings suggest that social participation, bolstered by social support, enhances self-esteem, leading to successful aging. He advocates for social welfare policies that extend beyond mere protection and care to foster social engagement and relationship building.

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Don't hesitate to dive deep into your studies. You will feel the happiness of life return as you immerse yourself in your studies while breathing in the phytoncides from the campus pine trees, not to mention preventing dementia.

Jang's research, 'The Impact of Family Health on Successful Aging Among Older Adults: Mediating Effects of Self-Efficacy and Volunteer Activities,' drew from her personal experience caring for her mothers-in-law. Her study of 498 seniors confirmed that family health is not only a direct influence on successful aging but also a key mechanism that drives it through self-efficacy. While Lee focused on external factors like social participation and Jang on internal factors like family health, both arrived at a common conclusion: psychological resources such as self-esteem and self-efficacy are crucial for a fulfilling later life.

The couple, who currently hold significant positions within the Daejin University and its related organizations, intend to contribute their research findings to the field by establishing a social welfare center. Jang expressed a strong desire to help wherever needed, stating, "If there is a place that needs us, I want to run there barefoot and help with my expertise."

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If there is a place that needs us, I want to run there barefoot and help with my expertise.