NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release – December 8, 2025
CARP and KARP Renew Partnership and Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Advance the Rights and Dignity of Older Adults
TORONTO, ON – The Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP) today welcomed a visiting delegation from the Korean Association of Retired Persons (KARP) and announced the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two national organizations. The agreement formalizes a renewed commitment to share best practices, strengthen advocacy efforts, and collaborate in advancing the rights, dignity, and well-being of seniors in both Canada and Korea.
The renewed partnership comes at a time when both countries are facing rapid population aging and rising policy pressures related to healthcare, long-term care, financial security, and ageism.
This meeting marked the first official CARP–KARP engagement in more than a decade, rekindling a relationship built on shared values and a longstanding belief that seniors deserve strong representation and meaningful attention from policymakers. Both organizations expressed enthusiasm for strengthening ties and expanding opportunities to learn from one another’s successes.
CARP also expressed its hope to visit its Korean counterparts in the not-too-distant future, recognizing the value of seeing firsthand the innovations and cultural approaches that underpin Korea’s evolving landscape for older adults in a “super-aging” society (with a greater than 20% and climbing population over age 65).
“KARP is doing important and ambitious work on behalf of older adults in Korea,” said Anthony Quinn, President of CARP. “By reconnecting our organizations, exchanging knowledge, and learning from one another’s efforts, we strengthen our joint ability to promote dignity, fight ageism, and elevate the role of seniors in our societies.”
Myong Yong Juch, President of KARP, remarked, “Population aging is a global challenge that no single country can tackle alone. Our cooperation with Canada will mark an important milestone in protecting the rights of Korean seniors, expanding social participation, and strengthening our international voice.”
Seniors Must Use the Full Power of Their Vote.
CARP Chairman Moses Znaimer also met with the KARP delegation and shared insights drawn from decades of advocacy and public engagement.
Znaimer emphasized that the strength of seniors’ advocacy is at the ballot box. Focusing all political parties on seniors’ issues and holding all political parties accountable to address those needs – so that regardless of who is in power, the elected officials are held accountable.
“My advice to KARP is this: Older Koreans must use the full power of their vote. Political parties should understand that if they neglect the needs of older adults, they may soon find themselves as former politicians. Seniors’ issues should unite, not divide. Every party must be motivated—if not afraid—to respond to the demands of their older voters.”
A Partnership With Renewed Purpose
The new MOU commits CARP and KARP to ongoing cooperation in areas such as:
– Sharing policy expertise and best practices in aging, senior well-being, and advocacy
– Collaboration in public education, rights-based initiatives, and age-positive cultural change
– Joint engagement on issues affecting older adults around the world
– Strengthening visibility and influence on senior-related issues both domestically and internationally
CARP views today’s signing as an important step in amplifying KARP’s leadership role within Korea by highlighting its growing international presence and collaborative work with respected partners abroad.
“KARP’s commitment to raising the status of seniors in Korean society is admirable and aligns closely with CARP’s mission,” Quinn added. “We look forward to continued dialogue and to building on today’s momentum.”
About CARP
CARP is Canada’s largest advocacy association for older adults, committed to improving the quality of life for seniors through stronger healthcare, financial security, and freedom from age discrimination.
About KARP
The Korean Association of Retired Persons (KARP) is a leading NGO dedicated to advocating for retirees and seniors in Korea, promoting active aging, employment opportunities, and the rights and dignity of older adults.
Media Contact:
Anthony Quinn
President of the Canadian Association of Retired Persons
media@carp.ca
