Sejong City Health Center Launches Cognitive and Physical Activity Convergence Program for Dementia Prevention Among Seniors

Operation of the "Smile Program"
for Seniors with Mild Cognitive Impairment

The Smile Program is currently underway.
Photo by Sejong City Health Center

The "Smile Program" is being operated to prevent the progression of dementia among elderly individuals experiencing mild cognitive impairment.

According to the Dementia Relief Center at the Sejong City Health Center, the Smile Program is a cognitive and physical activity convergence program developed by the Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation of Yeoju University. The program was selected as a pilot project by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in August and has since been officially implemented.

The program will run for three months until November 25, 2025. Participants will engage in both physical activities, such as balance maintenance, walking, and muscle strengthening, and cognitive training for memory and concentration. The goals are to reduce the risk of falls, maintain the ability to perform daily activities, and prevent the progression of dementia.

An official from the Sejong City Health Center stated, "Dementia can be sufficiently overcome through early detection and appropriate management. Through this program, we will actively support the daily lives and health of seniors with mild cognitive impairment and strengthen the community's dementia prevention and management system."