Dementia Prevention and Welfare Center Cultural Programs Also Available Online

Songpa-gu Actively Utilizes YouTube and KakaoTalk to Minimize Welfare Gaps

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Songpa-gu (Mayor Park Seong-su) is actively utilizing non-face-to-face channels such as YouTube and KakaoTalk to provide welfare programs for the elderly.

As the closure of welfare facilities for the elderly has been prolonged, the district is offering various related programs through non-face-to-face services.

At the ‘Songpa Welfare Center,’ a self-operated YouTube channel has been newly launched, and live broadcasts are held twice a week. Every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:30 AM for about 20 minutes, center staff appear in person to teach exercises suitable for the elderly and how to use smartphones.

The elderly welfare center ‘Songpa Silbeottturak’ also provides home stretching exercises to overcome dementia and depression through its YouTube channel.

‘Songpa Senior Comprehensive Welfare Center’ uses KakaoTalk. To support elderly people who have difficulty communicating due to reduced outings, a communication channel has been established on KakaoTalk. Through its own channel, it shares personal tips for overcoming COVID-19 and encourages writing messages of support for medical staff. Various events, including gift giveaways through a lottery, are held to provide small joys to elderly people feeling bored.

The ‘Songpa-gu Public Health Center Dementia Safety Center’ is conducting non-face-to-face dementia prevention programs to minimize welfare gaps caused by closures. The program, called ‘Knock! Knock! Knock! Dementia Cognitive Bundle,’ consists of daily worksheets, coloring books, a sprout growing set, and a sprout diary. It will be distributed to 90 dementia patients and high-risk elderly to help prevent depression and memory decline.

The district is also conducting non-face-to-face self-help meetings using the video app ZOOM for the psychological stability of dementia families. About 10 dementia family members participate to share difficulties and experiences in caring for dementia patients and to have a time of consolation.

Additionally, phone check-ins are conducted for 2,016 registered dementia patients and their families, providing information on non-face-to-face program services and COVID-19 prevention guidelines.

Park Seong-su, Mayor of Songpa-gu, stated, “With the prolonged COVID-19 situation, there is concern about the social and emotional isolation of elderly people who find it difficult to go outside. Through the newly prepared non-face-to-face services, we will minimize welfare gaps and carefully ensure that the elderly do not lose vitality and can live healthy lives even in difficult circumstances.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.