Naju City Promotes 'Jeondeung Remote Control Switch Support Project'

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yukbong] Naju City, Jeollanam-do (Mayor Kang In-gyu) announced on the 13th that it will promote the ‘LED Light Remote Control Switch Support’ project, which allows low-income elderly with mobility difficulties to turn lights on and off while lying down, in collaboration with KEPCO KPS for their daily safety.

This project was developed as a new welfare policy to respond to the super-aged society and to prevent falls within the homes of elderly residents in the jurisdiction.

As of this month, the population aged 65 and over accounts for 21.6% of the total population, marking a super-aged society.

According to the Korea Consumer Agency, about 60% of safety accidents among the elderly are fractures caused by falls (slips) occurring inside homes, such as in beds and bathrooms.

Fracture accidents caused by falls in the elderly not only require significant time and cost for treatment but also lead to muscle loss during bed rest, making normal life difficult afterward; therefore, prevention is paramount.

The city plans to replace LED lights and distribute remote control switches to 200 low-income (below 80% of median income) elderly single-person households and elderly households identified through the community security councils and honorary social welfare officers in 20 eup, myeon, and dong areas by the end of this year.

The community security councils will be responsible for installation and management, and KEPCO KPS will sponsor 16 million won for the project budget as part of its social contribution activities.

With the distribution of remote-controlled electric switches, elderly residents will no longer need to get up uncomfortably to turn off the lights.

In particular, it is expected to significantly reduce the probability of accidents in dark rooms after the lights are turned off and greatly improve the convenience of elderly living.

Mayor Kang In-gyu said, “This will greatly help to resolve daily inconveniences for elderly with physical difficulties and provide a safer residential environment,” adding, “We will continue to create an optimal environment for the health and safety of the elderly and do our best to build an age-friendly city where all citizens, including the elderly, can be happy.”

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