[Report] "What Can We Do Even If It's Hot?" Elderly People Exhausted by 'Street Meals' Under the Scorching Sun

Reduction in Elderly Welfare Facility Operations Since COVID-19 Spread
Elderly at Tapgol Park Area Sometimes Eat Lunchboxes on the Street
Elderly Say "It's Hot but We Have No Choice"

On the morning of the 19th, elderly people are lining up near Tapgol Park in Jongno-gu, Seoul, to receive free meal distribution. Photo by Heo Midam damdam@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy Reporters Heo Midam and Kim Seohyun] "Oh dear, it's hot, but what can we do?"

On the morning of the 19th near Tapgol Park in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Mr. Kim (68) wiped the sweat continuously flowing down his face. Mr. Kim, who visited a free meal service to have a meal, said, "It's already hard to breathe because of the mask, but it seems especially hot this year, so it's very difficult," adding, "They say the heatwave will get worse, so I'm worried."

He said, "After receiving the meal, I gather with acquaintances and eat on the street. Some people take the food home to eat, but since my home is far, I have no choice but to sit on the ground and have my meal." He added, "As I get older, there is nowhere suitable to go. Still, I endure the heat to come here because I can have a meal and meet people."

Around 11 a.m. that day, the area around Tapgol Park was crowded with elderly people waiting for free meals. They fanned themselves under the shade of trees to cool off but showed signs of struggling with the heat exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. Some even lowered their masks below their chins due to the hot weather.

Mr. Hwang (62), whom we met in front of the free meal service, said, "Around 11:30 a.m., about 400 people line up. The meal service provides packaged yogurt, bread, and cold cucumber soup, which are edible," adding, "It's hot to eat outside. Among those receiving meals, there are elderly people without homes who spread out boxes and eat on the street." He continued, "There are also quite a few people who play baduk (Korean board game) under the scorching sun while eating the meals they received."

An announcement notice indicating closure is posted at the entrance of Tapgol Park in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Seohyun Kim ssn3592@asiae.co.kr

Currently, due to concerns about COVID-19 transmission, indoor use of free meal services near Tapgol Park is restricted. Elderly people with nowhere to go have no choice but to take the meals home or spread out in shaded areas, wiping their sweat as they eat.

Mr. Kim (73), who said he frequently uses the free meal service, stated, "I get a number ticket early in the morning and receive meals in order from 11:30 a.m. Although it's hot, my home is near the meal service, so it's somewhat manageable. I also feel grateful for the free food. Today, I plan to eat with other elderly people across the street," he added.

Earlier, from the 12th, as social distancing was raised to level 4, Seoul City recently adjusted its social welfare facility operation policies. As a result, senior centers (3,468 locations) used by the elderly are now subject to indoor dining bans and must operate at 50% or less capacity. However, decisions on whether to suspend operations are left to the discretion of local districts.

Due to the reduced operation of senior centers and welfare centers, elderly people who have lost places to go are moving toward places like Tapgol Park.

On the morning of the 19th, elderly people are receiving free lunch boxes and leaving Tapgol Park in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Seohyun Kim ssn3592@asiae.co.kr

Regarding this, a volunteer at a free meal service said that some meal users express discomfort due to the inability to operate indoor meal services.

One volunteer said, "Due to the current COVID-19 situation, elderly people cannot eat immediately inside the meal service. Many take the food home. For those without homes, there is no proper solution," adding, "Some complain about the heat. We sometimes turn on fans for them."

The heat is even more threatening to vulnerable groups such as the elderly. Older adults vulnerable to heat are at high risk of developing 'heat-related illnesses' when exposed to high temperatures without protection during outdoor activities. Heat-related illnesses refer to acute conditions caused by prolonged exposure to heat. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, 96 people have died from heat-related illnesses over the past five years, with 60% being seniors aged 60 or older.

This year, deaths due to heatwaves continue. From May 20 to July 17, a total of 436 heat-related illness cases were reported through the emergency room surveillance system, with six suspected heatstroke deaths. Notably, in the past week of continued heatwaves, three suspected heatstroke deaths occurred. All these deceased were in their 50s, 60s, and 80s, losing consciousness and collapsing on days when heatwave warnings were issued.

Mr. Park (68), who frequently visits Tapgol Park, also expressed concern about the heat but showed resignation. He said, "At lunchtime, people line up around Tapgol Park," adding, "What can we do about the heat? It's not like we can eat indoors just because it's hot. There's no choice," sighing.

Meanwhile, the heatwave is expected to worsen. The Korea Meteorological Administration forecasted that after the 20th, the North Pacific High and Tibetan High, carrying hot air, will meet to cause a 'heat dome' phenomenon. A heat dome refers to hot air covering the ground like a dome or lid.

Health authorities urged vulnerable groups to be cautious of heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke and heat exhaustion. Jung Eun-kyung, Director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, emphasized, "Since a nationwide heatwave is forecasted, please remain vigilant and follow health guidelines to prevent COVID-19 and heat-related illnesses. Especially, those working in the heat, seniors aged 65 and older, and people with chronic diseases are vulnerable to both heat-related illnesses and COVID-19, so please avoid outdoor work and outings during daytime heat and adhere to the three key rules: water, shade, and rest."

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