Gwangju Seo-gu 'Non-face-to-face Dementia Prevention Exercise Program' Operation

Published 08 Oct.2021 16:15(KST)

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Shin Dong-ho] Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City (Mayor Seo Dae-seok) is operating a non-face-to-face interactive dementia prevention exercise program using a video call platform developed by Silvia Healthcare for local residents using senior centers at the Dementia Safety Center.

According to Seo-gu on the 8th, this program was prepared to alleviate stress and anxiety caused by the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic and to minimize gaps in dementia prevention management.

The Smart Senior Center program is being conducted over eight weeks starting from the 5th, targeting three senior centers in Seo-gu (Naebang Senior Center, Ssanghak Senior Center, Jongwon Palaceville Senior Center).

In cooperation with the Gwangju Metropolitan City Seo-gu Sports Council, a dementia prevention exercise program is also being implemented.

The program is planned to help maintain a healthy lifestyle and prevent dementia through various physical activities such as ▲brain nerve gymnastics ▲dementia prevention gymnastics ▲muscle strengthening exercises by body part ▲cardiopulmonary endurance improvement exercises ▲flexibility improvement and cognitive enhancement exercises.

A local resident who participated in the program said, “I was worried because it was difficult to use computers or machines, but it was reassuring because it connected as easily as answering a phone call,” and added, “As COVID-19 continues, my health was deteriorating and I was feeling depressed staying at home, but with this class, I can exercise, become healthier, and prevent dementia, so I am very happy.”

A Seo-gu official said, “We hope this program will help reduce the stress and anxiety of senior citizens at senior centers who may be exhausted due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic and help them maintain a healthy lifestyle through appropriate exercise,” and added, “Currently, the program is being piloted at three senior centers in the district, and we plan to expand it to more senior centers next year through monitoring.”