Gwangyang Steelworks Maumeum Eum Flower Arrangement Volunteer Group Supports 'Making Friends' for Elderly Living Alone

Creating a Social Gathering Space for Seniors Facing Challenges in Social Activities

Continuous Emotional Support Planned, Focusing on Outdoor Activities Preferred by Seniors

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik] POSCO Gwangyang Steelworks Maeumi-eum Flower Arrangement Volunteer Group (Leader Hong Jong-in) took steps to restore social relationships for elderly people living alone in the region on the 12th and 13th.

The Maeumi-eum Flower Arrangement Volunteer Group is a talent volunteer group that has been providing emotional support to elderly people living alone in Gwangyang City to relieve depression and prevent solitary deaths, walking warmly with the elderly since 2017.

This event was organized as part of the ‘Solitary Elderly Maeumi-eum Project’ launched last September to support elderly people who had difficulty engaging in social activities due to COVID-19 in forming trusting and supportive friendships.

The Maeumi-eum Flower Arrangement Volunteer Group invited elderly people living alone in the region to a cafe in Jungmadong, serving refreshments, bread, and drinks that they usually do not have easy access to, creating a comfortable atmosphere for open conversation.

The elderly participants shared greetings and updates, blooming smiles, and exchanged comfort by talking about their life experiences, strengthening their bonds.

Additionally, a birthday party was prepared for the elderly celebrating birthdays this month, where they congratulated each other and pledged to support a lively and active later life.

At the end of the event, the Maeumi-eum Flower Arrangement Volunteer Group added meaning by gifting COVID-19 prevention kits in preparation for the recent resurgence, as well as herbal patches and insect bite ointments for the summer, cheering on the elderly’s healthy lives.

An elderly participant said, “Due to COVID-19, it was difficult to meet people outside until now, but meeting various people has refreshed my mood and boosted my confidence. I was afraid of gatherings because my health has declined recently, but thanks to the care of the volunteers, I feel my body recovering and I am grateful.”

Kim Wol-rye, General Manager of the Maeumi-eum Flower Arrangement Volunteer Group, said, “Many elderly people were really happy, such as those who were excited for two days after hearing about meeting at the cafe, those who recalled their youth and wondered what clothes to wear, and those who wanted to stay at the cafe as long as young people do. Even if not often, we will try to create opportunities to be together whenever possible.”

Meanwhile, the Gwangyang Steelworks Maeumi-eum Flower Arrangement Volunteer Group plans to conduct a preference survey on future activities for elderly people targeted by the ‘Solitary Elderly Maeumi-eum Project’ and continue providing emotional support focusing on outdoor activities such as tours, trips, and outings, which ranked high in the results, for elderly people living alone in the region.

Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik hss79@asiae.co.kr

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