Gwangjin-gu Supports Job Opportunities for Seniors Aged 65 and Over with Mild Cognitive Impairment

Job Support for 30 Low-Income Seniors with Mild Cognitive Impairment as Part of Dementia Prevention Project
Attend Classes and Work 10 Days Monthly for 2 Months, Making Deodorizer by Recycling Coffee Grounds
Enhancing Social Participation and Sense of Achievement... "Gives Courage to Keep Doing Something Even After 80"

Coffee Grounds Recycling Process

Gwangjin-gu (Mayor Kim Kyung-ho) is operating a dementia prevention project that provides jobs for seniors aged 65 and older with mild cognitive impairment.

Mild cognitive impairment is a representative age-related condition characterized by memory decline. It is also called a pre-dementia stage, but with active management, the progression to dementia can be prevented.

Accordingly, the district has prepared the dementia prevention program "Ilseokijo" (Killing Two Birds with One Stone). The program aims to strengthen cognitive function and emotional stability while providing opportunities for social participation. It also helps economically by targeting low-income households.

Participants work on making deodorants by recycling coffee grounds. After completing dementia prevention classes, they go to work 10 times a month for two months and receive a set wage. The finished products are delivered to daycare centers and community service centers to share a sense of accomplishment.

The program has received positive responses among the seniors. They shared their thoughts, saying, "At 80 years old, I am very grateful to have a place to work when no one was looking for me," and "I used to forget things often, but now I can give pocket money to my grandchildren and feel happy with the confidence that I can do something."

Up to 30 people will be recruited continuously until December this year. The target participants are seniors aged 65 or older registered as residents of Gwangjin-gu who have been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment and receive basic pension benefits.

Applications can be made by contacting the Gwangjin-gu Dementia Safety Center for guidance.

Kim Kyung-ho, Mayor of Gwangjin-gu, said, "Dementia prevention is an important issue that the local community must care about and consider together," adding, "We will provide wholehearted support so that seniors can regain confidence as members of society and lead healthy daily lives."

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