Opening of the 1st Smart Healthcare Center in Sageun-dong, Seongdong-gu

On December 24, a two-story building above ground and one basement level will establish an AI-based integrated community care support system to address health-related care locally... Providing integrated services such as mental healing, health management, and nutrition management in a super-aged society to enable 'healthy aging at home'

Seongdong-gu, Seoul (Mayor Jeong Wono) announced on December 24th that it has opened the first AI-based Smart Healthcare Center in Sageun-dong.

South Korea is on the verge of entering a super-aged society by 2025, and as of the end of November 2024, the population aged 65 and over in Seongdong-gu has exceeded 50,000, accounting for 18% of the total population.

In response, the district is making special efforts to establish the ‘Seongdong-type Integrated Elderly Care System’ to effectively address the challenges of a super-aged society. The vision of the ‘Seongdong-type Integrated Elderly Care’ aligns with the concept of ‘Aging in Place,’ which enables seniors to enjoy a healthy old age in their own homes. According to the 2022 Elderly Survey, about 57% of seniors expressed a desire to continue living in their current homes even if their health deteriorates.

As part of efforts to build an integrated community care support system that addresses health-related care locally, the district has newly established the ‘Sageun Smart Healthcare Center.’

Utilizing the existing ‘Sageun Urban Regeneration Support Center (Sageun-dong-gil 41-gil),’ the center provides customized health management services using information and communication technology (ICT) to residents, including seniors, to prevent physical and mental frailty and support healthy independence and a happy life.

The center targets Seongdong-gu residents aged 60 and over, as well as middle-aged individuals concerned about muscle loss, offering integrated services such as muscle strengthening exercises, nutrition management, and rice gruel therapy to promote a healthy old age.

The Smart Healthcare Center spans one basement floor and two above-ground floors, divided into three zones: Mindfulness Zone, Health Care Zone, and Nutrition Care Zone.

The Mindfulness Zone on the basement floor operates a meditation room for mental health, including psychological assessments using brainwave devices. Additionally, the outdoor garden features a loess ball walking area, a small garden, and resting spots, which will also serve as spaces for intergenerational integration among residents.

The Health Care Zone on the first floor evaluates physical functions such as lower limb strength and balance using smart devices, and prescribes customized exercises with AI robot technology, enabling seniors to manage their health easily and safely.

The Nutrition Care Zone on the second floor includes a nutrition experience room, a healthy cooking room, and a health education room to support balanced meals and manage brain health, stress, and chronic diseases.

The district plans to organically link the Smart Healthcare Center with various local institutions such as senior welfare centers, dementia relief centers, and mental health welfare centers, developing it into a hub for integrated care services. The goal is to establish one center per neighborhood to improve accessibility for seniors and local residents.

Jeong Wono, Mayor of Seongdong-gu, stated, “The ‘Sageun Smart Healthcare Center’ will play a pivotal role in integrally supporting physical exercise, nutrition management, and mental health to maintain a healthy lifestyle in a super-aged society.” He added, “We will continue to lead the establishment of the ‘Seongdong-type Integrated Care System’ so that residents can live long, healthy, and happy lives in Seongdong-gu.”

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