Gangnam-gu Selected as 'Outstanding Autonomous District' for Specialized Visiting Health Care Program

by Kim Minjin

Published 12 Dec.2024 10:47(KST)

Gangnam-gu, Seoul (District Mayor Jo Seong-myeong) was selected as an ‘Excellent Autonomous District’ in the program category of the Seoul City 2024 Visiting Health Care Project.

The district was recognized for its significant contribution to improving the health of the elderly by being the only autonomous district in Seoul to have visiting nurses directly operate the ‘Health 100-Year Happiness Program,’ which reflects the needs of the elderly in each neighborhood, across all 22 neighborhoods.

Gangnam-gu Health 100 Years Program. Provided by Gangnam-gu.

This year, the program attracted attention for its systematic operation that balanced physical and mental health by introducing specialized programs for fall and sarcopenia prevention and mental health promotion for elderly living alone.

The ‘Health 100-Year Happiness Program’ was conducted 188 times throughout Gangnam-gu in 2024, with 2,076 elderly participants. After participating in the program, the efficacy of fall prevention (confidence in not falling during daily life) increased by 5.9%, and self-achievement improved by 25%, demonstrating tangible health improvement effects. Additionally, 97% of participants responded that they were satisfied with the program, receiving high praise.

Furthermore, a total of 64,804 visiting health care services were provided through 39 visiting nurses working at the 22 neighborhood community centers. Regular visits were made to 118 senior centers, providing blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol measurements to 2,907 elderly individuals, and comprehensive health care services were offered through chronic disease, nutrition, oral health management, and dementia prevention education.

District Mayor Jo Seong-myeong stated, “We expect the demand for customized health care and visiting nursing to increase, and our pioneering operation of health care programs received positive evaluations,” adding, “We will continue to expand professional and specialized programs for the health and happy aging of the elderly.”