[Photo] Kim Seon-gap, Mayor of Gwangjin-gu, Visits Elderly Living Alone and Delivers Carnations on Parents' Day

Masks and LED Smart Canes Also Delivered for Senior Health

On the 6th, Kim Seon-gap, Mayor of Gwangjin District, visited a single elderly household residing in Guui 3-dong and helped put on a mask.

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Kim Seon-gap, Mayor of Gwangjin District, visited households of elderly people living alone in the area on the 6th ahead of ‘Parents' Day’.

This visit was arranged to personally check on the difficulties faced by the elderly and to convey gratitude and respect, as all ‘Parents' Day’ related senior events held annually were canceled due to COVID-19.

On this day, Mayor Kim visited three households of elderly people living alone in Junggok 4-dong and Guui 3-dong, pinned carnations on them, and took time to inquire about their well-being.

Additionally, he personally delivered lunchboxes provided to low-income elderly people aged 65 or older with mobility difficulties, and handed out 10 dental masks to ensure thorough prevention until the end of COVID-19.

The masks delivered this time are scheduled to be sent by mail along with a letter of appreciation to 50,244 elderly people aged 65 or older in the region in commemoration of ‘Parents' Day’.

Also, an LED smart safety cane prepared as part of the ‘2020 Customized Resident Safety Project’ was delivered, drawing attention.

The district investigated traffic accident occurrences in the area over the past three years and found that among 10 traffic accident deaths of people aged 65 or older, 6 occurred while walking. Therefore, to prevent safety accidents, it decided to support the ‘LED smart safety cane’ which ensures visibility.

The ‘LED smart safety cane’ can be used for 8 hours after a 2-hour charge, has a non-slip rubber tip, and its height can be adjusted in 7 steps.

The district plans to pilot this first for 307 elderly people aged 70 or older who are vulnerable to safety risks, and after a satisfaction survey, will consider expanding the program.

Kim Seon-gap, Mayor of Gwangjin District, said, “Various events and schedules such as senior parties planned for Family Month were fully canceled or postponed based on the judgment that the health and safety of residents are the top priority. However, thinking of the elderly who will spend ‘Parents' Day’ alone, I felt uneasy and decided to visit them personally to deliver safety supplies along with deep gratitude and respect.”