Jeonnam Province Hosts the 24th Senior Citizens' Day Commemoration Event

[Muan=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Yoon Jamin] Jeonnam Province announced on the 23rd that it held the ‘24th Senior Citizens Day Commemoration Event’ in October, the Month of the Elderly.

Through this event, the province plans to actively foster a social atmosphere that appreciates the hard work of senior citizens.

The commemorative event held at Wando Culture and Arts Center was conducted simply with a minimal number of participants such as city and county branch heads, due to the prolonged COVID-19 situation, including the reading of the Senior Citizens Charter and awarding of commendations.

Prime Minister’s Commendations were awarded to Jeong Minseop, head of the Wando County Senior Citizens Association, and the Goheung County Senior Welfare Center for their significant contributions to the promotion of senior welfare.

In addition, six people including Yoon Jongrae, head of the Boseong County Senior Citizens Association, received the Minister of Health and Welfare Commendation, and 61 people including elderly Mun Gwonsub from Wando-eup, Wando County, were presented with commendations and plaques from the Governor of Jeollanam-do.

Notably, among the awardees, five exemplary couples celebrating over 60 years of marriage were congratulated, drawing attention.

Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeonnam Province, said, “The reason Jeonnam could remain a COVID-19 clean area was thanks to the elderly who voluntarily closed senior centers and canceled various events such as gateball to respond to COVID-19. We will vigorously lead the promotion of senior welfare policies in Jeonnam, which has the highest proportion of elderly population nationwide, to become a model for South Korea.”

Meanwhile, Jeonnam Province supported masks, hand sanitizers, and non-contact thermometers to senior welfare facilities such as senior centers and nursing homes to ensure the safety and health of the elderly from COVID-19. They also provided 3,164 kg of abalone to 333 nursing homes where family visits were prohibited to strengthen immunity.

Additionally, for elderly living alone, alternative meals such as lunch boxes and side dishes, as well as daily necessities, were provided to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and alleviate feelings of isolation caused by social distancing.

Along with this, to ensure comfortable old age and strengthen care, the province has been operating the first-ever nationwide “Lonely Death Watchdog Team” since 2016.

Senior welfare policies are also being promoted, including customized senior care services, construction and operation of rural public bathhouses, establishment of communal living homes in senior centers, installation of solar power facilities, and senior job projects.

This year, installations such as water purifiers in senior centers, senior-exclusive shelters for victims of elder abuse in the western region, and convenience facilities in rural public bathhouses were carried out, along with renovations of aging public bathhouses, receiving great responses. Next year, the province plans to hold the Silver Market to promote and boost sales of products from senior job projects.