Yeongdeungpo-gu Supports Dominoes and Puzzles for Seniors Staying at Home

Bean Sprout Cultivation Kit, Dominoes, Puzzle, and Table Tennis Exercise Set Provided

Solid Wood International Flag Domino Set for Enhancing Cognitive Functions Such as Memory and Concentration

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Yeongdeungpo-gu (Mayor Chae Hyun-il) is supporting physical activity program kits to alleviate the psychological isolation and depression of elderly users of senior centers due to the prolonged closure of senior centers caused by COVID-19.

With the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, elderly people are experiencing severe lack of exercise, and the number of seniors complaining of lethargy due to social activity disruption is increasing. Therefore, physical activity kits that can be easily followed at home are being provided to relieve boredom from staying indoors and to promote mental and physical stability.

The district, together with the Yeongdeungpo-gu branch of the Korea Senior Citizens Association, recruited seniors who wish to participate in the program from 167 senior centers in the area and prepared plans for the number of supported participants, methods, and kit management.

The individual activity kits consist of four types: ▲ a bean sprout cultivation kit that allows direct growing and use of various ingredients ▲ a wooden international flag domino set to improve cognitive functions such as memory and concentration ▲ an emotional support tool including a filial puzzle set for dementia prevention and stress relief ▲ and a health management support kit, a self table tennis practice set using wire rebound.

Furthermore, to prevent COVID-19 and other viruses, all kits are to be used only within each household, and 1:1 rental is possible after consultation with the senior center president and manager.

Also, all kits will be thoroughly disinfected before and after return to ensure that seniors can use them safely, and continuous efforts will be made in this regard.

One senior who received the bean sprout cultivation kit said, “Giving water daily to the bean sprout container and watching them grow gave me the joy of growing them myself,” adding, “Cooking the grown bean sprouts with my family made me feel that our family bonds have become stronger.”

A senior who received the self table tennis practice set said, “When I stayed still at home, I felt frustrated and depressed, but moving my body and being active made me feel refreshed,” and added, “I am very satisfied because I can exercise safely without going to the table tennis hall.”

Going forward, the district plans to conduct satisfaction surveys for seniors at each senior center who received the kits and expand the support scope including desired kits, experience programs, and kit quantities.

Chae Hyun-il, Mayor of Yeongdeungpo-gu, said, “We prepared the kit support program to provide small joys and vitality to the elderly who are mentally and physically exhausted due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic,” and added, “We will continue to do our best to discover and provide various customized content that seniors can enjoy non-face-to-face in preparation for the post-COVID-19 era.”