Gwangjin-gu Supports Seniors with Vegetable Growing Kits to Overcome COVID-19 Depression

Supporting 500 Senior Households with Vegetable Growing Kits 'Green Farm'... Aiming to Alleviate Depression of Seniors Experiencing Restricted Daily Life Due to COVID-19

Delivering vegetable cultivation kits to the elderly.

Elderly people tending to vegetable cultivation kits.

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Gwangjin-gu (Mayor Kim Seon-gap) has provided vegetable cultivation kits called ‘Green Farm’ to help stabilize the mental health of elderly people whose daily lives have been restricted due to COVID-19.

This project was prepared to alleviate the depression of elderly people who have reduced social interactions due to the long-term closure of facilities such as welfare centers and senior centers under social distancing measures, and to give them vitality in life.

The support targets low-income elderly residents aged 65 and over living in the district, prioritizing 500 households including basic livelihood security recipients, near-poverty groups, and disabled persons with mobility difficulties.

The provided cultivation kits include bean sprout and barley sprout kits that can be easily grown indoors and can also be used as ingredients.

The cultivation kits were delivered directly to each elderly household by welfare planners from the local community centers and life support workers from elderly customized care agencies, who also provided guidance on cultivation methods and exchanged greetings.

Mayor Kim Seon-gap said, “We prepared the vegetable cultivation kits so that elderly people, who are spending more time at home due to COVID-19, can regain some vitality in their lives. We hope they experience the joy of growing plants themselves and use the grown vegetables to make healthy food.”

In addition, the district is promoting a welfare check project through lunchbox, side dish, and Yakult delivery to ensure the safety of elderly people living alone and to prevent solitary deaths.

Furthermore, in preparation for the prolonged COVID-19 situation and the rainy season and heat waves, the district plans to support safety handrails in bathrooms and anti-fall mats so that elderly people living alone can stay safely at home.