Active Preparation for an Aging Society with the Establishment of the Elderly Welfare Division on the 1st
[Suncheon=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Hyung-kwon] Suncheon City announced on the 14th that it will strengthen its elderly welfare policies by allocating a budget of 152.4 billion KRW to realize detailed, customized welfare that makes senior citizens happy.
On the 1st of this month, the city reorganized its departments to respond to the continuous increase in aging and welfare demands for the disabled by separating the Elderly and Disabled Department into the Elderly Welfare Department and the Disabled Welfare Department.
Through this, a foundation was established to implement professional and detailed universal welfare for the elderly and disabled.
In preparation for a super-aged society in the era of 100-year lifespans, the city enacted related ordinances in June last year to create an elderly-friendly social and physical environment and has been actively preparing to join the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities next month.
Starting this year, health vouchers worth 120,000 KRW annually will be provided to senior citizens aged 80 and above to use hairdressing and bathing services, helping them maintain dignity and healthy living.
Additionally, to prevent solitary deaths, AI care robots will be distributed to 150 elderly individuals living alone who suffer from depression, underlying diseases, or mobility difficulties.
This will provide customized services tailored to the health, daily life, and safety of elderly people living alone, enabling 24-hour real-time monitoring and immediate care activities.
Furthermore, the project to improve standing seats in senior centers, which was conducted in 325 locations last year, will be expanded.
This year, an additional 100 senior centers will receive support for installing multi-purpose standing tables and chairs to enhance convenience for elderly users who have difficulty using sitting tables.
In addition, new policies will be promoted, including ▲ operation of day and night care centers for dementia patients ▲ promotion of construction of public senior rest centers in Suncheon City ▲ expansion of job creation for the elderly ▲ operation of healing programs to improve the treatment of long-term care workers ▲ support for healthy meals for filial piety ▲ reinforcement of safety facilities in senior centers to improve convenience for the elderly, aiming to create a city where elderly people live well and are happy with elderly welfare policies.
A representative from the Suncheon City Elderly Welfare Department said, “Suncheon City achieved the remarkable feat of winning five awards in social welfare evaluations last year, establishing its status as a welfare city where citizens are happy,” and added, “We will prioritize the happiness of the elderly and actively discover and promote policies that everyone can feel, making every effort to strengthen elderly welfare services.”
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