Gwangyang Steelworks, Cultural Experience Outing with Local Seniors

A Trip to Suncheonman National Garden with 37 Elderly Living Alone in the Area

Healing Time with Foot Baths Using Water Brewed from Oriental Medicinal Herbs

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik] The Posco Gwangyang Steelworks Maeumieum Flower Arrangement Volunteer Group (Director Hong Jong-in) supported psychological stability and a healthy, vibrant old age for elderly people living alone in the region through a cultural experience program.

The event, "Enjoyable Garden Outing with the Elderly," held in September as part of the "Maeumieum for Elderly Living Alone" project launched earlier this year, was organized to provide opportunities for social interaction and cultural experiences to elderly people who had difficulty engaging in outdoor activities due to COVID-19 and other reasons.

On the 25th and 26th, the Maeumieum Flower Arrangement Volunteer Group invited 20 and 17 elderly participants respectively to take a trip together to Suncheonman National Garden.

The members assisted elderly participants with mobility difficulties by supporting them comfortably as they enjoyed the park. The elderly, who went for a walk after a long time, smiled brightly as they admired the scenery filled with blooming flowers.

In particular, following the visit to Suncheonman National Garden, a traditional herbal carbonated foot bath was prepared to help relieve the elderly participants' fatigue, attracting attention.

The elderly soaked their feet in warm herbal water brewed with various medicinal herbs and chatted quietly with the volunteers, taking time to heal their tired bodies and minds.

A volunteer who participated in the event said, "This was the first outing with the elderly since COVID-19, so I left home with an excited heart. I was worried about whether I could do well since some elderly participants have physical difficulties, but seeing their enjoyment made me feel happy as well."

An elderly participant, enjoying an outing after a long time, said, "I was happy to dress up and go on an outing. It was a warm, sunny day with a nice breeze, and visiting Suncheonman National Garden made me feel refreshed. Especially, seeing the traditional garden reminded me of flowers blooming at my hometown, which was very heartwarming."

Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik hss79@asiae.co.kr