Mapo-gu Prepares Measures for Vulnerable Elderly to Have a Healthy Summer

In July, visited 32 senior centers to conduct heatwave preparedness health management education... Implemented comprehensive heatwave measures including one-on-one focused care by visiting nurses for vulnerable groups

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Mapo-gu (Mayor Park Gang-su) has launched a home health care program targeting vulnerable health groups susceptible to heatwaves, such as elderly living alone, until September.

In July, a dedicated visiting team composed of visiting nurses, exercise specialists, and nutritionists was formed to visit senior centers.

The visiting team conducted activities at 32 senior centers in Mapo-gu, including ▲actions to take during heatwave emergencies ▲chronic disease management in preparation for heatwaves ▲summer exercise education and nutrition management ▲basic health measurements and health consultations, distributing promotional materials such as fans to prevent heat-related illnesses, receiving great responses from the elderly.

Additionally, 32 visiting nurses assigned by neighborhood visit the homes of vulnerable health groups such as elderly living alone, chronic disease patients, and disabled individuals to measure basic health indicators and provide one-on-one focused health management by guiding heatwave prevention health rules.

With the Korea Meteorological Administration forecasting temperatures higher than average until September, Mapo-gu has established and is implementing a comprehensive heatwave countermeasure plan to protect residents' safety during the summer heat.

There are 174 cooling shelters operating to help escape the sweltering heat, and disaster helpers visit vulnerable groups and check their safety through welfare calls.

Furthermore, for vulnerable elderly, health status is monitored using Internet of Things (IoT) technology, and heatwave information is provided through Mapo-dong-i, an artificial intelligence (AI) companion robot. Night patrol visit services are expanded for severely disabled individuals to prevent accidents that may occur during summer.

Mapo-gu also prevents heatstroke through on-site patrols and street counseling for homeless people and conducts thorough inspections of heatwave countermeasure compliance at construction sites to lead in preventing serious accidents caused by heat-related illnesses.

Facility operations to prepare for heatwaves are also underway. There are 59 "Mapo Geuneulnaru" shade structures and 8 shaded tree areas at heavily trafficked crosswalks and traffic islands, and 3 smart shade canopies that automatically activate in hot environments, along with 5 additional "Mapo Geuneulnaru" shade structures, will be installed.

Mayor Park Gang-su of Mapo-gu said, “Diseases and accidents caused by heatwaves can be prevented by simply following basic health rules, so I hope everyone adheres to summer health guidelines. Mapo-gu will do its best to be a large shade shelter for those in need due to the heatwave.”