Blow Away Depression with a 'Sikjipsa' Lifestyle~

Songpa-gu Supports ‘Horticultural Activities’ at 10 Senior Centers... Taking Steps to Prevent Depression Among the Elderly

Horticultural Therapy Experts Visit Senior Centers to Teach How to Care for Companion Plants

Counseling Support Provided When Needed Through Preliminary Depression Screening

Horticultural Activities for Preventing Elderly Depression Conducted Last Year

Recently, growing companion plants has rapidly gained popularity as a hobby, creating new terms like ‘Sikjibsa’ (plant caretaker) and ‘Sikteck’ (plant investment), and it has been noted for its effectiveness in alleviating feelings of depression and loneliness.

Amid this trend, Songpa-gu (Mayor Seo Gang-seok) is launching support for companion plant cultivation to prevent depression among the elderly.

The district explained that old age is particularly vulnerable to depression due to physical decline, economic instability, and feelings of loss from the death of spouses and peers. In fact, from 2015 to 2020, the suicide rate among the elderly (65 years and older) in Songpa-gu was the highest at 28.5% among all age groups.

Accordingly, from May 31 to July 5, the district will operate a 10-week ‘horticultural activity’ program as a depression prevention initiative for seniors.

The program targets 160 elderly participants who wish to join from 10 senior centers in the area.

A horticultural therapy expert will visit each senior center once a week to conduct 60-minute sessions including activities such as ▲Growing my friend, a foliage plant ▲‘Flower arranging’ as a gift for myself.

Before starting the horticultural activities, the district will conduct depression screening tests and connect high-risk individuals to the Mental Health Welfare Center for ongoing care.

Last year, when elderly welfare facilities closed due to COVID-19 and complaints of depression among seniors increased, the district conducted a pilot horticultural activity program for seniors for one month starting in August.

Participants described their experiences with feelings of ‘gratitude,’ ‘feeling younger,’ ‘the joy of nurturing,’ ‘the feeling of receiving a gift,’ ‘the pleasure of community participation,’ and ‘clearing of distracting thoughts.’

This year’s horticultural activities will be conducted focusing on senior centers that did not participate last year.

Seo Gang-seok, Mayor of Songpa-gu, stated, “For our elders, emotional support is as important as economic and material assistance. We will continue to help seniors heal their depressive feelings and regain vitality through various activities so they can live healthy and joyful lives.”