Gwangjin-gu Selected as an Excellent Autonomous District for Senior Welfare Contribution... Leading Efforts in Preventing Senior Fall Accidents

Recognized as a Leading Effort Among Seoul Districts for Fall Prevention Project Implemented Since 2019
Provided 13 Types of Customized Safety Items to 4,874 Low-Income Elderly Households Over 6 Years
Plan to Expand to 22 Types of Safety Items and Support About 300 Households This Year

Gwangjin-gu (District Mayor Kim Kyung-ho) received the “Outstanding Autonomous District for Senior Welfare Contribution” award at the 52nd Seoul Metropolitan Government Parents' Day Ceremony on the 8th.

This award recognizes the efforts of the district in the “Fall Prevention Safety Equipment Support” project, which has been implemented since 2019 to prevent falls among the elderly.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), falls are one of the most common problems among seniors aged 65 and older, posing a threat to their health and independent living. It also reported that over 70% of fall accidents occur within residential spaces.

As the elderly population increases, the district has devoted considerable effort since 2019 to support safety equipment to prevent falls in residential spaces, which should be the safest places. In 2021, the district increased its budget by 350 million KRW to actively identify and support beneficiaries. To date, customized safety equipment such as safety grab bars and anti-slip mats have been provided to 4,874 low-income senior households.

Last year, a satisfaction survey was conducted on 118 beneficiary households, revealing that 98% of them reported no fall experiences, confirming that the equipment support is effective in fall prevention.

This year, under the name “Fall Prevention Safe Home Project” for “Aging in Place,” the district will provide customized support according to each household’s situation. Safety equipment will be expanded to 22 types and support will be strengthened to ensure no households are left out, targeting a total of about 300 low-income senior households. To facilitate effective installation in small homes, the specifications of items such as safety grab bars will be diversified, and new items including ▲four-point canes ▲non-slip tape ▲LED sensors will be added.

Kim Kyung-ho, Mayor of Gwangjin-gu, said, “We are making efforts to ensure that seniors can live safely in their homes, which should be the safest spaces,” and added, “We will continue to focus on improving the health and quality of life of our seniors.”