After the Monsoon, the Heatwave Is More Severe... Songpa-gu Provides Close Care for the Elderly to Prevent Heat-Related Illnesses

Strengthening Heatwave Safety for Vulnerable Elderly at High Risk of Heat-Related Illness
Focused Welfare Checks on 5,570 Elderly Living Alone via 1,242 Disaster Helpers
Operation of 190 Cooling Centers, Meal Support, and On-Site Heatwave Safety Education

Seok-Suk Seo, Mayor of Songpa District (left), is visiting an elderly person's home and having a conversation.

The heatwave after the monsoon is even more severe.

Songpa-gu (District Mayor Seo Gang-seok) is drawing attention for implementing close monitoring against heatwaves, focusing on vulnerable groups such as elderly people living alone.

Mayor Seo Gang-seok explained, "This summer, many elderly people are struggling with the intense heat due to the increased humidity following the rain combined with the heatwave. Therefore, public officials and community leaders in each neighborhood are making every effort to check on vulnerable elderly residents as many times as possible to minimize heatwave damage."

Songpa-gu is the district with the largest elderly population in Seoul and is carrying out multifaceted administrative measures for the health management and care of senior citizens.

In particular, the district focuses on caring for 5,570 vulnerable elderly people living alone who urgently need protection during the heatwave.

This year, 135 elderly customized care service life support workers and 1,107 disaster helpers composed of community leaders and local care groups have strengthened their check-ins on elderly people living alone.

As heatwave warnings continue, the frequency of check-ins, previously conducted via phone calls or visits, has been increased to provide close monitoring.

Additionally, through milk delivery support, the well-being of elderly people living alone is checked three times a week, and meal support for low-income elderly people at risk of malnutrition is linked to help manage their health.

Earlier in July, life support workers visited the homes of elderly people living alone to provide education on heatwave preparedness, emergency first aid, and physical health management. This ensured the safety of elderly residents by enabling quick responses to heatwave-related emergencies.

Moreover, 190 elderly cooling centers such as senior centers have been designated and operate from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Through prior inspections, 33 old cooling devices were replaced or repaired, and 66 fans were distributed. Additionally, 190 emergency first aid kits, 1,500 cooling bags, and 1,800 fans were provided. When a heatwave advisory is issued, 12 extended cooling centers remain open until 9 p.m., and one nighttime cooling center is open until 7 a.m. the next day.

For elderly residents living in places vulnerable to heatwave effects such as air conditioner breakdowns, the district continues meticulous care by operating safe lodging facilities using local accommodations (one facility with 10 rooms located in Jamsilbon-dong).

Seo Gang-seok, Mayor of Songpa-gu, urged, "The heatwave crisis warning has recently been raised to 'severe,' increasing concerns about heatwave disaster damage. Please refrain from outdoor activities during heatwave advisories." He added, "We will mobilize all administrative resources to carefully monitor and ensure that elderly people, who are vulnerable to temperature changes, can spend the summer safely and healthily."