"Dementia Issues Directly Linked to National Competitiveness"
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon attending the 17th Dementia Overcoming Day commemorative event. Photo by Yonhap News
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon emphasized his commitment to creating a society that accompanies dementia.
On the 5th, Mayor Oh posted on his Facebook, "Today, at the 'Dementia Overcoming Day' event, I walked the runway with the elderly," adding, "Wearing a nostalgic school uniform again after decades reminded me of a photo taken with my mother during my school days, bringing back deep emotions."
Mayor Oh revealed, "I am the son of a dementia patient," explaining that he understands better than anyone the emotional struggles faced by patients and their families.
He stated, "Currently, about 150,000 dementia patients live in Seoul, and nationwide, the number is around one million," emphasizing, "As we approach a super-aged society, it is important to create a model that can safely coexist with dementia."
Mayor Oh said that Seoul City will expand the 'Memory Care School' to create spaces where patients and caregivers can grow together. He explained, "This is why we support the 'Our Neighborhood Dementia Care Physician' system, allowing patients to receive treatment and care in familiar local areas," adding, "In the future, we are preparing to provide personalized care through a 'Seoul-type Digital Dementia Management System' utilizing ICT technology."
He continued, "In a super-aged society, solving dementia issues is directly linked to national competitiveness," and added, "Even if memories are lost, dignity will not be lost; we will build a society that accompanies dementia."
Meanwhile, to mark 'Dementia Overcoming Day (September 21),' Seoul City held the '17th Dementia Overcoming Day Commemorative Event' at Jangchung Gymnasium for dementia patients and their families.
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