Elderly Poets Say "Loneliness Has Disappeared"

Preventing Dementia Through "Meditation and Transcription"
Seniors Gather Every Wednesday at Songjeong 1-dong Community Social Security Council in Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju
Sharing Peace of Mind Together

An elderly resident of Songjeong1-dong, Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju, is participating in the "Meditation with Hands, Filling the Mind through Transcription" program, transcribing poetry. Provided by Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju

"Reading and writing poetry together makes me feel less lonely and brings peace to my mind."

On the morning of the 5th, the Songjeong 1-dong Administrative Welfare Center in Gwangju was bustling with seniors reading poetry. The faces of the seniors, seated with pens in hand, were filled with anticipation and excitement.

This is the "Meditation by Hand, Filling the Heart with Transcription" program, newly introduced this month by the Songjeong 1-dong Community Social Security Council in Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju. The program is designed for seniors aged 65 and older to gather, read poetry, and transcribe it by hand, aiming to enhance cognitive function and prevent dementia.

The seniors calmed their minds as they copied each line of poetry, sharing greetings and stories from their daily lives. After carefully finishing their transcription, they read their poems aloud, smiling brightly.

One participating senior said, "I often feel lonely at home, but gathering with others to write and talk makes me feel really good," adding, "I look forward to every Wednesday."

This program is held every Wednesday on the second floor of the Songjeong Danuri Center. The Songjeong 1-dong Community Social Security Council plans to expand customized programs that reflect the diverse welfare needs of local residents in the future.

Chairperson Baek Youngsook stated, "Our goal is to help local seniors enjoy a healthy and vibrant old age," and added, "We will continue to discover programs that provide comfort and add vitality to their lives."