Nature-Friendly Rehabilitation Program for the Elderly and People with Mental Disabilities
First Session Held with Support from Mudeungsan Ecological Exploration Center
Damyang County and Mudeungsan Ecological Exploration Center operated a program on the 10th to help people with mental disabilities and the elderly recover their health in nature. Photo by Damyang County
The nature-friendly rehabilitation program for people with mental disabilities and the elderly, jointly organized by Damyang-gun in Jeollanam-do and the Mudeungsan Ecological Exploration Center, successfully launched its first session on the 10th.
This program is the first outcome of the memorandum of understanding signed between the two organizations in February. Participants enjoyed a time of healing and recovery in nature. The event was attended by members of the Damyang-gun Mental Health Welfare Center's day rehabilitation program, and the Mudeungsan Ecological Exploration Center provided a 25-seater electric bus for round-trip transportation.
In particular, the electric bus support was designed to allow elderly participants and people with mental disabilities, who often face transportation challenges, to experience the natural environment more easily and safely. This initiative embodies both eco-friendliness and accessibility.
The day's program included a "Making Dreamcatchers with Natural Materials" activity. Participants gained emotional stability by making dreamcatchers, traditionally believed to ward off nightmares, using materials collected from nature. The "Forest Story (Spring)" program also featured biological observation with loupes and making tree frames decorated with Scandia moss. Participants shared that engaging in activities in nature, which they rarely experience, provided significant psychological comfort.
A representative from the Mudeungsan Ecological Exploration Center explained, "The program was designed based on research showing that experiences in nature help with psychological stability and recovery," and added, "We plan to launch customized programs for the elderly as well as for people with mental disabilities starting in May."
Damyang-gun Mayor Jeong Cheolwon said, "I am pleased that we have achieved both the promotion of mental health and the revitalization of ecological experiences through this program," and added, "We will continue to expand opportunities for healing both body and mind in nature."
Meanwhile, upcoming programs for people with mental disabilities include "Colorful Pressed Flower Handkerchief Making" and "Finding Spring" on May 15, and "Fan Making" and "Eco-friendly Flowerpot Making" on June 19. The programs are scheduled for the third Thursday of every month, with a variety of seasonal activities planned through the end of the year.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
