Entering a Super-Aged Society...
Dementia Is No Longer Someone Else's Problem
Im Dalhee, Chairman of Gongju City Council in South Chungcheong Province, on April 18 called for the expansion of cognitive training programs for elderly residents in township and village areas that have entered a super-aged society.
During a five-minute speech at the second plenary session of the 258th temporary meeting of the Gongju City Council, Chairman Im stated, "The population of Gongju City is 100,888, of which 32,084 are aged 65 or older, accounting for more than 30% of the total population." She diagnosed, "Gongju has already entered deeply into a super-aged society."
She continued, "There are as many as 3,137 people aged 60 or older who have been diagnosed with dementia. Dementia is no longer a distant issue of the future, but a matter affecting our own families." She added, "I am also caring for parents who have been diagnosed with mild dementia, so I fully understand the pain dementia causes to individuals and families."
Chairman Im explained, "Last year, 18,171 seniors were screened, and 1,236 high-risk dementia cases were identified. Dementia prevention, management, and awareness programs are providing practical help."
However, she pointed out the regional imbalance in cognitive training programs and emphasized the need for improvement.
She noted, "The cognitive training classes at the two Dementia Safety Centers, which are mainly operated in urban areas, run for a full year, whereas the 'Mobile Brain Exercise School' for township and village areas lasts only six weeks, resulting in a lack of continuous training opportunities."
Chairman Im stated, "Education after receiving a dementia grade is important, but above all, early prevention in response to brain aging that begins in one's 40s is key." She emphasized, "In an era of 100-year lifespans, a healthy old age is not just a personal responsibility, but a task for society and the nation as a whole."
She continued, "Dementia is a frightening and daunting disease. Many seniors say, 'I don't want to be a burden to my children.' Therefore, it is urgent to establish a systematic system to address the sense of isolation among elderly residents in township and village areas and to reduce regional disparities in dementia care."
Chairman Im added, "As Mayor Choi Woncheol and the relevant departments are working to improve citizens' quality of life and make Gongju a happier city, I hope that practical measures to improve cognitive function will be established in cooperation with related organizations."
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