Students from the Department of Nursing at Dong-Eui University of Science (President Kim Youngdo) conducted hand massage volunteer activities for the elderly at the Busanjin District Public Health Center from August 19 to September 10 as part of the "Elderly Care Prevention Support Project."
The Department of Nursing at Dong-Eui Institute of Technology is conducting hand massage volunteer activities for the elderly. Photo by Dong-Eui Institute of Technology
This initiative was designed not only to manage physical health but also to provide emotional support and social interaction for the elderly, in response to the increasing demand for care due to population aging.
During the summer break, the students learned hand massage techniques from professionals and, based on this training, offered an emotional relaxation program to the elderly over a total of four sessions.
This program was a collaborative effort between the public health center, the university, and the local community. The public health center provided practical health services to residents, the university broadened students' field experience, and residents were given an opportunity to share health and happiness, creating a space for mutual benefit.
One elderly participant in the volunteer program shared, "As my hands became warmer, so did my heart, and talking with the students eased my loneliness. I have never experienced such a luxury in my life."
Professor Lee Sangjoo from the Department of Community Nursing at Dong-Eui University of Science stated, "Hand massage offers more than simple relaxation; it helps alleviate social isolation and provides emotional stability through physical contact. This volunteer activity allowed students to experience the value of sharing and to deepen their sense of connection with the local community."
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