Seoul district uses subway station to protect seniors with dementia
Inside one station in Seoul’s sprawling underground transit system, station workers and retail clerks are being trained to spot and assist disoriented elderly passengers, part of a new municipal initiative to address Korea's rapidly expanding dementia population. Songpa District in southeastern Seoul has transformed its busiest subway hubs into a localized safety net for elderly commuters with…
In Seoul's extensive subway system, a district is taking a proactive approach to protect seniors with dementia. Songpa District, located in southeastern Seoul, has implemented the Songpa Metro-Care program, which trains station workers and retail clerks to identify and assist disoriented elderly passengers. This initiative marks the first time a municipal district in the capital has incorporated public transportation hubs into its official dementia care network.
As Korea transitions into a super-aged society, public health authorities project that the national dementia population among those 65 and older will surpass 1 million this year. Recognizing the potential dangers of wandering episodes in high-density urban areas, officials are determined to ensure the safety and peace of mind for dementia patients and their families.
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- Seoul district uses subway station to protect seniors with dementia koreatimes.co.kr
