Breaking Social Isolation for Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Suwon Through Cooking and Calligraphy

Suwon Metropolitan City (Mayor Lee Jae-joon) is operating the 'Saebit Network Program' to prevent cases where middle-aged and older adults at risk of social isolation fail to overcome their challenges and resort to dying alone.

The Suwon City Social Enterprise Council, the implementing organization of the program, will divide approximately 30 middle-aged and older adults at risk of social isolation into three classes and conduct the program at the Eoulim Centers in Godeung-dong and Maesan-dong from the 28th through December 10th.

The Saebit Network supports people in their 50s and 60s at risk of social disconnection due to job loss, retirement, and changes in family relationships by facilitating activities that help form social connections.

The Saebit Network program consists of ▲'Social Dining,' where participants naturally form relationships by cooking and sharing food together ▲'Calligraphy,' a creative activity using lettering and drawing to aid self-expression and restore self-esteem ▲Pre- and post-participation psychological assessments to monitor changes in participants.

A Suwon City official stated, "Preventing social isolation is important by creating opportunities to communicate with neighbors and build relationships," adding, "We will support households at risk of isolation in connecting with the local community and restoring relationships in their daily lives."

Last year, Suwon City also operated five programs including psychological counseling, social dining, and crafts for 16 middle-aged and older adults at risk of isolation.