Seoul mayor unveils measures to combat loneliness, social isolation among people living alone

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Seoul mayor unveils measures to combat loneliness, social isolation among people living alone

Published: 21 Oct. 2024, 15:37 Updated: 21 Oct. 2024, 15:47

CHO JUNG-WOO
cho.jungwoo1@joongang.co.kr

Audio report: written by reporters, read by AI

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon speaks during a press briefing at City Hall in central Seoul on Monday. [NEWS1]

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon on Monday unveiled measures to help residents overcome loneliness and social isolation amid a surge in single-person households and seniors living alone in the city.

According to city government data, one in four elderly residents lived alone in Seoul in 2022. Around 130,000 young people are estimated to be socially secluded and isolated, based on a survey released in January last year.

"Social issues like low happiness levels, high suicide rates and depression are all related to loneliness," Oh said during a press briefing at City Hall in central Seoul.

Stressing the need for a paradigm shift in addressing the issue, the mayor said the measures were comprehensively developed in cooperation with multiple bureaus of the city government.

The city plans to invest 451.3 billion won ($328.4 million) in the project over the next five years.

The announced measures include operating a 24-hour call center to offer consultations for those struggling with loneliness, as well as AI chat consultations via KakaoTalk.

Therapists will be individuals who have overcome their own struggles with loneliness and social isolation, according to the city government. The call center is set to open in April.

Four consultation centers, themed as convenience stores, will also be established for offline consultations next year, with plans to expand these centers over the coming years.

During the press briefing, the mayor highlighted a new initiative to encourage people to reconnect with society by creating "challenges." Examples include attending festivals and programs hosted by the city government, such as reading at the outdoor library in Seoul Plaza. Consistent participation will be rewarded with gifts like art exhibit tickets.

Programs for middle-aged single-person households, such as cooking classes, networking opportunities and meal box provisions, will be offered to help reduce loneliness and social isolation in this age group.

For seniors 70 and over, 100 centers offering exercise classes and networking opportunities will be created in the capital.

Additionally, the city government will enhance efforts to identify households struggling with social isolation and loneliness by diversifying channels to find them. It plans to cooperate with facilities like convenience stores and gosiwon and monitor risk factors like water and power outages. Gosiwon are low-cost studio apartments, typically for students.

BY CHO JUNG-WOO [cho.jungwoo1@joongang.co.kr]