Protecting the Elderly

[Anchor Lead]

Depression and suicide among the elderly is emerging as a serious problem as South Korea transitions into an aging society. More local governments are training workers tasked with protecting the lives of elderly people at risk.

[Pkg]

On a weekend afternoon, a mental health and welfare center receives a call indicating telltale signs of an imminent suicide attempt. When an emergency response team arrived, an elderly person was about to attempt suicide with a weapon.

[Soundbite] "Remain seated there. We will go in."

The suicide attempt was discouraged after being persuaded by counselors.

[Soundbite] Park Kyung-hee(Gimhae Mental Health and Welfare Center) : "Despite the saying that those who want to die will die, there can be a butterfly effect if a life is saved."

A daily average of 36 people killed themselves in South Korea last year. In particular, senior citizens 60 years old or above account for the largest portion. This is why suicide prevention programs for elderly people are crucial. In this rural community, most of the residents are elderly people living alone. While attending yoga classes for three months, the elderly villagers have regained vitality with their depression relieved.

[Soundbite] Choi Hyun-sool(Gimhae Resident) : "We gather, laugh and exercise together and there is no time to feel depressed. We are happy."

More local government are training life protection workers who care for neighbors who are at risk of committing suicide.

[Soundbite] Lee Eun-mi(Gimhae Mental Health and Welfare Center) : "More life protectors should be trained and fostered to care for and protect each other."

With the nation's transition into an aging society, local governments are working hard to devise measures that help elderly people who feel isolated and marginalized.