In South Korea, where super-aging demographics and single-senior households are rapidly expanding, community care faces a new challenge. In Yangpyeong County, over 30% of residents are aged 65 or older—meaning one in three people is a senior citizen.
As living longer gives way to the question of living healthier, Shincheonji Church of Jesus is pioneering a fresh approach: shifting seniors from passive recipients of care into active leaders of their own health and community well-being.
Through tailored initiatives across the Philip Tribe (Yangpyeong & Gangneung) and the Bartholomew Tribe (Yeongdeungpo & Gwangmyeong), church members are integrating health management directly into daily routines.
5-Minute Routines & Senior-Led Bowling in Yangpyeong and Gangneung
Rather than overwhelming seniors with complex workout plans, Yangpyeong Church (Philip Tribe) introduced a simple, highly sustainable habit: a "5-Minute Health Gymnastics" session held right before Sunday and Wednesday worship services.
"I always know I need to exercise, but doing it alone at home is tough," shared Kim Yeong-suk (72). "Stretching together before service feels natural and keeps me moving consistently."
Beyond the chapel, seniors gather twice a month at a local bowling alley. Uniquely, their instructor is not an outside hire, but 70-year-old Lee Han-bok, a seasoned local senior bowler. By sharing his talent with fellow members, Lee transforms senior care into inter-peer empowerment.
"Teaching what I love gives me immense purpose," Lee smiled. "Helping others with my experience brings vitality to my own life as well."
Meanwhile, Gangneung Church offers pulse-wave analysis and memory checks, helping elderly members monitor their physical condition early and build healthy daily habits.
1 Year of Dedicated Health Support & Home Visits in Bartholomew Tribe
In urban centers like Seoul and Gwangmyeong, where isolated elderly households are rising, the Bartholomew Tribe celebrated the one-year milestone of its "Health Support Program."
Operating across five regional churches, the program has served approximately 400 senior members with the help of 70 volunteers. Medical volunteers from the church welfare department conduct regular blood pressure and glucose checks, dementia screenings, and health counseling.
For 85-year-old Kim Il-ja, who lives alone in Gwangmyeong, three weekly visits from church volunteers bring both physical checkups and emotional companionship, complete with freshly prepared side dishes.
"It’s hard to visit clinics on weekends, but receiving regular blood pressure checks at church gives me peace of mind," said Bang Myeong-ja (83). "The side dishes prepared for my health fill my heart with love."
To prepare for everyday emergencies, the Bartholomew Tribe also conducted CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) training, producing over 200 certified members equipped to respond during critical moments.
Fostering Active, Connected Aging
The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that healthy aging relies heavily on regular physical activity and strong social connections to prevent loneliness.
By combining brief daily exercises, peer talent sharing, routine health checkups, and warm home visits, Shincheonji Church demonstrates a compassionate model for modern senior welfare. Moving forward, the church remains committed to supporting elders as empowered, vibrant pillars of society.
Source:
-https://vo.la/dVwp0O6
-https://vo.la/dVwp0O6
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