After 3 Years of Barefoot Walking, 92-Year-Old Mother's Dementia Fully Recovers; Long-Term Care Grade Returned

A 92-year-old woman diagnosed with dementia has shown remarkable improvement, with her family attributing her recovery to a consistent practice of walking barefoot on natural ground. Her son, Lee Ho-seong, shared that his mother, Noh Soon-ja, has experienced such significant progress that she no longer requires state-provided long-term care services.

Noh Soon-ja had been receiving a Grade 3 long-term care designation from the National Health Insurance Service due to her dementia. This grade qualified her for substantial state support, covering most of her care costs, including weekly in-home care and bi-weekly bathing services. The family was set to receive these benefits until January 2030.

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My mother, after two years of walking barefoot, saw her dementia improve.

However, Lee Ho-seong explained that his mother's daily life is now free of issues, making the care grade unnecessary. He decided to relinquish the designation, foregoing the approximately 1.17 million won (about $850) monthly subsidy. The family's experience suggests a powerful, albeit unconventional, approach to managing cognitive decline, highlighting the potential impact of simple, natural activities on health.

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My mother has no problems with daily life, so I returned the Grade 3 long-term care designation from the state.