DistantNews
Support us
🇰🇷 South Korea /Good News

Mail carriers seek out elderly at risk of dying alone in South Korea, checking health and hygiene during deliveries

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Postal workers in Jangheung, South Korea, are proactively checking on elderly residents living alone as part of a "Well-being Postal Service."
  • Mail carriers deliver essential goods and assess residents' health, hygiene, and living conditions, reporting any concerns to local authorities.
  • This initiative aims to prevent 'lonely deaths' by fostering a sense of connection and ensuring vulnerable individuals receive necessary welfare support.

In the South Korean county of Jangheung, postal workers are going beyond their traditional delivery duties to become lifelines for elderly residents living alone. The "Well-being Postal Service," now in its second year, sees mail carriers like Park Ju-han visiting vulnerable households twice a month to deliver necessities and, crucially, to check on their well-being.

Mother, you've moved to a nice place. How is your shoulder?

— Park Ju-hanGreeting Ms. Na, an 80-year-old resident, during a well-being check.

Park recently visited Ms. Na, an 80-year-old resident, bringing a box of soy milk. He inquired about her health, specifically her recovering shoulder, demonstrating a personal connection built over time. Na shared her struggles with daily tasks due to her condition, expressing reluctance to travel for further surgery if it meant leaving her beloved pet alone. Park also discreetly assessed the cleanliness of her home, a vital part of his checklist.

I can't even lift a bowl of rice or do anything because of this shoulder. They told me to go to Yeosu for surgery again, but I didn't go. If I go, this one (her pet) will be alone.

— NaExplaining her health condition and reluctance for further surgery.

His assessment for Ms. Na noted, "Difficulty moving her arm due to pain and challenges with daily life. Continuous health monitoring is necessary." Park explained his method: "I intentionally engage in more conversation because I can't know their health status just by looking." This approach proved life-saving last July when Park discovered a 70-year-old man who had collapsed and hit his head. Despite the man's plea not to call emergency services to avoid alarming his children, Park contacted the county office, ensuring the man received necessary medical attention and surgery.

Difficulty moving her arm due to pain and challenges with daily life. Continuous health monitoring is necessary.

— Park Ju-hanHis written assessment of Ms. Na's condition on the service checklist.

The service, a collaboration between Jangheung County and the local post office, supports 150 high-risk households. Mail carriers use a checklist covering health, living conditions, and hygiene, reporting findings to the county, which then connects residents with appropriate welfare services. Last year, this led to 2 people being linked to long-term care, 7 identified as at risk of lonely death, and numerous others receiving electrical safety checks and repairs. This initiative highlights how a simple act of regular, personal contact can foster a sense of care and prevent isolation among the elderly.

I intentionally engage in more conversation because I can't know their health status just by looking.

— Park Ju-hanExplaining his method for assessing residents' health.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog