Kaohsiung to Survey Solitary Seniors from June, Aiming to Visit 150,000 People in 2 Years

Kaohsiung, May 11 (CNA) — Kaohsiung has entered a super-aging society, with over 150,000 households of residents aged 65 and above living alone. To enhance the quality of the survey, the Kaohsiung Social Affairs Bureau is collaborating with the civil administration system to conduct six training sessions starting in May. The survey work is estimated to begin in June, with an anticipated 150,000 people to be visited over two years.

The Kaohsiung City Government Social Affairs Bureau explained that Kaohsiung has entered a super-aging society, and coupled with changes in family structures and social观念, the number of solitary seniors has been increasing annually. Statistics show that this year, there are 155,770 households of residents aged 65 and above living alone according to household registration data, with 66,000 of these households comprising seniors aged 75 and above.

The Kaohsiung Social Affairs Bureau stated that to grasp information on solitary seniors city-wide, expand care services, and enhance survey quality, six training sessions are being held this year for relevant civil administration system staff of district offices, community wardens (li gan shi), and ward chiefs (li zhang). Two sessions were completed on May 8, with the remaining four sessions to be held on May 12, May 14 (two sessions), and May 19.

The Kaohsiung Social Affairs Bureau issued a press release this morning, noting that through systematic training in interview assessment techniques and practical knowledge, they will proactively conduct surveys of solitary seniors registered as living alone to identify those in potential need of care.

The Kaohsiung Social Affairs Bureau indicated that a total of 38 district offices and over 600 people will participate in the training. Subsequently, they will proactively confirm the actual living situations of seniors and understand their needs, providing tiered care visits, meal services, emergency relief, and other related services based on their needs. The survey work is expected to commence in June this year, with an estimated 150,000 people to be visited over two years.

The Kaohsiung Social Affairs Bureau pointed out that the survey targets include seniors aged 65 and above living alone, and two seniors aged 65 and above living together or living with someone without caregiving ability. After assessment, those deemed in need of care will be connected to community care and support centers to strengthen the support network, providing care and assistance to nearby solitary seniors, supporting their physical and mental well-being, and establishing a social support system.

The Kaohsiung Social Affairs Bureau added that to prevent the shadow of fraud from affecting seniors' willingness to be surveyed, all survey personnel will wear interviewer identification and official documents to ensure residents feel secure during visits. If citizens discover solitary seniors in need of care, they can contact the Evergreen Comprehensive Service Center at "07-7710055" or dial the Senior Care Service Hotline at "0800-095785." (Editor: Chen Ren-hua) 1150511