On the 11th, volunteers from the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Namsan Branch returned to the Hangang-ro 2-ga Senior Centre in Yongsan District, Seoul, to prepare and share lunch with 13 elderly residents. From 10am to 1pm, volunteers prepared seaweed soup and side dishes before sitting together with the seniors to share a meal and conversation.

The event was held as part of the regular ‘Baekse Manse (Long Live 100 Years)’ volunteer programme, which aims to support seniors’ physical and emotional well-being under the motto, “One day lived beautifully is beautiful enough.” The event was particularly meaningful for elderly residents in rural areas who may have limited access to healthcare, cultural activities, and opportunities for social interaction.

Returning volunteers were warmly welcomed by familiar faces, with seniors saying, “It is good to see your faces again,” and “You are like my grandchildren.”

Cooking together also created opportunities for natural conversation. A Namsan Branch official said, “When the elderly saw us preparing side dishes using cucumbers and onions, they asked about the cooking methods, which led to conversation,” adding, “During the meal, we naturally shared stories about our daily lives.”

The Namsan Branch has supported local seniors through ‘Baekse Manse’ since 2020, with a focus on maintaining relationships rather than providing one-time assistance. Looking ahead, an official expressed the branch's desire to continue to join forces with various community members to combat isolation among the elderly demographic and ensure a healthy old age.