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Korea Herald
19-05-2025
- Health
- Korea Herald
Loneliness hits 62% of solo households in Seoul, city steps up care programs
More than 6 in 10 people living alone in Seoul say they often feel lonely, and over 1 in 8 report having no one to turn to in times of real need, according to a new study released Monday. A survey of 3,000 single-person households by the Seoul Institute, a think tank funded by the city, found that 62.1 percent of respondents experience persistent loneliness. Another 13.6 percent fall into what researchers classify as social isolation: individuals with no support network when they are emotionally distressed, physically unwell or in sudden financial trouble. The problem is especially stark among middle-aged men. In the 40 to 64 age group, 66 percent reported loneliness, and 15.8 percent were socially isolated. Marital status was also a major factor. Those who were married but living alone were the most likely to feel lonely, at 68.6 percent, followed by the widowed (66.8 percent), divorced or separated (63.8 percent) and never-married (59.6 percent). These findings were based on the UCLA Loneliness Scale. This is a common psychological tool that identifies loneliness through 20 self-assessment items, with a total score ranging from 20 to 80. For this study, a score above 43 was categorized as lonely. National figures reinforce the trend. South Korea's official 2024 Social Indicators report, published by Statistics Korea in March, found that 21.1 percent of the population feels lonely, up from 18.5 percent a year earlier. The share of people who say 'nobody really knows me' also rose to 16.2 percent. The stakes are serious. South Korea recorded 3,662 cases of 'lonely deaths' in 2023, or people who died alone without family or support. Men accounted for 84 percent of those cases, with more than half in their 50s or 60s, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare. In response, Seoul launched a five-year, 451.3 billion won ($322 million) plan in October called 'Seoul Without Loneliness.' It includes emotional support hotlines, early detection systems and in-person care services. One key service, the 'Goodbye Loneliness 120' phone line, received more than 3,000 calls between April 1 and May 8. By dialing 120 and selecting option 5, residents can speak with trained counselors 24 hours a day for emotional support or referrals to additional services. Most callers were middle-aged adults (59 percent), followed by young people (32 percent) and seniors (8 percent). The city is also testing out 'Seoul Maeum Convenience Stores,' which are community spaces in four districts where any resident can drop in for a free bowl of ramen and talk to trained staff or volunteers. Since March, more than 4,400 people have visited. Mayor Oh Se-hoon visited one Friday in Dongdaemun and said the program is still in its early stages but promised to expand it so 'anyone struggling emotionally has a place to go.'
Associated Press
17-04-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Belmont Village Senior Living Recognized with 2025 U.S. News & World Report's Best Senior Living Awards
HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 17, 2025-- Belmont Village Senior Living proudly announces that U.S. News & World Report Best Senior Living ratings recognized 27 of its communities with Best Senior Living designations and High Performing Accolades as part of their 2025 list of the best senior care providers in the nation. The honored communities represent nearly 80% of Belmont Village's portfolio, showing a 35% increase in representation in 2025. This marks the fourth consecutive year of acknowledgment, demonstrating Belmont Village's ongoing commitment to providing unparalleled care and services tailored to seniors' needs. 'At Belmont Village, our unwavering commitment to excellence in senior living and resident-centered care remains our highest priority,' said Patricia Will, Founder & CEO of Belmont Village Senior Living. 'We are honored that a growing number of our communities have been distinguished by U.S. News & World Report this year, reflecting our dedication to innovation and the highest standards of care. U.S. News awards the designation of 'Best Senior Living' only to those communities that satisfy U.S. News' rigorous, data-driven standard, reflecting the viewpoints from more than 450,000 consumer surveys. Additionally, U.S. News recognizes outstanding performance in several key areas with a High Performing accolade. Now in its fourth year, the 2025 Best Senior Living ratings from U.S. News evaluated over 3,800 communities in the United States. Communities are evaluated on several criteria, including resident and family members' satisfaction with safety, care, community management and staff, value and other services and amenities. With loneliness called 'America's invisible epidemic,' linking it to senior health concerns, U.S. News incorporated insights from the UCLA Loneliness Scale — a tool used to assess social connection and identify potential health risks related to isolation. Loneliness and isolation continue to be major concerns for older adults, with nearly 70% nationwide reporting moderate to severe feelings, according to research published in the National Library of Medicine. Based on Belmont Village's survey results, just 11% of Belmont Village residents reported similar feelings, highlighting the power of socialization and the company's deep commitment to fostering connection, community, and overall well-being. 'Choosing a senior living community is a big life decision for older adults and their loved ones. U.S. News' Best Senior Living ratings offer families a data-driven search tool, providing transparent and comprehensive assessments of quality,' said Ben Harder, managing editor and chief of health analysis at U.S. News. 'We commend the communities that have earned this distinction, reflecting their unwavering dedication to resident well-being and satisfaction.' About Belmont Village Senior Living Founded in Houston in 1997, Belmont Village is an integrated developer, owner, and operator of high-quality senior living communities with more than 4,600 employees and 5,000 units. Its 35 locations across the country and in Mexico City, provide award-winning independent, assisted living and memory care programs. The Company collaborates with UC San Diego, USC, UCLA, and Baptist Health South Florida to innovate its programs for cognitive health and life enrichment. The company is a market leader in major markets including the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, San Diego, Chicago and South Florida. Renowned for distinctive design, high standards of life and safety, and reputation for leading-edge, quality programming, Belmont Village has been certified as a Great Place to Work ® since 2018 and has been recognized by U.S News & World Report as Best in Senior Living. LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram. About U.S. News & World Report U.S. News & World Report is the global leader for journalism that empowers consumers, citizens, business leaders and policy officials to make confident decisions in all aspects of their lives and communities. A multifaceted media company, U.S. News provides unbiased rankings, independent reporting and analysis, and consumer advice to millions of people on each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. News is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on education, health, politics, the economy, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers and consumer products and services. For more information on the U.S. News Best Senior Living ratings, explore Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X using #BestSeniorLiving. View source version on CONTACT: Ashley McManus [email protected] KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA TEXAS INDUSTRY KEYWORD: COMMERCIAL BUILDING & REAL ESTATE NURSING CONSTRUCTION & PROPERTY SENIORS FAMILY MANAGED CARE HEALTH CONSUMER GENERAL HEALTH SOURCE: Belmont Village Senior Living Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 04/17/2025 09:07 AM/DISC: 04/17/2025 09:07 AM
