Shincheonji Busan Church Youth: A Heartwarming Journey of Companionship That Began in Busan
The risks associated with older adults driving are something most of us can understand. As people age, physical abilities may decline and cognitive functions can change. Yet simply giving up the steering wheel because of age is not an easy decision. For many older adults, driving is not merely a means of transportation. It is an essential part of maintaining their daily lives—whether going to the hospital, shopping for groceries, or carrying out other everyday activities. Against this backdrop, a heartwarming act of companionship unfolded in Busan, aimed at protecting the mobility rights of older adults while also ensuring the safety of those around them.
Shincheonji Church of Jesus, Busan Church, conducted a campaign for 48 elderly drivers to assess their driving abilities and provide guidance on necessary safety measures. The campaign aimed to prevent accidents involving older drivers while ensuring their right to mobility. What stood out about this campaign was that, rather than simply excluding older adults from the road because of their age, it helped them assess their own condition and explore ways to continue driving more safely.
The elderly drivers assessed their own driving abilities through cognitive function tests. Among the participants, 41 also signed a safety pledge, promising to practice safe driving. For those who experienced difficulties while driving or needed additional support, the campaign provided information about the requirements for installing devices designed to reduce pedal misapplication. It also assisted participants directly with the application process..
For older adults who were unfamiliar with using digital devices, the campaign also provided guidance on how to call a taxi and use public transportation. By teaching them how to use public transit and mobility apps, as well as other transportation alternatives to driving, the campaign offered practical support to help them maintain their daily mobility.
One participant expressed her gratitude, saying, “As I’ve gotten older, I’ve noticed that my reflexes are not as quick as they used to be, but the thought of giving up driving felt overwhelming. The young volunteers helped me apply for a driving safety device and patiently taught me how to use alternative transportation apps, which has taken a huge weight off my shoulders. Now, I feel more confident that I can protect not only my own safety but also the safety of others on the road.”
This campaign also demonstrated the importance of communication between generations. Perhaps this is the kind of companionship and support we need in our society. We too easily exclude older adults from society. Yet they have spent years contributing to their communities and dedicating themselves to their families. When we consider this, perhaps the small efforts we make—as family members, neighbors, and members of the community—to better understand and care for them can help make our society a safer and healthier place for everyone.
Shincheonji Church of Jesus, Busan Church, also plans to expand its efforts by providing supplies and mobility assistance services for people with transportation challenges. Lee Young-no, head of the Busan James Tribe, said, “The issue of elderly drivers is not the responsibility of individuals or any particular system alone. It is a challenge that the entire community must work together to address and solve. Going forward, we will continue to harness the strengths of our young people and take the lead in building a warm community where older adults can live safely and with dignity and respect.”
Reference : https://vo.la/9WMJ9Eg
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