Expat volunteers help Seoul seniors celebrate birthdays

While a group of Mongolians in their native costumes sang songs and played traditional instruments, an elderly man sat in a wheelchair listening with his eyes closed, almost meditatively.

He was one of the residents marking a birthday at Seoul Dongbu Senior Care Center, but he never expected he would celebrate it with his foreign neighbors.

To celebrate recent 80th and 90th birthdays, a volunteer group of 25 expats from the Seoul Global Center visited the center in Hongik-dong, on Friday.

On the way to the care center some of the volunteers said they were anxious about the visit, as they had no prior experience with seniors.

“I have participated in some volunteer activities before but I’ve never been involved with any programs for the elderly. I am not sure if I can help the seniors well so I’m kind of nervous,” said Shangbai Tong, a university student from China.

The caregivers helped make the special birthday event shine by delivering birthday wishes in their own languages and traditional clothes and accompanying the seniors throughout the party.

For some residents whose family members did not come, the volunteers took a “family photo” with them, ensuring that nobody was left out.

While a social worker was spicing up the party with fun games and a magic show, the friendly neighbors from afar engaged in conversation with the seniors. 

Their frail, physically-impaired condition and the possible language barrier did not seem to hinder them from communicating with each other. They held hands and shared eye contact.

“I wish I knew more Korean so that I could spend more quality time with the seniors,” said Daniel Czarny, a German student at Myongji University.

He said the visit had inspired him to work harder to improve his Korean speaking skills.

Those who suffer from serious illnesses, such as an Alzheimer’s, were often unable to speak at all, but the look in their eyes encouraged the volunteers.

Dorjpagam Jagdal from Mongolia helped an elderly woman in a wheelchair eat some of the party food.

“The lady I looked after never let go of my hand and I instantly realized how lonely she has been,” she said.

“Even if it is something small, the idea that I could do something for the seniors here made me feel so happy.”

After the party, the group helped set the tables for dinner and provided assistance for the elderly residents, most of whom were unable to move as freely as they wished and were largely dependent on volunteers and social workers.

Several Chinese volunteers sang songs in Chinese and Korean while the elder residents had dinner, giving the meal a festive atmosphere.

One elderly lady was looked after by young woman from the Philippines who had immigrated through marriage to Korean men. One was feeding her with a spoon while the other held her hand.

“My parents currently live in the Philippines and the seniors I met here remind me of them. I felt like I was spending time with my own parents while I was helping the residents at the care center,” said Robely Diamzon, one of the two. She vowed to continue showing the true meaning of love by helping the needy in her community as often as she can.

The volunteers helped their neighbors with practical things like assisting with meals, sharing conversation and providing entertainment, but the most indispensible and caring part of their activity was helping to alleviate loneliness.

The volunteers said they would be back to visit their new friends and have been inspired to further volunteer there on a regular basis. 

By Michelle Kang

Michelle Kang is English editor at the Seoul Global Center. She can be reached at michyk@sba.seoul.kr. ― Ed.