The Memory Hub on-site collaborator, Elderwise, recently hosted four Handong Global University undergraduate psychology students, Jisoo Kim, Minju Gu, Jiyeong Baek and Juhui Kim, who came to Seattle to learn about innovative programs serving older adults and people living with memory loss. The students are part of the Humanities and Social Convergence Talent Training Project, funded by the Korean Ministry of Education and the National Research Foundation of Korea, whose goal it is to foster international learning opportunities on topics related to current societal issues in Korea, such as the needs of an aging population.
The students discovered the Memory Hub after reading The Elderwise Way, A Different Approach to Life with Dementia. The students decided to visit the Memory Hub, as well as Silverkite and the Central Area Senior Center as part of their research during their Overseas Exploration to find creative ways to address the demographic changes.
At the Memory Hub, the students learned firsthand about the Elderwise day program and the Spirit-Centered approach to working with people living with dementia and their care partners. They participated in the Elderwise morning guided conversation, joined the group on a walk in Maude’s garden, enjoyed watercolor painting, and engaged in singing and seated movement with the group.
"There was much laughter, wonderful intergenerational exchanges and cultural learning happening at the Elderwise table," said Janet Salsbury, Elderwise program coordinator and host for their visit.
The students shared a memory from an impactful moment they experienced at the Memory Hub, while visiting the Elderwise day program:
Visiting the Memory Hub community was so good for me because I learned about communication. I realized that communication is possible without verbal interaction, but by using body movement and eye contact. - Jiyeong Baek
"For me, it was smelling a flower [from Maude's Garden]. The weather was nice and the small talk was a good experience for me. The participants looked very happy, and they enjoyed the walk and rest in the garden" - Juhui Kim
"My favorite program was the garden too because talking and seeing nature with everyone brought peace to my heart. The most unforgettable part was the people I met. I was so impressed by how people participate at their own pace and are fully present in the moment. - Minju Gu
"My most significant realization was that programs can be created to include people with dementia. In Elderwise in Seattle, we saw an approach that emphasized patient and active listening and inclusion of the individuals to participate fully. So this experience has inspired me to explore creating similar programs for people living with dementia in our own country. The movement activity [in the Elderwise program] is attractive to me because I saw the people enjoying what other people were doing and concentrating their own mind and expressing their own thoughts.” - Jisoo Kim
The students emphasize their gratitude to the institutions and individuals who graciously supported them during the visit to Seattle. "Special thanks go to Janet Salsbury from Elderwise and Anthony at the Central Area Senior Center for their incredible cooperation in helping us explore senior program development and for sharing their knowledge and experiences. Your support allowed us to experience senior programs that are rare and difficult to access in Korea, and we have returned enriched and inspired,” writes Jisoo Kim.
Recently, 12 teams presented their findings at Handong Global University. "Based on these presentations, the school will be proposing these programs to the city of Pohang," writes Kim. "We believe that the insights gained during our visit will have a lasting impact on how we approach senior care in Korea."
Jisoo Kim, Minju Gu, Jiyeong Baek and Juhui Kim in Maude's Garden
