財團法人張榮發慈善基金會

獨居長輩問題近年備受社會重視，基金會與臺北醫學大學護理學院高齡健康暨長期照護學系(簡稱高齡長照學系)，2018年開始合作「青銀共餐-獨居長者用餐不孤單」計畫，端午佳節將至，基金會服務團隊於6/15，在護理學院13樓大廳與長輩一起聯歡，除了吃粽子、共餐交流話家常外，還特別安排「用腳划龍舟」競賽，讓大家健康過端午，護理學院院長蔡佩珊及學務長林秋芬也一起出席同樂。

In recent years, Taiwan's elderly population has been growing rapidly, and it is estimated that by 2025, the country will enter an ultra-aging society, with the elderly population aged 65 and above reaching 20%.

Located in Sanxia, New Taipei City, Taipei Veterans Home (TVH) houses over 500 vulnerable or solitary veterans, half of whom are already incapacitated or bedridden and require specialists’ care and maintenance. The home-care bed that bedridden elders sleep on are over 15 years of age, now appear to be shaky with damaged hand controllers, arm rails or brakes, incurring risks on the users and causing extra burden on the caregiver.

As the COVID-19 pandemic has lasted for more than two years, many elders stay at home for a longer period of time, which may lead to feelings of boredom, oppression or loneliness, and may have a negative impact on their mental health. As the pandemic gradually subsides, it is important to encourage seniors to go outside.

In response to the aging population in society, Taipei Medical University (TMU) established the School of Gerontology in 2007 with a view to developing talents for elderly care, senior health assessment and health care project design. To improve social interaction for elders who live alone or from disadvantaged backgrounds, Chang Yung-Fa Charity Foundation has been collaborating with TMU School of Gerontology since 2018 in the “Youths and Elders Dine Together: solitary elders need not dine alone” initiative in the nearby neighborhoods: Siwei Village, Hui’an Village and Sanzhang Village.

As the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, the government has initiated a new campaign to promote LOHAS lifestyles, encouraging people to participate in activities that are good for their physical and mental health, such as nature walks, sports and travel, and to relax and enjoy life.

The sudden and rapid surge of confirmed cases once again put our daily routines out of whack. Chang Yung-Fa Charity Foundation and Veterans’ Service Department of Changhua County together organized the “Fragrant Lotus Leaves and Aromatic Zongzi for Veterans” celebration party for the Dragon Boat Festival. But the party was cancelled in the end due to the pandemic.

Founded in 1961, St. Mary’s Hospital Taitung has been serving eastern Taiwan for 60 years sparing no effort caring for disadvantaged low-income families in remote rural areas and received positive feedback from the general public for its service. The serious problems of aging population, increasing dementia among elders, and lacking 24-hour care institutions have for a long while placing a huge strain on the caregivers and the families

Long-term care for the elders has become a critical issue in Taiwan. In response to Taiwan’s aging society, Taipei Medical University set up the School of Gerontology in 2007 with the purpose of cultivating talents for elderly care, senior health assessment and community care project design.

The pandemic has abated in Taiwan recently and people have gradually got their life back on track. As a stress relief for the veterans, the Chang Yung-Fa Charity Foundation teamed up with the Veterans’ Service Department of Changhua and took the veterans out on outings, the veterans who once fought for the country. The trips and activities include boating on Sun Moon Lake, enjoying local gourmet food, paper cutting, and a dance-along session led by volunteers. The Foundation chairman, Wu Jing-Ming, joined in on the fun and everyone had a satisfying smile on the face enjoying the post-pandemic happy moments and reconnecting with society.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our pace of life and quietly changed the way we interact but does not stop the Chang Yung-Fa Charity Foundation from loving and supporting those in need. In compliance with the government pandemic prevention measures, the Foundation joined forces with the Veterans’ Service Department of Changhua in a charity event in the leadup to the Mid-Autumn Festival.