culture

The Pyongyang Old People’s Home is situated on the banks of the picturesque Taedong River.

Choe Chong Sim, director of the old people’s home, said that all pieces of furniture in the institution from the mats, rugs and cushions in the floor-heated bedrooms which are favoured by the old people to different kinds of electronic goods and foot massagers are associated with the country’s policy of caring for the elderly.

Many inhabitants of the old people’s home, including the occupants of Room 125 which was visited by the respected General Secretary Kim Jong Un, said that they cannot describe the state benefits they receive in a few words.

Pak Kun Suk said that she cannot help shedding tears of gratitude whenever she receives new clothes and shoes according to seasons and sits at the dining table full of nutritious foods and early fruits at every meal.

Jo Hyo Gyong, who is over 90, said that she is having a pleasant time in good health, reading newspapers and playing different games under the care of the state.

Fermented soybean products of the Pyongyang Condiments Factory are supplied to the old people as one of the national benefits for the aged.

Kim Kuk Chol, head of a workteam of the factory who came to deliver the foods to the old people, said that fermented soybean is one of the health foods that the Korean ancestors have enjoyed from olden times, adding the factory regularly sends fermented soybean products to the baby home, orphanage, primary and middle schools for orphans and old people’s home in the city.

The old people enjoy diverse activities like reading books, taking walks and doing exercises at the institution equipped with such welfare service facilities as a barbershop and beauty parlour and film-watching room, exercise room, library, treatment room and resting sites. In its hydroponic greenhouse, they cultivate flowers and vegetables to enjoy the joy of creation.

The Pyongyang Orphanage and Pyongyang Baby Home located near the old people’s home give another pleasure to the aged people.

The bright and cute looks of the children give them youthful vigour and laughter.

Ri Cho Ok said that all the senior citizens are enjoying their remaining days thanks to the state policy of putting forward the elderly as revolutionary forerunners and taking care of them with all sincerity.