"Singing is always a joy."
Those were the words of one elderly resident who attended the Yangcheon-gu Smart Senior Center Singing Contest.
Growing older, the resident said, makes shared moments all the more meaningful — and singing together makes them even better.
Yangcheon-gu held the "2nd ON Air Smart Senior Center Singing Contest" on Friday at the Mokdong Senior Smart Education Center, bringing together about 600 elderly participants from the district's smart senior centers.
The event, launched last year and now in its second edition, was designed to use smart technology to foster exchanges among senior centers and offer older residents new opportunities for cultural and leisure activities.
This year, five seniors who advanced through preliminary rounds took the studio stage to showcase their vocal talents, while 30 smart senior centers were connected in real time so participants at each location could watch and enjoy the competition together. Seniors at each center also took part in the judging, with scores tallied live to heighten the excitement.
District Mayor Lee Gi-jae visited the venue that day to encourage participants and performed a congratulatory song, adding to the festive atmosphere. After the competition, awards including the top "Gawang" prize were presented based on the on-site judging results, closing the event on a cheerful note.
The district operates 30 smart senior centers to expand healthy and active retirement opportunities for older residents. The centers offer tailored leisure programs — including singing classes and health exercise sessions via video platform — as well as health management services through smart devices, helping seniors stay socially active and maintain their well-being at centers close to home.
"Seeing our seniors come together through song and enjoy themselves this year, just as they did last year, fills me with pride and a deep sense of purpose," Lee said. "We will continue to provide attentive support so that our elderly residents can enjoy a healthy and vibrant retirement."
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