In Daejeon, the number of solitary death cases has decreased for the first time in six years.
According to Daejeon City on the 20th, there were a total of 104 lonely deaths in the region last year, consisting of 85 men and 19 women. This marks a decrease of 37 cases (26.2%) compared to the previous year (2022) when the total was 141.
Among these, individuals in their 50s accounted for the largest group with 34 deaths, followed by 26 in their 60s, 14 in their 40s, 11 in their 70s, 9 aged 80 or older, 8 in their 30s, and 2 in their 20s.
The number of solitary deaths in the area had consistently increased from 56 in 2017 to 95 in 2018, 113 in 2019, 120 in 2020, 128 in 2021, and 141 in 2022.
The city attributes the decrease to its initiatives following the establishment of a support ordinance for solitary deaths last year. These initiatives include conducting surveys, educational programs to raise awareness of solitary deaths, and using information and communication technology (ICT) to monitor people’s well-being.
This year, the city allocated a total of 49.7 billion won to various efforts, including a 24-hour suicide prevention hotline, forming task forces to tackle solitary death issues, and supporting at-risk groups based on life stages.
A Daejeon city official stated, “The decrease in solitary deaths is the result of effective cooperation between local district offices and various public-private partnerships. We will continue to actively pursue initiatives to identify and support individuals at risk of solitary deaths in the region.”
Solitary death refers to the passing of a person who has lived in social isolation, disconnected from family, relatives, or others, often through suicide or natural causes.