치매가 있어도 함께할 수 있습니다 — 기억동행 박람회가 전한 이야기

 

Can People With Dementia Stay Socially Active? Lessons From Seoul’s Memory Together Fair

치매가 있어도 함께할 수 있습니다 — 기억동행 박람회가 전한 이야기

작성일: 2026년 9월 18일 | Published September 18, 2026

치매가 있어도 자신의 상태와 관심에 맞는 활동에 참여할 수 있습니다. 중요한 것은 잘하는지 평가하기보다, 어르신이 원하는 일을 선택하고 필요한 도움을 받으며 함께할 기회를 마련하는 것입니다.

서울에서 9월 17~18일 열린 ‘기억동행 박람회’는 이러한 모습을 소개했습니다. 브라보마이라이프의 9월 17일 보도에 따르면 경도인지장애·초기 치매 당사자와 가족들이 작품 소개, 음료 제공, 합창 등의 활동에 참여했습니다.

카페에서 방문객을 맞이하고 자신이 만든 물건을 소개하는 모습은 우리에게 질문을 건넵니다. 우리는 어르신이 어려워하시는 일만 살피고 있지는 않을까요? 여전히 좋아하고, 직접 해보고 싶은 일에도 귀를 기울이고 있을까요?

함께하는 활동은 거창하지 않아도 됩니다. 좋아하는 노래를 듣거나 꽃 색깔을 고르는 것, 사진을 보며 이야기를 나누는 것도 시작이 될 수 있습니다. 다만 참여를 강요하지 않고 피곤하면 쉬도록 하며, 그날의 상태에 맞게 조절해야 합니다.

이번 행사는 사회 참여 사례를 보여준 자리입니다. 활동 참여만으로 치매가 치료되거나 진행이 멈춘다는 의미는 아닙니다. 또한 경도인지장애와 치매는 같은 진단이므로 혼용해도 되는 말이 아닙니다.

가림이 이 소식에서 나누고 싶은 것은 단순합니다. 도움이 필요한 순간에도 어르신의 선택과 취향은 소중하다는 점입니다. “제가 해드릴게요”와 함께 “같이 해보실까요?”라는 말을 건네는 하루가 되면 좋겠습니다.

Can a dementia diagnosis leave room for an active social life?

Yes. A person living with dementia may still enjoy relationships, express preferences, and take part in activities with suitable support. What participation looks like will differ from person to person.

Social participation means being involved with other people through shared activities and relationships. It does not have to involve paid work, a crowded event, or a finished project.

Sometimes it is a conversation over a familiar photograph. Sometimes it is choosing flowers for a table. The invitation matters, but so does the freedom to say, “Not today.”

What happened at Seoul’s fair?

Seoul’s 기억동행 박람회, translated here as the “Memory Together Fair,” took place on September 17–18, 2026, to mark Korea’s Dementia Overcoming Day.

Reporting by Bravo My Life described people with mild cognitive impairment and early-stage dementia participating alongside families and community organizations. The event highlighted their contributions through creative work and public-facing activities.

Mild cognitive impairment and dementia are distinct clinical conditions. The participants should therefore not all be described as having the same diagnosis.

The fair offers an example of inclusion, rather than evidence that attending an event changes the course of a disease.

What can families take away from the story?

A useful question is: “What would this person like to contribute?”

Families often step in because they care. Taking over can feel quicker and safer. Yet there may be parts of an activity that a loved one still wants to choose or complete.

Consider setting a table together. One person might arrange napkins while someone else handles heavier items. During a craft activity, choosing a color may be more enjoyable than following every instruction.

These are examples to adapt, not tasks everyone should be expected to perform. A person’s interests, abilities, comfort, and willingness should guide the plan.

How can an ordinary activity feel more welcoming?

Start with an invitation, not a test.

“Would you like to listen to this song with me?” creates a different atmosphere from asking someone to prove that they remember its title.

Offer a manageable choice.

Instead of presenting many materials at once, try showing two possibilities. Leave time for a response, and accept a change of mind.

Share the task.

There is no requirement to finish independently. Working together can be the point.

Notice the person’s contribution.

“Thank you for choosing those flowers” acknowledges a decision without treating an adult like a child.

Allow a comfortable ending.

Stopping early does not make an activity unsuccessful. Quiet company or a rest may be the better choice that day.

AI-created illustration. This does not depict the fair, actual participants, or a documented GARIM activity.

Which activities could a family try?

The Alzheimer’s Association lists familiar music, singing, and looking through family photographs among activities to enjoy together.

Here are a few ways to keep the focus on companionship:

• Listen to a favorite song without asking memory questions.

• Look at a photograph and follow whatever conversation it inspires.

• Choose flowers or colors together.

• Share a simple creative activity, with help available.

• Enjoy sitting together when an organized activity does not appeal.

Choose materials and surroundings that are appropriate for the individual. For outings, think about accompaniment, seating, rest opportunities, and how easily you can return home.

Frequently asked questions

Does social participation treat dementia?

The fair’s news coverage does not establish a treatment effect. Meaningful activities can be part of daily life, but they should not be presented as a cure or a replacement for appropriate care.

Should someone be encouraged to join a group?

An invitation can be welcome; pressure may not be. Some people prefer one-to-one company or a familiar setting. Respecting that preference is part of inclusion.

What if a person makes mistakes?

Ask whether the mistake actually matters. In a leisure activity, a different color or an unfinished picture may need no correction. Help when needed while keeping the person involved.

Where can families ask about local opportunities?

In South Korea, families can contact their local Dementia Relief Center, known as 치매안심센터, to ask about available programs and participation requirements. Services and suitability should be checked locally.

Making room for the person

The strongest message to take from this story is a question worth carrying into daily care: have we left room for the person’s own choices?

Being included need not mean doing more. It can mean having a say, sharing a familiar moment, and being welcomed without having to perform.

At GARIMLAND, we share stories that encourage families to see the person alongside their care needs. This article reflects on a reported Seoul event; it does not describe GARIM’s participation in that event.

Sources

Bravo My Life, reporting on 기억동행 박람회, published September 17, 2026.

Alzheimer’s Association, “Activities to Enjoy if Someone Has Alzheimer’s or Dementia.”

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