In a proactive stride towards addressing the challenges of an aging society, Cheonan City has forged a tripartite partnership with retail giant GS Retail Co., Ltd., and the Cheonan Senior Club to introduce an innovative 'Senior Pedestrian Delivery Pilot Program.' This groundbreaking initiative, announced on April 10th, aims to generate local employment opportunities for senior citizens through eco-friendly, walking-based delivery services, effectively promoting both economic self-sufficiency and physical well-being.

Following the lead of larger metropolitan areas like Seoul and Busan, Cheonan distinguishes itself as the first basic local government in South Korea to implement such a comprehensive program. This forward-thinking approach underscores the city's commitment to not only creating jobs for its senior residents but also encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle in their later years.

The core of the program revolves around GS Retail's 'Neighborhood Delivery' application, a platform designed for environmentally conscious, localized deliveries. Participating seniors, aged 60 and above and comfortable with smartphone technology and walking, will receive order notifications for lightweight items, including everyday essentials, groceries, and personal care products. These deliveries will then be carried out on foot within a designated 2-kilometer radius from the order source, typically a GS Retail convenience store or potentially other partner businesses in the future.

The compensation structure offers a commission ranging from ₩2,000 to ₩4,000 per completed delivery. This model acknowledges the physical capacity of the participants by focusing on low-weight goods and provides the added benefit of flexible working hours, allowing seniors to integrate delivery tasks into their preferred schedules. The initial pilot phase will involve a carefully selected group of 10 participants, allowing for thorough monitoring and refinement of the program.

The collaborative responsibilities are clearly defined within the memorandum of understanding. Cheonan City will assume the overarching role of program management and operational support, ensuring the smooth functioning of the initiative. GS Retail will contribute its technological infrastructure through the 'Neighborhood Delivery' app, oversee the recruitment, onboarding, and training of the senior delivery personnel, and leverage its retail network for order generation. The Cheonan Senior Club will play a crucial role in identifying and recruiting eligible seniors, providing essential pre- and post-program training, and offering ongoing support to the participants.

A key element of the program's design is the emphasis on the health and safety of the participating seniors. Before commencing their delivery duties in May, selected individuals will undergo thorough training sessions covering critical aspects such as pedestrian safety regulations, efficient delivery protocols, and the practical use of the 'Neighborhood Delivery' application on their smartphones. Furthermore, in a significant move to integrate health monitoring, Cheonan City will equip participants with smartwatches that will track their physical activity levels, including steps taken and distance covered, as well as other relevant health data. This integration of mobile healthcare aims to further incentivize physical activity and provide valuable health insights for the participating seniors.

Looking ahead, Cheonan City has articulated a strategic vision for the program's expansion. The success metrics and lessons learned from the initial 2025 pilot will be meticulously evaluated to inform a potential broader rollout of the senior pedestrian delivery initiative across the city in 2026. This phased approach underscores the city's commitment to sustainable and effective implementation.

The 'Senior Pedestrian Delivery Program' builds upon an existing successful partnership between Cheonan City and GS Retail, exemplified by the 'Senior Companion Convenience Store,' Cheonan's inaugural market-type senior job creation project launched the previous year. This ongoing collaboration highlights a shared commitment to exploring diverse and meaningful employment opportunities for the city's aging population.

Jeon Jin-hyeok, a senior executive at GS Retail, lauded the partnership, stating, "We are deeply honored to collaborate with Cheonan City in expanding the social engagement of senior citizens and fostering the creation of sustainable employment avenues."

Echoing this sentiment, Cheonan Mayor Park Sang-don expressed his pride in launching this pioneering program: "As the first basic local government to initiate a senior pedestrian delivery service, we are immensely gratified. We remain steadfast in our commitment to strengthening collaborations with private sector entities to further cultivate high-quality employment opportunities that promote the economic independence and healthy aging of our cherished senior residents."

The Cheonan Senior Pedestrian Delivery Program represents a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and age-friendly urban environment, demonstrating a holistic approach that values both the economic contributions and the physical well-being of its senior citizens. This innovative model could serve as a valuable blueprint for other municipalities grappling with the demographic shifts of an aging population.