Greem Pharmacy's "Maeum Chaeum" Eases Depression and Deepens Engagement

i-Scream Media's senior cognitive art therapy program "Greem Pharmacy" ran, together with Hanam Misa Senior Welfare Center, the "Maeum Chaeum" program for older adults experiencing depression.

Building on the strong participation and positive response observed in earlier Greem Pharmacy field trials (PoC), the program was designed to take a closer look at emotional change among older adults and at how well digital art activities work in the field. It ran four sessions in total, from July 15 to August 5, with 15 older adults taking part.

Over that period, participants worked through Greem Pharmacy activities such as drawing, coloring, and puzzles, and the digital drawing sessions accompanied them on a path toward more active engagement and a more positive frame of mind.

The results on emotional change were especially encouraging. Among the seven participants who completed both the pre- and post-test on the Korean version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (S-GDSK), the average score fell about 27.1%, from 6.86 to 5.00, and all seven saw their depression scores go down. The number of participants in the at-risk group dropped from four before the program to one afterward, with three moving into the not-at-risk group.

On satisfaction, participants praised the fun of the coloring and puzzle activities and the sense of accomplishment that came with finishing a piece, scoring about 4.7 on emotion and self-efficacy and about 4.8 out of 5 on how the classes were run. Comments included "The classes were a lot of fun," "I felt a real sense of accomplishment when I completed the puzzle," and "I wish the classes were longer."

The program confirmed that Greem Pharmacy's digital art activities have the potential to serve as a preventive program that deepens engagement and expressive experience while supporting emotional stability and everyday vitality for older adults.

i-Scream Media will keep working with community partners to develop the program so that more older adults can enjoy Greem Pharmacy comfortably and close to home. We ask for your interest and support for the joyful changes older adults will create together with Greem Pharmacy.