South Korea Uses AI to Call Elderly Living Alone Weekly
South Korea is using artificial intelligence to make weekly phone calls to elderly people who live alone. The AI checks on their safety and well-being in what has become the world's fastest aging society.
South Korea has deployed an AI system that calls senior citizens living alone on a weekly basis to check their safety and health. The country faces the world's fastest aging population, making elder care a critical challenge.
When elderly people don't answer their phones, express pain, or show signs of distress during these AI calls, human workers immediately take over. Municipal employees can then talk directly with the senior while reviewing the AI conversation records to better understand the situation.
The country is also using AI robots called Hyodol that live with seniors in their homes. These robots use ChatGPT technology to have conversations, remind people to take medication, and encourage them to eat meals. The robots speak in cheerful voices and are designed to fight loneliness and help prevent dementia.
This AI care system has been successfully operating, reaching the country's most vulnerable population. The technology serves as a safety net for seniors who might otherwise go days without human contact.
As more countries face aging populations, this shows how technology might help care for isolated seniors. It could prevent emergencies and reduce loneliness when human caregivers aren't available.
Watch for other countries with aging populations to test similar AI elder care programs.
Was this article helpful?
0 people found this helpful