Goheung-gun Distributes 'Hyodoli' to Elderly Living Alone

Companion Robots Reduce Loneliness and Monitor Health of Elderly Living Alone

Gohung-gun, Jeollanam-do (Governor Gong Young-min) announced on the 29th that it has distributed companion robots called ‘Hyodoli’ for elderly people living alone in the region who need care.

The distribution targets were selected from elderly individuals receiving customized care services, focusing on those living alone with depression or social withdrawal based on evaluations of disease and cognitive abilities, and 50 units were distributed.

[Photo by Goheung-gun]

The companion robot Hyodoli not only provides voice companionship from waking up to bedtime but also assists with daily life management such as customized conversations according to situations, medication reminders, and schedule management. It helps alleviate depression and monitor emotional and physical health through various cognitive and physical activity programs including singing, quizzes, and religious activities.

In particular, it is linked to a 24-hour emergency monitoring control system, which can request emergency rescue if no movement is detected from the elderly person for a certain period, thereby preventing dangerous situations.

A county official said, “We hope this project will help alleviate depression among elderly people living alone and improve their quality of life,” adding, “We will work harder to ensure there are no blind spots in customized care for the elderly.”

Meanwhile, Gohung-gun expects that the companion robots will greatly contribute to improving the psychological stability and depression of the elderly, as well as their quality of life. The system also includes a monitoring app for caregivers, which is expected to help prevent crisis situations in advance.

Gohung = Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Shim Jeong-woo hss79@asiae.co.kr