Gwangju Nam-gu Expands Distribution of AI and IoT Devices for Seniors

Nam-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, is expanding its senior health management project that utilizes advanced devices based on artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IOT) to manage basic health and chronic diseases.

On the 24th, Nam-gu announced, "We are conducting an AI·IOT-based senior health management project targeting seniors aged 65 and older who need to improve their health management habits," adding, "Starting this year, we will increase the proportion of new participants by about four times compared to last year, providing health management devices to approximately 420 seniors."

The AI·IOT-based health management project is a specialized initiative for the happy aging of seniors in the district. Since being selected as a participating institution in the Ministry of Health and Welfare's 'AI·IOT Technology Senior Health Management Service Pilot Project' in 2020, Nam-gu has been implementing this project annually.

In particular, based on the abundant know-how gained after being selected for the pilot project, Nam-gu has achieved significant results in managing chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes and improving dietary habits. In 2022, it was also selected as the best institution in the AI·IOT-based senior health management field in the government-led 'Local Government Health Promotion Project Digital Healthcare Performance Evaluation.'

The reason for significantly expanding the number of new participants this year is that the effectiveness of the AI·IOT-based senior health management project has been proven, attracting so much popularity that many applicants are on waiting lists every year.

To address the imbalance in demand among seniors, Nam-gu has expanded the recruitment scale for new participants to 420 this year.

This is an increase of 4 to 7 times compared to 60 participants in 2022 and 110 participants in 2023.

Nam-gu plans to conduct preliminary evaluations, including basic health checks and chronic disease status, for 420 new participants by mid-next month. Based on individual health conditions, they will provide essential devices for senior health management selected from five types: activity trackers, scales, automatic blood pressure monitors, blood glucose meters, and AI speakers.

Additionally, education on how to use the ‘One Day Health’ app, which links devices and checks seniors’ health status daily, will be provided. Health management will be conducted through non-face-to-face methods such as landline phone calls and app push notifications.

Furthermore, from September to October, a follow-up evaluation will be conducted to reassess participants’ basic health checks and chronic disease management status. Seniors who achieve their target goals will receive health management supplies as incentives.

A Nam-gu official stated, "Recruitment for new participants this year has already been completed, but if any vacancies arise, we plan to conduct additional recruitment," adding, "In this ultra-aged society, we will provide health management services using advanced technology so that all seniors in the district can enjoy a happy life."