How South Korea Uses AI to Check on Its Elderly
By Choe Sang-Hun
Reporting from Seoul, Bucheon, Seongnam and Yongin, South Korea
Published April 28, 2026
South Korea leads the world in aging. The country uses AI to care for its seniors. It faces a fast-growing group of older people. Many seniors now live alone. There are few doctors, social workers, and family helpers. The government and companies use AI tools to help.
AI-Powered Care Calls: A Lifeline for Seniors
Many seniors depend on AI in daily life. For example, Park Jong-yeol, an 81-year-old veteran, uses an AI call service. His device, "Talking Buddy," calls him often. It tells him to eat, take pills, and talk with friends. The bot has a friendly tone. Its words keep him safe and alert. It stays by his side when he is lonely and when his memory fails.
A Timely Intervention Saved a Life
AI once acted fast to help a 77-year-old woman named Chung Yun-hee. One day in late 2024, she felt severe pain while home alone. Her smartphone’s bot asked, "Are you okay?" Even as she replied weakly, the bot raised an alert. A social worker came quickly. The worker took her to surgery for a dangerous hernia. Doctors later said any delay might have cost her life. She said, "They said AI saved me."
Addressing a Growing Societal Challenge
South Korea’s senior group has doubled in 15 years. Now, more than 20 percent of the people are older adults. This change strains the health and support systems. With fewer caregivers than needed, AI now fills some gaps. These tools check health, send reminders, and spot signs of dementia and other age issues. Their quick alerts help start care early and improve life quality.
The Future of Elderly Care
South Korea faces an aging future. AI tools like "Talking Buddy" now bridge missing care links. They offer help on time and give seniors a sense of bond and safety. Although issues like privacy and warmth still challenge the system, AI steps forward. It shows a strong new way to meet the urgent needs of its aging people.
Try this workflow today, Writer Link AI and Write Easy provide smart outputs with a natural voice. Get started with a free plan at