100 units distributed to elderly residents in Mokpo — depression scores fall, medication adherence rises
South Jeolla Province said its "AI companion dog emotional health one-stop support project" has produced significant improvements in emotional stability and depression among elderly people living alone.
The province was the only local government in the country selected for the Ministry of Health and Welfare's smart social services pilot program in 2025, and distributed 100 care robots shaped like companion dogs to elderly residents living alone in rental housing in Sangdong, Mokpo.
The care robots conversed with elderly users to provide emotional companionship and supported their health management and daily routines through features including meal and medication reminders, music, exercise routines and quizzes.
Among program participants, those in their 70s made up the largest share at 49 percent, followed by those in their 80s at 25 percent, those in their 60s at 21 percent, those under 60 at 4 percent, and those aged 90 or older making up the remainder. Women accounted for 59 percent of participants. Elderly residents who had previously gone without anyone to talk to interacted with their AI companion dogs an average of 54 times a day. The most frequently used content was trot music at 26.6 percent, followed by religious music such as hymns and Buddhist chants at 15.3 percent.
An analysis of the program's outcomes found a marked improvement in participants' mental health. Depression scores on a geriatric depression scale fell 63 percent, from 7.34 to 2.74, and 32 of the 33 participants — 97 percent — who had been classified as at-risk recovered to normal levels. The share of participants who said they took their medication on time also rose from 20 percent before the program to 80 percent afterward, indicating improved health management practices.
"AI care robots went beyond being simple machines — they served as emotional companions and health management partners for the elderly, which makes this program deeply meaningful," said Jeong Gwang-seon, director of South Jeolla Province's health and welfare bureau. "We will continue expanding AI-powered care services to reach those who fall through the gaps in the care system."
Building on these results, the province has also been selected this year for the Ministry of Health and Welfare's social services underserved-area program and is expanding integrated care services using AI companion robots for elderly people living alone on islands in the region.
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