Samcheok in Gangwon Province is building what it calls a "Cool Town" model for real-time elderly care, combining advanced technology with in-person visits.
The Samcheok Public Health Center said Tuesday it is working to link its existing home-visit health management program with AI and real-time interactive Internet of Things-based services to better meet growing demand from an aging population.
The approach involves assessing each eligible resident aged 65 or older — registered under the home-visit health management program — on their health condition, ability to use digital devices and living environment, then assigning them either in-person or AI- and IoT-based remote care accordingly.
The health center is currently conducting screening and baseline surveys to assess each participant's health status and digital literacy. Results will be used to determine the most suitable care approach for each individual.
Those who require in-person attention — including residents with visual or hearing impairments or limited mobility — will continue to receive traditional home visits. Residents who are comfortable with digital devices and prefer remote care will be connected to the AI and IoT health management service.
The health center plans to complete participant screening and lay the operational groundwork this year, with a full rollout of AI- and IoT-based health management services set for 2027.
"We are carefully reviewing each person's health condition and living environment so we can provide more attentive home visits to seniors who need in-person care, and offer continuous AI- and IoT-based health management to those who can use digital tools," a health center official said. "We are doing our best with screening and baseline surveys right now to ensure a smooth full launch of the program in 2027."
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