A new communication service for elderly people living alone has recently been launched in Japan. This service, called "Chikaku (ちかく)", allows families to easily make video calls through their TVs without the need for internet settings by installing a dedicated terminal in the elderly person's home.

The terminal has a built-in SIM card, eliminating the need for internet connection setup, making it easy for anyone, even seniors, to use. This service allows not only video calls but also the monitoring of the elderly person's daily routines, such as wake-up time.

The president of Chikaku said, "It is easy for anyone to use and we have been receiving various inquiries from home care and medical professionals."

According to the Japanese Cabinet Office, the number of single-person households with residents aged 65 or older has been increasing every year, and is estimated to reach nearly 8.2 million households in 2025. This new service launched amidst these circumstances helps facilitate smooth communication between elderly people and their families.

This service is scheduled to be sold at Docomo stores nationwide from May 14th.

In old age, opportunities for interaction with others can easily decrease. Especially for those living alone, it's easy to become isolated as health issues can make going out difficult. Spending long periods alone can negatively impact both physical and mental health.

Therefore, proper interaction is essential for older adults. Participating in hobbies or local community gatherings regularly can benefit not only mental health but also maintain cognitive function and provide exercise opportunities.

Some hobbies include Shogi, tennis, choir, knitting, and hiking, while community gatherings can involve local community associations, town events, volunteer work, and senior centers. Regular visits to facilities dedicated to the elderly, such as nursing homes, retirement communities, and daycare centers, are also good options.

However, safety precautions must be taken when participating in outside activities. Avoid excessive participation and respect the person's wishes. Companions should check the elderly person's health condition frequently and avoid inappropriate questions or baby talk.

Social interaction contributes to brain activation, improved physical functions, strengthening ties with the community, and self-care. Therefore, it is beneficial for older adults to interact with a variety of people, in addition to their families, for a healthy retirement.

This newly launched service, in conjunction with the Japanese government's promotion of age-friendly policies, is expected to help address the issue of isolation among elderly people living alone.