A New Non-Face-to-Face Care Service for a Comfortable Retirement - Let's Communicate with Family Through Easy Television Calls

Recently, a new communication service for elderly people living alone has been launched in Japan. This service, called 'Chikaku' (ちかく), allows families to easily make video calls through the television without any internet setup, simply 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 the elderly, to use. In addition to video calls, this service also allows users to monitor the elderly person's daily routines, including their wake-up times.

The president of Chikaku stated, "It's easy for anyone to use, and we've been receiving various inquiries from home care and medical professionals."

According to the Japanese Cabinet Office, the number of single-person households headed by individuals aged 65 or older is increasing every year, and is estimated to reach nearly 8.2 million households by 2025. This new service has emerged in response to this trend and is helping facilitate smooth communication between elderly individuals and their families.

This service will be available for purchase at all DOCOMO stores nationwide starting May 14th.

During old age, opportunities for interaction with others can easily decrease. Especially for those living alone, if they become unable to go out due to health issues, they can easily become isolated. Prolonged periods of solitude can have negative impacts on both physical and mental health.

Therefore, appropriate social interaction is essential for the elderly. Regularly participating in hobbies or community gatherings can improve mental well-being, maintain cognitive function, and provide opportunities for physical activity.

Hobbies can include activities like Shogi, tennis, choir, knitting, and hiking, while community gatherings can include attending local community meetings, participating in town events, volunteering, and visiting senior centers. Regularly visiting facilities specifically designed for the elderly, such as nursing homes, senior housing, and day care centers, is also beneficial.

However, safety precautions are necessary when engaging in external activities. Avoid overexertion and respect the individual's wishes. Companions should regularly check on the elderly person's health, avoid asking inappropriate questions or using baby talk.

Social interaction promotes brain activation, improves physical function, strengthens ties with the community, and helps with self-management. Therefore, it's beneficial for the elderly to interact with various people, beyond just their family members, to enjoy a healthy later life.

This newly launched service is expected to contribute to resolving the issue of isolation among elderly individuals living alone, in conjunction with the Japanese government's efforts to promote elderly-friendly policies.