[Report] Grandma also uses AI: “Uploading cute moments of grandchildren as short videos using AI”

Digital learning center crowded with seniors over 60
69 locations nationwide
Smarter senior centers…Remote exercise classes will become the norm

“Press the plus (+) button in the bottom left, select Gallery from the options that appear, and select the photo you took. You can then say this in the chat window.”

On the morning of the 6th, Gomdarae Elderly Welfare Center in Gangseo-gu, Seoul. In a classroom on the fourth floor of the center, a lecture was being held on how to create emoticons using generative artificial intelligence (AI). According to the instructor’s guidance, about 30 students over the age of 60 were operating Google’s generative AI service Gemini app. Two assistant instructors also participated to support elderly people who had difficulty keeping up with class.

Nearby was a space labeled “Seoul Digital Learning Center Experience Zone.” Inside the area, there are tablet PCs, kiosks used in physical stores, and smart tables with full-screen screens. There were also eye-catching features, such as a Go robot that allows you to play one-on-one against elderly people, and a kiosk that diagnoses your eye health.

One of the 69 AI Digital Learning Centers located across the country. Here, we provide AI and digital competency education for people, including middle-aged and elderly people, who have difficulty using AI and digital tools. This initiative started in 2020 as the Digital Learning Center Project, and this year the focus shifted to strengthening AI competency education with the aim of integrating AI into daily life.

The AI ​​Digital Learning Center is so popular among seniors that there are no empty seats in the classroom. The AI ​​Experience Zone is visited by many seniors who want to try out various services that utilize AI. Cha Sung-hye, a lecturer on AI applications here, said, “Admission to the digital learning center is so popular that there is a lottery,” adding, “Elderly people are very interested in learning how to use AI. Some even use AI to compose music or plan trips.”

Seniors who participated in the class also expressed their satisfaction. Hwang In-jik (84), who attended the AI ​​class, said, “I used to ask my grandson how to use smartphone apps, but now, thanks to generative AI, I can use kiosks and look up subway timetables, which are useful in my daily life.” Fellow student Hwang Tae-hyun (69) said, “Many people my age are not computer savvy, so it was difficult for me to answer my grandchildren’s questions.After taking the AI ​​course, I found it both fun and convenient.I want to learn how to create and upload short videos of cute moments with my grandchildren.”

The Ministry of Science, Information and Communications plans to expand both AI digital learning centers and outreach education this year. The number of AI digital learning centers will increase from 37 to 69. These centers will be located in easily accessible locations such as libraries and community service centres. For digitally vulnerable people who have difficulty visiting base centers, on-site education will also be expanded to senior centers and welfare facilities. AI education programs will also be diversified, covering topics such as Vibe coding and basic AI skills.

Remote exercise classes at the “Smart Senior Center”… Health management for the elderly using kiosks

On the afternoon of the same day, a group exercise class for the elderly was being held at the senior center of Gwanak Dream Town Apartment in Gwanak-gu, Seoul, but there was no instructor in sight. Instead, instructors demonstrated gymnastics to background music through a large video conferencing system installed at the center. The screen showed the instructor, senior citizens from Gwanak Dream Town, and participants from other senior centers. The instructor provided real-time posture correction to the elderly through the screen.

On one side of the center, a banner reading “Nation’s Best Model Smart Senior Center” stood out. Gwanak Dream Town Senior Center is designated and operated as a smart senior center. It is equipped with a video conferencing solution for seniors, and is used not only for exercise classes like the one on the day, but also for real-time education in the leisure and welfare fields, such as singing classes and health classes.

It is also possible to manage the health of elderly people who visit the facility. On one side of the room is a healthcare kiosk with equipment such as body composition monitors and blood pressure monitors. Through the healthcare kiosk, the personal health information of the elderly is analyzed and managed. This video conferencing solution also integrates with health centers, allowing participants to participate in health management programs. Smart Senior Centers located in remote areas utilize video conferencing systems to provide non-face-to-face medical consultations.

Since transitioning to the Smart Senior Center, feedback from the seniors we have visited has been positive. As of last year, more than 1,700 people visited each year, with an average satisfaction rate of over 90%.

Lee Do-gyu, director of the policy office at the Ministry of Science, Technology and Information Communication, said, “AI is not a tool only for a few experts, but should be something that everyone, including the elderly and marginalized groups, can benefit from technology and improve their quality of life.By expanding outreach education using 69 AI digital learning centers across the country and carefully developing comprehensive AI services, we will support Korea’s leap forward as a leading country in digital inclusion.”

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