In the quiet suburbs of Seoul, an elderly woman sits beside her new companion—a doll designed to ease the solitude that has become commonplace among South Korea’s aging population. As the nation’s demographic shifts, more older adults are finding themselves living alone, prompting innovative solutions to address isolation and care.
These companion dolls, more than mere toys, are equipped with simple speech capabilities. They remind their owners to take medications, offer gentle greetings, and even alert authorities if they remain unmoved for twelve hours. This technology serves as a lifeline for many who have limited social interaction.
“It’s comforting to have someone—something—to talk to,” shares Mr. Kim, a 78-year-old resident of Busan. “The doll doesn’t replace my family, but it helps fill the silence.”
While the introduction of companion dolls has coincided with a decrease in suicide rates among the elderly, experts caution that these measures are only addressing the symptoms rather than the root causes of isolation and loneliness.
“These dolls provide immediate relief, but the underlying issues of social disconnection and inadequate support systems for the elderly remain,” explains Dr. Lee, a sociologist at Seoul National University.
Compounding the issue is South Korea’s persistently low birth rate, which continues to challenge the government’s efforts to balance the population. Fewer young people mean fewer caretakers for the elderly, and a shrinking workforce to support the economy.
The government has implemented various policies to encourage higher birth rates and improve elderly care, but progress has been slow. The rise of companion dolls underscores the urgent need for more comprehensive solutions to address the societal changes.
As South Korea navigates these demographic challenges, the stories of individuals like Mr. Kim highlight both the resilience of the elderly population and the importance of human connection.
“I hope one day, I won’t need the doll,” Mr. Kim says wistfully. “But until then, it’s nice to have a friend.”
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
