JP7773768B2 - Life support system and method for the elderly - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a system and method for supporting elderly people and others with declining memory and cognitive functions to live safely and with peace of mind.

In recent years, the number of elderly people has increased, with many couples living alone as their children have separated, and many people living alone. Today, the proportion of the population aged 65 or older exceeds 25%, with one in eight men and one in five women living alone. According to the 2017 White Paper on the Elderly, the number of dementia patients in 2012 was approximately 4.6 million, or 15% of the elderly population, but it is estimated that by 2025, one in five people, or 20%, will have dementia. However, when elderly people with declining cognitive abilities live alone, various problems arise, as listed below.

(1) It becomes difficult to maintain relationships with the local community that are determined by date (day of the week) and time, and it becomes difficult to participate in local events, take out the trash that is determined by day of the week, go to medical institutions, receive visiting services or day care services from nursing homes, etc.
(2) You lose track of time when it's time to wake up, eat, and go to bed, and you tend to forget to do daily chores, such as cleaning, laundry, and taking regular medications.
(3) You may lose track of dates (days of the week) and forget special days such as your birthday, wedding anniversary, or public holidays.
(4) There are cases where the person fails to pay attention to serious dangers that could lead to serious accidents, such as handling fire or locking doors, and this can cause the family and surrounding residents to feel seriously endangered.
(5) When ties with the general public become weak, the psychological state of elderly people and others tends to become autistic, they become isolated and do not listen to the warnings or advice of others, and they are more likely to develop physical and mental disorders.
(6) Family members have their own daily lives to attend to, so they cannot constantly keep an eye on the elderly person's life, and they live each day with a constant sense of anxiety.

By the way, there are various technologies known to help elderly people in their daily lives.
The "monitoring system" disclosed in JP 2021-33979 A attaches a reed sensor to the door of the bedroom, toilet, or other area used by the subject every morning, and begins detection at a set time of the subject's choosing. When the subject wakes up and the detection unit detects a reaction from the reed sensor, the system shuts down and waits until the set time the next day, at which point it starts detecting again. Only if no movement is detected within a set time of the subject's choosing, the system sends a notification to the person monitoring the device via email or app sensor over the internet.

The "monitoring device" disclosed in JP 2017-38266A allows elderly people who are not familiar with using smartphones or computers to easily engage in asynchronous, two-way communication using social networking services.
A monitoring device in which a second user monitors a first user using an external system includes a button press detection unit, an audio conversion output unit, a video/audio recording unit, and a transmission path learning unit. When the button press detection unit detects a short press of a button, the audio conversion output unit outputs information transmitted by the watcher using the external system, and when a long press is detected, the video/audio recording unit inputs the voice of the person being watched and transmits it using the external system. The transmission path learning unit can identify the recipient of the information transmitted by the input means based on the content of the information transmitted by the watcher and the person being watched.

The "Business Model of a Monitoring System Using Smartphones" described in JP 2016-146150 is a monitoring system that stores monitoring information capturing the presence and movements of residents who are the targets of monitoring on a server on the Internet, and can be viewed by registered monitors and businesses.
Monitoring information obtained from smartphones or from various sensors wirelessly connected to smartphones is collected and stored on a server connected to the Internet via the smartphone's data communication function. Monitoring information capturing the presence and movements of the resident being monitored, as well as whether they are out or in the room, is stored in chronological order on a server on the Internet and can be viewed by pre-registered monitors or monitoring companies.

Further, a "disability information sharing system" according to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2013-235321 and a "lifestyle monitoring system and method" according to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-196812 are known.
"Monitoring system" according to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-33979 "Monitoring device" according to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-38266 "Business model of a monitoring system using a smartphone" according to JP 2016-146150 "Disability information sharing system" according to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-235321 "Life monitoring system and method" according to Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2005-196812

As such, when elderly people live alone, various problems often arise due to a decline in memory and cognitive ability. The problem that this invention aims to solve is to enable families of elderly people who are forced to live separately from the elderly due to financial or family circumstances to resolve issues specific to the elderly and support the elderly so that they can live safely, thereby providing a sense of security to the elderly's family members and other related parties.

The device is a tablet-type product equipped with a CPU and various information storage devices, and can display the date, day of the week, and time. It also has the ability to take video or still images using a built-in camera, measure temperature using a connected temperature sensor, detect motion using a connected motion sensor, input and set data such as audio, video, and still images, and then output them according to date, time, and conditions, and has a communication function for communicating with the outside world. The device is installed by the elderly person's family or a relative of the elderly person in a location where the elderly person is often present, such as the living room where the elderly person lives. However, it can also be installed in other rooms via wired or wireless LAN and operated as multiple devices. The device can be powered by connecting to an electrical outlet or by battery power.

The device is programmed with general explanations about dates and days of the week, hourly time announcements, images, background music, etc. during the manufacturing stage so that elderly people can always clearly be aware of the date and time. The device outputs the date, time, and other messages as needed in a standard voice that is spoken by a third party or an artificial voice; these messages are called standard messages.
In contrast, a family member of the elderly person who is close to the elderly person and who the elderly person will remember will not forget the message and will give a warning or message to the elderly person in their own voice. In addition, a moving or still image can be set in advance in the device, and the date, time, and other information can be output from the device as needed. This is called a family message.

Every morning, at the set wake-up time, the device outputs a standard message such as "Good morning. Today is XX day. Let's live another day with energy," along with background music and images. In contrast, at the set bedtime, it outputs a nighttime greeting such as "Thank you for your hard work today. Good night," along with background music and images. Additionally, when the clock function strikes 0 minutes into the hour, it outputs the time, such as "It is now XX o'clock," along with standard voice, background music, and images.

In addition to the standard message output according to the date and time, by adding a family message using voice and images from the family of the elderly person that the elderly person is accustomed to hearing, effective communication between the elderly person and their family can be realized as follows.
(1) When the device is first installed in the elderly person's home, the installer can directly input information specific to the elderly person or information necessary for the elderly person as a family message into the device in addition to the standard message set when the device was purchased, and the date, time, and other information can be output from the device as needed.
Furthermore, even after the device is installed in the elderly person's home, the family member can input a family message into their smartphone and remotely input and set the date, time, and output the message as needed into the device via the network.
(2) Important notices, contacts, explanations, etc. can cause serious problems if forgotten by the elderly person, so the date and time display function of the device can be used to repeat them multiple times for each date and time.
(3) The family message can be edited to increase the interest of the elderly person, and the date, time, and other information can be output as needed to arouse the elderly person's attention and interest.
Specifically, the system uses the elderly person's favorite songs and background music, memorable photos and videos from the past, and calls for necessary communication and attention.
(4) When a family member calls the elderly person, the family message can use serious and stern images and audio expressions to warn the elderly person about matters that may lead to serious danger or trouble for the elderly person or the area around the elderly person's home, or matters that must be strictly observed, so that the elderly person can feel more aware of the seriousness of the warning.
(5) Family messages can be made more effective by constantly observing and improving the attention and communication effects that the family member who inputs the message has on the elderly person.

The family message is created in advance by the family of the elderly person using their own voice and image according to the situation of the elderly person, and is tailored to the date (day of the week), time, and the situation and conditions of the elderly person.The family member can directly input and set the message into the device at the elderly person's home by the morning of the day at the latest, or can remotely input and set the message into the device from the family member's smartphone.The specific content is as follows:
(1) Information to support the elderly person's lifestyle habits according to the time of day
(2) Explanations and cautions for special days for the elderly person; (3) Notices and necessary information for the local community in which the elderly person lives; (4) Explanations and cautions for days when special weather conditions are predicted; (5) Explanations and cautions for maintaining the health of the elderly person.
(6) Explanations and precautions regarding the safety of the elderly person and the community. (7) Explanations of significant changes to the elderly person's environment or family. (8) Background music and music output to soothe the elderly person's mind.

A temperature sensor that measures temperature and a motion sensor that detects movement are connected to or built into the device, and the device detects the average temperature around the device and any movement at regular intervals. When the temperature exceeds the upper or lower limit of a pre-set safe temperature, a warning message is output via voice and on the screen, preventing elderly people from falling into a dangerous temperature situation.
(1) The temperature sensor connected to the device measures the average temperature around the device every hour, and when the average temperature exceeds the upper or lower limit of the safe temperature range, and when a moving object is detected within that time by the motion sensor connected to the device, a warning message urging caution about high (low) temperatures is output on the device's screen and a voice alert is issued at the same time. If the average temperature exceeds the upper or lower limit but no moving object information is detected during that time, the warning message is not output.
(2) The average temperature information for that time, the motion detection information, the device's unique number, and data regarding the presence or absence of a warning message are called sensor information and are sent to the service center server every that time.

The role of the service center that provides the elderly life support system of the present invention is: (1) When the installer installs the device in the elderly person's home, the installer receives the elderly person's personal data, such as the elderly person's identification number, name, age, sex, and other necessary information specific to the elderly person, entered into the device via the Internet and registers it on the server as the elderly person's personal record.
(2) Pictures, photographs, background music, etc. that are popular with elderly people are periodically transmitted to a device installed in the elderly person's home.
(3) Receives sensor information such as the average temperature per hour, the number of moving objects, abnormal high and low temperatures, and warning messages measured by the device at regular intervals and adds it to the elderly person's sensor file stored in the server as new sensor information. At the same time, the sensor file is sent to the elderly person's family member's smartphone at a time determined between the elderly person's family and the service center.
(4) If the date (day of the week) and time of the device are not correct, correct them.

The life support system of the present invention promotes the elderly's safe and secure lifestyle by providing necessary information through a device installed in the elderly's home. The device constantly displays the date, time, and day of the week, and outputs audio and visual information, including the date, time, and other information necessary for daily life, as needed. The output messages are either standard voices provided by a third party other than the family, based on input and settings made during the device's manufacturing process, or unique voices created by family members or other individuals as needed and spoken in the voices of the family members. Because the unique voice messages are created by family members or other individuals familiar with the elderly's personal information, they are delivered in a voice and style familiar to the elderly, helping to maintain the elderly's safety. Furthermore, the device 1, which appears as a clock or framed image and is placed in the elderly's permanent residence, serves as a comforting interior item for the elderly. By using this life support system, elderly people can more clearly and reliably understand messages output by the device according to date, time, and other conditions, significantly improving their daily lives and ensuring safety. For family members who are constantly concerned about the safety of their elderly loved ones but are too busy with daily life matters to keep an eye on them, installing the device 1 relieves them of the need for constant 24-hour vigilance, providing peace of mind. These family messages can be continuously analyzed for their effectiveness and refined to become more effective, increasing their effectiveness with continued use. Furthermore, family members can periodically receive temperature data from the device's temperature sensor and object movement measurement data from the motion sensor via a service center on their smartphones, allowing them to know the room temperature where the device is located and the motion detection status on the front of the device, enabling them to take necessary measures before a serious accident occurs. Furthermore, if the room temperature rises above or falls below a pre-set safe temperature, the device can issue a voice and visual warning to the elderly to evacuate, preventing heatstroke and hypothermia caused by dangerous temperatures.

Diagram of the elderly support system. FIG. The device is equipped with a temperature sensor, motion sensor, and speaker. The system measures indoor temperature data and the number of motion detections, outputs a warning message, and also contacts the family's smartphone via the service center. A specific example of a system in which the device periodically transmits sensor data, indoor video, and audio data to a service center. A concrete example of a system that updates an alert file with hourly sensor data and periodically sends alert information to family members' smartphones.

Figure 1 is a system diagram showing an overview of the life support system according to the present invention. As shown in the figure, the life support system is composed of a device 1 (voice timer) installed in the elderly person's home, a smartphone 2 owned by a family member who lives separately, and a server 3 installed in a service center.
The device 1 provides explanations of publicly known information according to the date and day of the week, and standard messages input during the device 1 manufacturing process are output audibly and on the screen according to the date and time. After the device 1 is installed in the elderly person's home, any family messages 11 that are needed temporarily can be input from the family member's smartphone 2 and sent to the device 1 as temporary messages 12 via the service center's server 3, allowing for temporary warnings and explanations to the elderly. The service center 3 receives sensor information from the device 1 every hour, updates the sensor file for the day, and transmits the latest sensor information to the smartphone 2 held by the elderly person's family member at the set time. The service center 3 also provides services for delivering various images, music, and other information to the device 1, and can correct the time and date displayed on the device 1 if the date or time on the device 1 is incorrect.

Figure 2 is an external view of device 1, which supports the safe and secure daily lives of elderly people according to the present invention. It can be installed on a table or hung on a wall in a suitable location in the elderly person's home, and the screen constantly displays the date, day of the week, and time, and also has the function of outputting necessary information and warnings by voice. In addition, paintings and photographs can be displayed in the background of the screen to soothe the elderly person's mind.

The present invention aims to support elderly people who live apart from their families so that they can live safely and securely. In addition to standard messages informing them of the current date, day of the week, etc., the system outputs a family message 11 spoken by the elderly person's family member from the speaker of the device 1 shown in Figure 2.

The basic functions of the device 1 are as follows.
(1) Standard message output using standard voice. - It has a clock and calendar function, and therefore the date, time, and day of the week are preset in the device 1.
- At ○○ o'clock in the morning, a buzzer will sound or background music will play, followed by a standard message such as "Good morning. Today is ○○ day. Let's live today with energy," followed by the current date and day of the week, as well as background music and images.
- At ○○ o'clock in the evening, a standard message will be output, followed by the necessary background music and images, such as "Thank you for your hard work today. Have a good night."
(2) Setting and Output of Family Messages When installing the device 1 in the elderly person's home, the family member can input their own voice and text into the device 1 as a family message 11 to provide necessary warnings and notifications for the elderly person's health and safety. This family message 11 is output following the standard message that is input and output at each time each day, as follows: Once the input is complete, the device 1 can be transported to the elderly person's home and installed by the family member or a third party, either on a table in the living room or hung on the wall.
- Special anniversaries that the elderly person should remember, such as birthdays, wedding anniversaries, anniversaries of death, etc. - Day service days, hospital visit days, garbage collection days, local resident activity days, etc., whose dates, days, and times are determined in daily life based on external factors, are set in advance and output in advance according to the date and time.
- Outputs information about activities that must be done at set times every day, such as wake-up time, bedtime, meal times, taking regular medications, and time to pick up and drop off at day care centers, according to the date, time, and situation.
- Precautions regarding the elderly person's diet and lifestyle to prevent risks arising from their health condition or chronic illness.
(3) Setting and sending temporary family messages via smartphone Family messages are input directly from the input unit of device 1 before device 1 is installed in the elderly person's home, but after device 1 is installed, if a family member wants to convey temporary warnings or contact information to the elderly person, such as the following, they can create a temporary family message 12 using their own voice on the family member's smartphone, send it to device 1, set it, and output it as voice or image according to the date, time, and situation. Temporary messages 12 differ from family messages that are output periodically, and are output after a buzzer sounds, as it is necessary for the elderly person to be fully aware of the message.
- When severe climate change such as cold days, extremely hot days, approaching typhoons, heavy rain, or heavy snow is expected in the area where the elderly person lives, or when such disasters occur and caution is required depending on the situation.
- When you want to give caution or advice about diet, behavior, etc., taking into consideration the health condition of the elderly person.

The device 1 is provided with upper and lower limits for safe temperatures that are set in advance, and an emergency message 13 is sent to prevent serious accidents by predicting dangers that may occur to the elderly person or their surroundings using information from the device's temperature sensor and motion sensor.
(1) A temperature sensor connected to the device 1 constantly measures the ambient temperature, and the average temperature for one hour is recorded as the average temperature for that hour in the memory unit of the device 1. At the same time, a motion sensor constantly detects moving objects in front of the device during that hour, and the number of detections for that hour is recorded as the number of moving objects for that hour in the memory unit of the device 1.
(2) If, while measuring the hourly average temperature, the measured temperature is above (or below) the set safe temperature and, at the same time, the motion sensor detects any motion in front of the device, a buzzer will sound from the audio output unit of device 1 through the speaker to alert the elderly person, outputting "Mr./Ms. XX! The temperature is dangerous. Please evacuate this room immediately" on the screen of device 1, and the audio output unit will also output a similar message in a standard voice, and increment the number of danger indications by 1. This function will be discontinued when the hourly average temperature falls within the safe temperature range or when the hourly motion detection count reaches 0, but will continue as long as the condition persists.
(3) Each item of sensor information (temperature, moving body information 9) of the elderly person recorded in the device 1 is transmitted to the service center every hour, and the service center updates the sensor file.
(4) The family of the elderly person can receive sensor information, such as temperature and motion information 9, from the sensor file for the past 24 hours from the service center at a preset time on their smartphone. If the family of the elderly person has installed devices 1 in all rooms where the elderly person lives, they can check the sensor file information for the past 24 hours for each device 1 to ensure the safety of the elderly person.

3 shows the temperature sensor 6, motion sensor 7, and speaker 8 provided in the device 1. Although not limited to this, a safe temperature range for elderly people to live safely is set between 10°C and 28°C, and the temperature sensor 6 constantly measures the ambient temperature of the device 1.
In addition, a moving object sensor 7 constantly detects a moving object (movement of an elderly person) in front of the device 1 .
Therefore, if the ambient temperature exceeds the set temperature (10°C to 28°C), a warning message is output from the speaker 8. Also, if the motion sensor 7 does not detect any movement of the elderly person, a warning message is output in the same way.

FIG. 4 shows a specific system that outputs an emergency message 13 by measuring indoor temperature data and moving object detection count data, and also notifies family members' smartphones 2 via a service center 3.
For example, if the ambient temperature exceeds a set temperature (10°C to 28°C), a buzzer will sound from the speaker 8, and the screen of the device 1 will display a danger display screen 10 showing a message such as "Mr./Ms. XX, it's too hot (or too cold). Please evacuate immediately." Similarly, a voice message such as "Mr./Ms. XX, it's too hot (or too cold). Please evacuate immediately" will be output from the speaker 8.
If the number of warnings exceeds a predetermined number, an emergency message 13 is created and sent to the service center 3. The specific content of the emergency message 13 is not limited, but for example, it could be "XXX - XXX, safe temperature OVER (UNDER) XXX°C." This emergency message 13 is then sent from the service center 3 to the family member's smartphone 2.

FIG. 5 shows a specific example of a system in which sensor data, indoor video and audio data for a predetermined period of time are transmitted from the device 1 to a service center every hour.
When a device 1, 1, . . . is installed in each room of the elderly person's home, sensor data, indoor video, and audio data are transmitted from each device 1, 1, .
Here, the items displayed as sensor data in the figure are merely examples and are not limiting.

FIG. 6 shows a specific example of a system that updates an alert file with sensor data at each time and periodically transmits the data as alert information to a family member's smartphone 2.
As shown in the table in the figure, data can be created for each device 1, 1 . . . and sent to the family's smartphone 2.
The system displays the ambient room temperature (max) and (min), and creates a table showing the average temperature for each time period, the number of motion detections, the number of danger indications, and the number of emergency contacts.The created table can then be sent to smartphone 2 via the Internet.

1. Device (voice timer)
2 Smartphone 3 Service center 4 Painting 5 Picture frame 6 Temperature sensor 7 Motion sensor 8 Speaker 9 Temperature and motion information
10 Danger display screen
11 Family Message
12 Extraordinary Messages
13 Urgent Message

Claims (21)

1. A support system for elderly people that allows them to live safely and securely, comprising a device placed in the elderly person's home, a smartphone carried by the elderly's family, and a service center equipped with a server connected to and capable of communicating with the device in the elderly person's home, the device being a tablet- type device with the functions of receiving information from the service center, receiving information sent from the smartphone and displaying it on its screen, and also having the functions of emitting sound, the device being capable of transmitting information sent by the elderly person to the smartphone, the device having the appearance of a frame for displaying paintings or photographs and being placed on a table or hung on a wall in a room, various paintings and photographs being periodically sent from the service center and displayed on the screen at all times, and when information is sent from the family member's smartphone or the service center, the information is displayed in priority to the paintings or photographs, and a temperature sensor and a human presence sensor are attached to the external frame covering the device, the human presence sensor is configured to collect digital data showing the elderly person's movement in the area in front of the device, and the temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature around the device and collect digital data at regular intervals and transmit the collected data to the smartphone . The elderly life support system of claim 1, in which the device is installed in each room of the elderly person's home. 3. A life support system for the elderly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein when it is time to wake up , the voice and image of a family member that the elderly is accustomed to hearing is displayed , and a standard message of "Good morning. Today is XX day. Let's live a healthy day today" is outputted mixed with background music and images, and when it is time to go to bed, a night greeting of "Thank you for your hard work today. Good night" is outputted mixed with background music and images, and further, when a predetermined time is reached every hour using a clock function, the time is outputted mixed with standard voice, background music and images, saying "It is now XX o'clock." An elderly life support system as described in claim 1, claim 2, or claim 3, in which the storage device of the device records audio and image data that can be output according to a specified date, day of the week, and time. An elderly life support system as described in claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, or claim 4, wherein the device functions to emit the voices of family members and display still or moving images of the family members' faces and figures. An elderly life support system as recited in claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, claim 4, or claim 5, in which, if no movement of an elderly person detected by the built-in camera motion sensor occurs for a set period of time, an emergency buzzer sounds, a message calling on the elderly person to check on their safety is repeated a set number of times, and the camera photographing function and voice input function are activated to send audio data about the indoor situation to a smartphone. 10. The elderly life support system according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, wherein when the temperature obtained from the temperature sensor exceeds a set upper or lower limit and the temperature exceeds a set time, an emergency buzzer sounds, a message calling on the elderly person to check on their safety is repeated a set number of times, and the camera function and voice input function are activated to transmit video and voice data of the indoor situation to a smartphone. A method of supporting elderly people to live safely and securely, comprising the steps of: a) providing a tablet device in the elderly person's home that has the function of receiving information from a service center, receiving information sent from a family member's smartphone and displaying it on its screen, and emitting sound; b) enabling information sent by the elderly person to be sent to the smartphone or the service center; c) providing the tablet device with the appearance of a picture frame for displaying paintings or photographs, and constantly displaying various paintings and photographs sent from the service center on its screen; and e) displaying information sent from a family member's smartphone or the service center in priority to the paintings or photographs; and d) providing a temperature sensor and a human presence sensor attached to the external frame covering the tablet device; e) providing the human presence sensor with digital data indicating the elderly person's movements in the area in front of the device, and e) providing the temperature sensor with digital data measuring the temperature around the device, which are collected at regular intervals and sent to the smartphone . 9. A method for supporting the daily lives of the elderly according to claim 8, wherein when it is time to wake up , a voice and image spoken by a family member that the elderly is accustomed to hearing is displayed , and a standard message such as "Good morning. Today is XX day. Let's live a healthy day today" is outputted mixed with background music and images, and when it is time to go to bed, a night greeting such as "Thank you for your hard work today. Good night" is outputted mixed with background music and images, and further, when a predetermined time is reached every hour using a clock function, the time is outputted mixed with standard voice, background music and images, saying "It is now XX o'clock." A method for supporting the daily lives of elderly people as described in claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the tablet-type device outputs audio and images in accordance with a specified date, day of the week, and time. The method for supporting the daily life of an elderly person according to claim 8, claim 9, or claim 10, wherein the tablet-type device emits the voice of the family member and displays the family member's face or figure as a still image or video. The method for supporting the daily life of an elderly person according to claim 11, wherein the method prompts the elderly person to wake up, get dressed, prepare breakfast, clean, care for pets, do gardening, go shopping or for a walk, prepare lunch, prepare dinner, and go to bed at appropriate times, and provides necessary precautions. The method for supporting the daily lives of the elderly according to claim 11, wherein special days for the elderly or their family members, such as birthdays, wedding anniversaries, and anniversaries of death, are notified. The method for supporting the lives of elderly people described in claim 11, wherein notifications and necessary information from the local community where the elderly person lives are sent, such as garbage collection days, community cleanups, various events, and matters related to the neighborhood association. The method for supporting the lives of the elderly according to claim 11, wherein on days when special weather conditions are predicted, such as extreme heat (cold) or stormy weather, notifications are sent to advise on air conditioning, restricting outings, and evacuating to a safe place. The method for supporting the elderly in daily life described in claim 11, which provides explanations and reminders regarding not forgetting to take medication, the time and attire required for pick-up and drop-off on day care or medical appointments, necessary personal belongings, and not eating old food that has passed its expiration date, in order to maintain the health of the elderly. The method for supporting the daily lives of the elderly described in claim 11, which includes informing the elderly to be careful when handling fire, not forget to turn off lights and electrical appliances, obey traffic rules, and be careful of crimes targeting the elderly. A method of supporting the daily life of an elderly person as described in claim 11, in which if the elderly person's spouse has previously died or is hospitalized or in a facility, a message carefully explaining this fact is sent multiple times a day to prevent the elderly person from realizing this fact. The method for supporting the daily life of the elderly described in claim 11, wherein messages about topics that the elderly like are issued while music or songs that the elderly are usually interested in are output. A method for supporting the daily lives of the elderly as set forth in claims 8, 9, 10, and 11, in which, if no movement of the elderly person detected by the human sensor occurs for a set period of time, an emergency buzzer is sounded and a message calling on the elderly person to check on their safety is repeated a set number of times, and the camera function and voice input function are activated to transmit the indoor situation as voice data to a smartphone. A method for supporting the lives of the elderly according to claim 8, claim 9, claim 10, claim 11, or claim 20, wherein when the temperature obtained from the temperature sensor exceeds a set upper or lower limit and the temperature exceeds a set time, an emergency buzzer is sounded and a message calling on the elderly person to check on their safety is repeated a set number of times, and a camera function and a voice input function are activated to send video and voice data of the indoor situation to a smartphone.