Embracing the local dialect for better health – The town of Nishikawa in Yamagata Prefecture has taken an innovative step by integrating an AI-powered health promotion app that understands and communicates in the local Yamagata dialect. This conversational AI is pre-trained to recognize the regional language nuances, enabling it to be a companion to the area’s senior citizens. Through friendly dialogue in their native tongue, the AI recommends personalized exercises tailored to the health needs of each user.
Launching post-May, the application will be distributed through tablets that the town’s administration has already provided to nearly all households. With an aging population that accounts for 48.3% of its residents, Nishikawa has made it a priority to foster health and prevent the need for intensive care among its elderly.
The app was developed by Tokyo-based “Creators Next,” which specializes in AI solutions. As standard AI is initially trained only in the correct dialect, a significant challenge was to teach it to understand the local Yamagata vernacular. This was addressed by having elderly locals deliver approximately 3,500 phrases in their dialect, effectively schooling the AI before its deployment.
What sets this app apart is its capability to “translate” Yamagata dialect into standard language, displaying the conversational exchange on-screen for clarity. Based on the dialogue with the user, the AI suggests from a repertoire of 13 different exercises, all under two minutes long, taking into account the user’s physical constraints and fitness level. For example, informing the AI about specific ailments like a bad back or restricted shoulder movement prompts it to propose suitable exercises that minimize strain on those areas. Additionally, users can watch exercise tutorial videos embedded within the app.
The introduction of the regional dialect is more than a nod to community identity; it’s seen by Mayor Daishi Sugano as a bridge to a healthier, longer-lived population who can delight in the use of their mother tongue while engaging in beneficial physical activities.
Key Questions & Answers:
Why was a health app developed specifically for the elderly in Nishikawa, Yamagata?
Nishikawa has a high percentage of elderly residents; with 48.3% of its population being senior citizens, there is a significant need to address their health and well-being proactively. The app was developed to support health promotion and to prevent the need for intensive care amongst this demographic.
What makes the AI-powered health app unique?
The distinctive feature of this app is its ability to understand and communicate in the local Yamagata dialect. This is particularly beneficial for the elderly, who may find it more comforting and easier to interact in their native language.
What challenges had to be overcome to train the AI in the Yamagata dialect?
A major challenge was programming the AI to understand and respond to the regional vernacular, which differs significantly from standard Japanese. This was accomplished through the collection of around 3,500 phrases spoken by local elderly individuals, which were used to train the AI.
How does the app tailor its exercise recommendations?
The app suggests exercises from 13 different options based on the user’s physical limitations and health conditions. Conversations with the AI allow the system to understand any specific concerns, such as a bad back or limited shoulder mobility, and recommend suitable exercises.
Advantages:
– Cultural sensitivity: By utilizing the local dialect, the app encourages engagement and use among the elderly population who may feel more comfortable with their native tongue.
– Personalization: The app customizes exercise recommendations to accommodate individual health conditions and fitness levels.
– Accessible technology: The app’s distribution on tablets, provided by the town’s administration, ensures that technology is accessible even to those who may not own such devices.
– Health empowerment: The app aims to empower the elderly to take charge of their health by providing easy-to-follow exercises tailored to their needs.
Disadvantages:
– Technological barriers: Despite the tablets provided, some elderly individuals might still face challenges in using digital technology due to unfamiliarity.
– Maintenance and updates: The app requires regular updates and maintenance to stay relevant and effective, which could pose financial and logistical challenges for the town’s administration.
– Language limitations: While effective for local residents, the app’s use of the Yamagata dialect may limit its adaptability in other regions without further development.
Key Challenges & Controversies:
– Technological adaptation: Ensuring the elderly population can adapt to using the app and troubleshooting any issues they may encounter.
– Resource allocation: Balancing the budget and resources between integrating traditional healthcare approaches with innovative technology-based interventions.
Suggested Related Link:
For more information about the development of health-related AI solutions, visit the main domain of the company behind the app: Creators Next. Please note that the availability of English content on the website is not guaranteed.