Japan testing new tech to prevent heatstroke among elderly

According to the Environment Ministry, elderly people accounted for about 85% of heatstroke fatalities in 2024, with most deaths occurring at home. The Environment Ministry has launched a pilot project to help protect elderly people from heatstroke by utilizing artificial intelligence and sensors to encourage them to use air conditioners properly. The initiative aims to identify heatstroke risks proactively as extreme heat continues to claim the lives of many elderly people indoors. The project features three programs -- an AI-based system that estimates core body temperatures and notifies users of the risk of heatstroke via a smartwatch, a monitoring system that notifies registered family members through an app when indoor temperatures exceed certain levels, and a system that automatically activates air conditioners based on room temperatures. The test uses commercially available products developed by medical device manufacturers.