Page 24 - Seniorstoday Sep 2024 Issue

Technology
Medical Alert Systems Are
Lifesavers
Here’s everything you need to know before buying a medical alert system,
writes Karishma Joshi
Living in fear of falling is a harsh reality,
especially if you live independently.
Imagine the fear of spending agonisingly
long hours on the floor, either unconscious
or desperately hoping someone comes
to your rescue. Not receiving help
within an hour of falling could lead to
increased dehydration and pressure sores,
not to mention a heightened sense of
helplessness.
This fear escalates if you have hearing
and vision impairments, type 2 diabetes,
or run the risk of having a heart attack or
stroke. These complications can lead to
dire consequences that could be fatal if not
addressed promptly.
Research shows that one out of three
people over 65 in India falls at least once
every year. These falls range from mild to
severe, with 1.5 to two million older adults
suffering injuries and 1 million even losing
their lives.
24
A medical alert system could be a
lifesaver (in the literal sense) and essential
to thrive in the era of independent living.
Although these devices aren’t commonly
used in India, many emerging startups are
beginning to offer them in the market. Let’s
understand what these devices are and
how they work to bring you peace of mind
during untoward incidents like falls.
What are medical alert devices, and why
are they handy for seniors?
Medical alert devices help people in
emergencies by connecting them to an
emergency response centre or loved ones.
Imagine these two scenarios when you’re
home alone, and your mobile phone is not
on you:
In the first, you slip in the hallway, and
the pain is so excruciating that getting
up seems impossible. Lying motionless,
you’re unsure how to get help, hoping for a
miracle.