GPS-alarms help seniors stay more active

Many seniors live independent lives without wanting to rely on a relative or the health care system. They love to travel, meet friends and family, take walks outside and are determined not to be a burden to their family. Therefore, to be seen as “old” or “helpless” can be very detrimental for that person and to have to accept the help of others, is a big step away from that independence.  

We, at Doro, conducted a survey amongst people over 65 living in France, Germany, Sweden and the UK to investigate seniors’ attitudes towards their own health and aging. Overall, the results were heartening, with seniors having positivity and faith in the future even amongst the oldest age group. However, many seniors have a fear of going out alone and several of those surveyed felt like the world has become a more unsafe place. This fear can turn into anxiety or isolation. 

This knowledge, in combination with the services we provide, means that we can offer solutions so that seniors do not need to isolate themselves. For example, with the new mobile social alarm Doro 450, which is a small GPS device, we can increase the feeling of security by making it easier to maintain contact with their loved ones, and to ensure that someone always knows where they are. 

Regular physical activity is important, even more as a senior, since it has shown to have a positive effect on memory, focus and reaction time. And it significantly reduces depression – both experienced and diagnosed. Since the Doro 450 is a mobile social alarm, it enables the user to live an independent and active life for as long as possible.  

Even if the user doesn’t need any assistance with anything else, this small device can boost their confidence. Just the knowledge that they are able to contact a relative or the monitoring center, if an accident should occur, enables them to be more active. With its speakerphone and the option to send out a pre-determined SMS, it makes it easier for the user to maintain contact with their friends and relatives. Together with the GPS tracking it also will ensure that someone always knows where they are. 

All in all, it’s not meant to be preventative or to keep track of the user, but to be a helpful companion for the independent senior!