Although they were the first generation who vowed never to grow old, baby-boomers have reneged on that promise. As this demographic group inevitably ages, retaining personal independence becomes increasingly important. All seniors eventually face the unique issues of the elderly, including the possibility of a serious medical emergency. Having access to a cellular medical alarm with GPS helps eliminate those concerns.
Alarmingly, one in three senior citizens falls each year. Although some try to hide this fact from their doctors in an effort to avoid losing personal autonomy, falls are the primary cause of significant injury in older people, often leading to hospitalizations and permanent disability. If an accident occurs when alone, there is a good chance that help might not arrive until it is too late.
Demand for a personal, easy-to-use alarm system that automatically summons an ambulance originally prompted the earliest development of these devices. Pioneering models used a simple network featuring a remotely activated speaker phone. When active, it could connect directly via a hands-free land line to an emergency dispatch center. This was a great improvement, but still had limited range and portability issues.
Subsequent improvements include communications pendants worn around the neck. When activated, they automatically connect to the speaker phone, which calls for help via a land line. These systems are still quite popular, although limited to in-home use. Some also include sensor technology that summons aid when a victim cannot talk. Most have an available monitoring service, while others are simply programmed to call 911.
Although helpful and life-saving, that technology has been further updated using services made possible via stationary satellites. New electronic alarms are able to connect to the main dispatch center via a cell phone network that includes GPS (Global Positioning System) technology. This capability takes the uncertainty out of country-wide travel, and makes running errands virtually worry-free.
Although there are concerns about digital surveillance, this is one form of tracking that has been welcomed. All smart-phones today come with the GPS tracking activated, and most users do not take the time to deactivate that feature. Based on the last recorded call, satellites are able to triangulate a signal between cell towers, revealing its precise origin.
If a person is confused or sick, pushing a button not only displays location, but can also relay helpful personal information. Calls are limited only by the availability of cell coverage, and allow users immediate personal communications with an emergency center worker. As an added advantage, these devices are not awkward to hold, are easy to read, and are usually waterproof.
Some centers are even beginning to transmit important personal medical information to first responders before they actually arrive. If a senior citizen is unable to say where he actually is, help can still on the way within a few short minutes. Although these devices require recharging every few days, that is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes from knowing that assistance is available when needed.
Alarmingly, one in three senior citizens falls each year. Although some try to hide this fact from their doctors in an effort to avoid losing personal autonomy, falls are the primary cause of significant injury in older people, often leading to hospitalizations and permanent disability. If an accident occurs when alone, there is a good chance that help might not arrive until it is too late.
Demand for a personal, easy-to-use alarm system that automatically summons an ambulance originally prompted the earliest development of these devices. Pioneering models used a simple network featuring a remotely activated speaker phone. When active, it could connect directly via a hands-free land line to an emergency dispatch center. This was a great improvement, but still had limited range and portability issues.
Subsequent improvements include communications pendants worn around the neck. When activated, they automatically connect to the speaker phone, which calls for help via a land line. These systems are still quite popular, although limited to in-home use. Some also include sensor technology that summons aid when a victim cannot talk. Most have an available monitoring service, while others are simply programmed to call 911.
Although helpful and life-saving, that technology has been further updated using services made possible via stationary satellites. New electronic alarms are able to connect to the main dispatch center via a cell phone network that includes GPS (Global Positioning System) technology. This capability takes the uncertainty out of country-wide travel, and makes running errands virtually worry-free.
Although there are concerns about digital surveillance, this is one form of tracking that has been welcomed. All smart-phones today come with the GPS tracking activated, and most users do not take the time to deactivate that feature. Based on the last recorded call, satellites are able to triangulate a signal between cell towers, revealing its precise origin.
If a person is confused or sick, pushing a button not only displays location, but can also relay helpful personal information. Calls are limited only by the availability of cell coverage, and allow users immediate personal communications with an emergency center worker. As an added advantage, these devices are not awkward to hold, are easy to read, and are usually waterproof.
Some centers are even beginning to transmit important personal medical information to first responders before they actually arrive. If a senior citizen is unable to say where he actually is, help can still on the way within a few short minutes. Although these devices require recharging every few days, that is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes from knowing that assistance is available when needed.