Do you or your elderly loved ones find it challenging to maintain good health and overall wellbeing?
As the number of older people in Australia continues to grow, supporting their health and wellbeing is increasingly important to maintain all-round physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.
There are medical and traditional ways to support your quality of life such as regular health checks and seeing your doctor or specialist, but technology is increasingly playing a pivotal role in our ability to manage and improve our wellbeing.
Participate in an Active Lifestyle
Physical activity, even moderate activity, can help older people maintain independence, better recover from illness and reduce their risk of disease.
Australian guidelines recommend that people aged 65+ engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most, preferably all, days (1). Moderate physical activity could include a brisk walk, household tasks or even chair yoga or chair dancing.
The availability of online exercise programs and virtual fitness classes tailored for seniors, accessed from the comfort of their homes, not only promotes physical activity but also social interaction.
For seniors who are a little tech savvy, fitness/walking trackers and health monitoring apps can encourage them to stay active and engaged.
Community and Social Connections
Technology can help seniors stay connected with family and friends through video calls. Platforms like FaceTime and Zoom allow seniors to have face to face conversations with loved ones and friends, no matter the distance.
Family group chats on messaging apps are a great way to share news, updates and photos encouraging interaction and a sense of belonging.
Online communities and senior forums based on hobbies and interests can provide an avenue for meeting and making new friends and sharing experiences.
At home, a simple digital photo frame can display a selection of rotating photos of family members helping seniors to feel more connected to their loved ones through visual memories.
Safety and Independence
Innovative technology devices and solutions can extend a helping hand, enhancing independence, comfort and quality of life.
SafeMate’s QR code medical IDs provide peace of mind knowing that, in a medical emergency, vital medical information is easily accessible. Next of kin contacts can be notified swiftly, vital medications and allergies are quickly accessed and the speed and quality of care can be improved.
With SafeMate and a simple scan by a smart device such as a smartphone, passersby, first responders and paramedics gain instant access to chosen critical medical details. This can make all the difference in the outcome of an emergency.
Emergency Preparedness
For those with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, heart disease and severe allergies, assistive technology such as wearable monitors and smart medical ID devices can empower them to proactively manage their health and prepare them for an unexpected emergency.
When it comes to providing emergency treatment, every second counts.
SafeMate has been proven to save up to 10 minutes in a medical emergency.
It can mean the difference between life and death, full or partial recovery and help to avoid hospitalisation.
SafeMate is a lifesaving link and an deal complement to fall pendants.
When help is alerted via a fall pendant, SafeMate is the next critical step providing vital medical information for improved care.
If a senior or patient is unconscious, stressed or disoriented, SafeMate provides medical information for better health outcomes and peace of mind for all.
The SafeMate kit comes with a card, key tags, a fridge magnet, a silicone wristband and stickers to place at the front door, on a mobile phone, medical alert device, vehicle or anywhere highly visible. Making them ideal products to use along with a fall pendant.
Affordability and Accessibility
Almost half of older Australians had a government pension or allowance as their main source of income (2).
Technology solutions like SafeMate’s QR code medical IDs are cost-effective and easy to obtain, making them an accessible option for all seniors.
SafeMate QR code medical IDs are extremely affordable at less than 30 cents per day. They are even claimable for those eligible with available funds through My Aged Care, NDIS and The Department of Veterans Affairs, on a case by case basis.
Easy-to-Use Medical ID Device
SafeMate is clever, simple and user-friendly. It is easy to use and accessible even for seniors who may not be tech-savvy. Simply wear the SafeMate wristband, display the stickers, use your key tag or display the magnet for simple scanning.
Although sometimes challenging, especially when managing a chronic health condition, healthy ageing is achievable with the right support and tools.
SafeMate’s QR code medical ID products play a crucial role in ensuring seniors’ safety, independence and overall wellbeing.
(1) Better Health Channel VIC - Physical activity for seniors
(2) Australian Institute of Health and Welfare - Older People Income and Finances