Living alone and fall risk. Today 43% of women aged 75+ live alone – that is, in their own home versus a senior living community. They are more likely to live alone than in other countries. However, only 9 percent use a personal emergency response device, with no change over the past few years. And for those devices, the key customer is the adult child. And this is despite fall risk which grows with age, though the recent Senate initiative does not differentiate among older age groups.
Check-in apps can reassure without the use of a medical alert device. Check-in apps have been around for years and can offer reassurance to worried family members. The concept is an alternative to wearing a medical alert device to press in the event of a fall or other problem. By pushing an automated message to the individual, the app helps older adults be proactive about their status, interacting with a simple tap. ‘Press 1 to check in’ is a feature of IamFine, SnugSafely, (larger text), AssureOkay, Check-in Bee (daily text message), and the ghoulishly titled ‘I’m Alive’ for those with medical conditions. The cost of these automated check-in tools is low or free, compared to the monthly charge for medical alert systems.
Some check-in apps are moving into health and wellness realms. The recently launched CheckWellCall says it offers an AI-enabled platform that walks the responder through a wellness protocol, alerting providers or families based on responses. Olkano launched in Spain with a US entrance planned. ElderVoice can check-in and also discuss the care recipient’s hobbies. VIPCall.ai offers personalized check-in calls, including for individuals with dementia, based on information provided by the family.
Baby boomers and the check-in app – maybe replaced by social media apps. The oldest baby boomer today is 80, and if Cher and Dolly Parton are examples, 80 is the new 65. So are the medical alert and check-in apps playing to an ever-narrower audience? Possibly, given the life expectancy at 65 of mid-80s for both women and men. Those averages are inclusive of those with chronic disease – healthier older adults will likely live longer and perhaps independently. Apps that offer updates about family may supersede the check-in app – the older adult may want to check news about the grandchildren. Did they use the app? Today Instagram alerts about teen safety. As the baby boomers age, perhaps it will occur to the company to add alerts about older family members’ safety.
