Elders set to press ‘panic button’ for safety

The idea is simple – a panic button, if a person requires help, said Balasubramanian S, Business Head for Alivekart, which has come up with ResQ Button. He added that an increasing number of senior citizens are living alone in Chennai and other metros. 

“The panic button is the size of a soft-drink bottle cap. It connects to the phone (Android or iOS) over a Bluetooth network. In an emergency, the user has to press the button for three seconds and an alert along with the location details will be sent out to six previously-configured numbers. In addition, if a neighbour has the ResQ Button, an alert will go out to that person too, even if their number is not configured. The idea is to ensure a swifter response during emergencies,” he said, adding that this can be used also by women and children.

Prof V Chandrasekhar, President, Senior Citizens Group of Besant Nagar, pointed out that this technology will be helpful, as people will be able to protect themselves during an emergency. “For example, a panic button will be helpful for a person like me. I have to go around a lot for social causes. In an emergency, I can reach out to my wife and other contacts, who will know where I am,” said the former faculty of Anna University, adding that the panic button will be launched on October 25 at the SBI Bank outlet in Besant Nagar. 

For S Gopalakrishnan, a 71-year-old retired professional, it was harrowing when his wife Padmini, had a fall and injured her leg. “Since my children stay abroad, I had to seek the neighbours help and take her to the hospital. In such cases too, a panic button can be of aid,” he said.