Wearable devices are assisting the elderly as extreme heat sweeps through Europe.

      As Europe swelters, a simple bracelet is assisting in keeping Rome’s seniors secure

      Smartbands or smartwatches often evoke thoughts of wearables designed to monitor health and physical activity. However, in Rome, these devices are being utilized for the safety of elderly individuals. The new watches are being distributed to senior citizens to ensure their safety during the perilous heatwave affecting Europe.

      As reported by Reuters, the city is implementing electronic bracelets as part of a €400 million assistance program for older residents. This initiative, supported by EU post-COVID funding, currently benefits approximately 700 individuals.

      One such individual is Dina Gazzella, an 85-year-old widow residing alone in eastern Rome. Her bracelet tracks her heart rate and sleep patterns, monitors her movements inside and outside her home, detects falls, and allows her to request assistance in case of an emergency.

      According to Reuters, extreme heat poses significant risks to older adults, especially those living alone. With temperatures in Rome soaring above 30°C during the current heatwave, clinical psychologist Piera Pomente emphasized the importance of the bracelet during this time, as elderly individuals can experience lower blood pressure, decreased heart rate, and heat-related complications.

      The device functions like a watch, but it also integrates into a broader support system. Social workers monitor the data throughout the day and reach out to users to check on their medication intake, their coping with the heat, or simply to provide a conversation partner. Thus, the device serves not only to ensure safety but also to enhance wellbeing and combat loneliness.

      Pomente’s team operates from Monday to Friday, from 8:30 am to 7 pm. During the night and weekends, alerts are sent to family members via a mobile application. Over the past year, this system has successfully managed two emergencies, including a case where a man fell on the street and another involving a wheelchair user who had fallen at home. While the bracelet is provided at no cost, some individuals have opted out due to privacy concerns.

      Monitoring health data is a delicate matter, particularly when it involves tracking movement, making such concerns completely understandable.