Although getting old is a natural part of life full of experience and wisdom, it brings challenges associated with mobility and safety. Preventing falls and the ability to seek help promptly are crucial aspects in maintaining independence and quality of life for seniors.

Over time, various tools and devices designed to offer support and protection have evolved. From a simple wooden walking stick for seniors to sophisticated wearable technologies such as airbag belts for the elderly, the panorama of seniority protection and assistance technologies is continually evolving.

In this article, we take a look at the development of these devices, divided by the type of assistance they offer.

Walking aids: walking sticks and rollators for the elderly

These mobility aids are designed to offer support while walking, by improving balance and reducing the risk of tripping and falling.

• Walking stick for seriors: a traditional companion: A walking stick offers simple, inexpensive and immediate support. However, that support is limited, does not actively prevent falls and requires strong arms.

• Rollator for the elderly: a step forward in mobility: Two-wheel or four-wheel walker for the elderly provide the senior person with more stability and often include a seat and a basket. A rollator for the elderly can be cumbersome and require coordination, but it is step forward for mobility compared to a walking stick.

Personal safety response systems: emergency button for the elderly and personal safety app

These devices guarantee that assistance is close at hand when needed, whether or not the elderly person is able to call for it.

• Emergency button for the elderly: help close at hand: The emergency button for the elderly, also known as an SOS alarm for the elderly or alert button for seniors, is a wearable device that rapidly alerts the emergency services or their loved ones. It offers peace of mind and the possibility of requesting assistance immediately. It depends on the ability to press the button (except for models with automatic detection) and can trigger false alarms or require payment of a subscription. High-tech airbag belts can also have integrated alarm systems.

• Alert bracelet for seniors: detection and alarm on the wrist : The alert bracelet for seniors has sensors for automatic detection of falls and sends an alarm even if the user is not conscious. It is discreet and lightweight, but the focus is on the alarm, not on direct physical protection, and it requires maintenance.

• The personal safety app: smart safety that is always connected: The personal safety app for smartphones sends calls or automatic notifications to chosen contacts, guaranteeing rapid intervention and an immediate channel of communication.

Protection in the case of a fall: hip protection pants and airbag protectors for seniors

When prevention is not enough, these devices intervene to reduce the seriousness of the injuries and minimise the impact of falls.

• Hip protection pants for seniors: simple and effective: Hip protection pants for seniors have padding that softens the impact in the case of a fall. They are efficient and inexpensive, but often underused because they are uncomfortable and cumbersome, particularly when the user needs to go to the bathroom.

• Airbag vest for the elderly: total protection: An airbag vest for the elderly extends protection to the back, shoulders and chest. It inflates instantaneously when a fall is detected, cushioning the impact and preventing multiple fractures. It is expensive, can be perceived as cumbersome, has a high initial cost and requires maintenance.

• Airbag belt for the elderly: a discreet innovation: The airbag belt for the elderly is a wearable solution that specifically protects the femur. The sensors detect a loss of balance and inflate the airbag in a few milliseconds, reducing the risk of fractures. It is discreet and does not limit movement, has a high initial cost and requires maintenance.

FutureAge is the innovative Italian-made airbag belt and is the result of over ten years of research and development. Thanks to a patented technology, it offers efficient protection for the hips of seniors, allowing them to maintain an active and serene lifestyle, both in preventing the consequences of the first fall and for anyone who has already suffered a fall. With FutureAge, safety does not interfere with everyday life.

With FutureAge, the elderly person also has the D-Alert app: a state-of-the-art personal alert system that offers peace of mind through constant monitoring of incidents and the position of the user. This means that caregivers always know where they are, which increases their safety. In the case of need, the elderly person has immediate access to emergency assistance, thanks to a clearly visible and intuitive SOS button, guaranteeing rapid and targeted help.

Conclusion

The evolution of protective devices for seniors reflects a growing commitment towards ensuring they remain independent and safe. From the traditional walking stick for seniors to innovative wearable solutions such as airbag belts for protection against falls, each device offers specific benefits in facing the challenges of growing old.

Contact us for more information on airbag belts such as FutureAge, which support an active lifestyle by effectively protecting the hips without hindering everyday activities!