Device helps monitor seniors living alone

The Kyocera-made Mi-Look is a GPS-enabled mobile device which helps ensure the safety of elders who live alone.

Care for the elderly is a challenge that crosses borders and spans the world, so it’s not surprising we’ve seen such a variety of potential solutions. Where the pop-up MedCottage helps adult children take care of their aging parents at home for instance, the new Mi-Look device from Japanese KDDI helps ensure the safety of elders who live alone. Due to become available next month in Japan, the Kyocera-made Mi-Look is a GPS-enabled mobile device with pedometer capabilities. Designed for elderly family members, the device features a water-resistant body and three large buttons for operation. The Mi-Look can automatically email predesignated family members with information about the elderly user’s distance walked and current location; motion detectors in its charging station, meanwhile, count the number of times the user passes by and sends that data to loved ones as well. A simple pull-tab on the device triggers an emergency buzzer, while its charging cradle doubles as a speakerphone that can automatically answer calls. The Mi-Look will reportedly retail for JPY 20,000. A DigInfo video below demonstrates the device in action: By the year 2050, there will be more than 1.5 billion people worldwide over the age of 65, according to the US Census Bureau. How can your brand use technology to ensure they’re well cared for? Spotted by: Katharina Kieck