Singapore Enhances Senior Safety with LoRa-Powered Emergency Alert System

• Chinmay
• January 7, 2025
• Internet of Things, News
• aging population, emergency alert system, independent living, IoT for seniors, LoRa technology, lorawan, Semtech Corporation, senior care IoT, Singapore Age Well SG, smart home technology
• 0 Comments

Semtech Corporation and iWOW Technology are making strides in senior care with a LoRa-based emergency alert system. Since 2019, this innovative system has been deployed in 10,000 public housing flats in Singapore, ensuring that seniors have access to round-the-clock emergency assistance. This initiative has already facilitated emergency medical care for over 800 seniors.

Addressing a Global Need

As per World Health Organization (WHO) forecasts, the global population aged 60 years and older will reach 2.1 billion by 2050, with 426 million individuals aged 80 or above. This demographic shift underscores the urgent need for technologies that support independent living and immediate care.

The Emergency Alert System

Under the Age Well SG programme, led by Singapore’s Ministry of Health, the system will be expanded to an additional 27,000 seniors across 170 public rental housing blocks. Key features of the system include:

• Wall-Mounted Red Button: Battery-powered and strategically placed in accessible locations in each flat.
• Emergency Activation: Pressing the button triggers a call to a 24-hour response center and notifies the senior’s next of kin via an associated app.
• Energy Efficiency: The button operates only during emergencies, consuming minimal power and not requiring cellular service.

Why LoRa and LoRaWAN?

The system relies on Semtech’s LoRa technology and LoRaWAN, ensuring it meets the unique demands of the housing blocks, including:

• Battery Efficiency: Minimal energy consumption for long-lasting performance.
• Low Maintenance: Simplified upkeep tailored to government program needs.
• Scalability: Cost-effective deployment for dense residential environments, with capacity for future IoT applications.

Empowering Independent Living

The deployment highlights the role of IoT in senior care. Shahar Feldman, senior director of product marketing at Semtech, remarked, “IoT and smart home technologies empower seniors to age in place while delivering critical emergency monitoring. iWOW’s deployment proves the success of this model in enhancing senior safety and independence.”

Future Prospects

Singapore’s implementation of this system not only sets a benchmark for senior care but also showcases the potential of IoT-driven innovations in addressing aging population challenges globally. By combining LoRa technology with thoughtful design, the program ensures safety, scalability, and sustainability for an aging society.