Rome Uses Technology to Monitor Elderly During Heatwave

Rome is deploying technology to safeguard its elderly population amidst a severe European heatwave. The city's initiative utilizes electronic bracelets, funded by the EU's post-COVID-19 recovery program, to monitor the health of seniors and enable rapid responses to emergencies.

“

If I feel unwell, this device saves my life.

Approximately 700 elderly residents are currently enrolled in the program. One participant, 85-year-old Dina Gazzella, who lives alone, relies on her bracelet to track her heart rate, sleep patterns, and body movements. The device is designed to detect critical situations, such as falls, and includes an alert system that notifies social workers to provide immediate assistance.

Clinical psychologist Piera Pomente highlighted the technology's importance during periods of extreme heat, noting that it helps manage conditions like low blood pressure and slow heart rates common in seniors during such weather. Beyond physical monitoring, social workers maintain daily contact with participants to ensure they take medication, cope with the heat, and combat loneliness through conversation.

“

This bracelet is very important for the elderly during this hot period, especially because their blood pressure drops, their heart rate is slower than normal, they really suffer.

Despite the free service, privacy concerns have led some seniors to decline participation. Out of an initial group of 70 registrants at one pharmacy, only 45 ultimately adopted the bracelets. Pomente clarified that the bracelets do not employ cameras but focus solely on health indicators and emergency notifications. Last year, the system successfully facilitated aid in two emergencies: a fall on the street and another involving a wheelchair user at home, allowing for prompt intervention by family or social workers.

“

This is to help them share stories about their day, their emotions, and the excessive heat.