Seniors alone at home facing an unexpected situation
According to the American Psychological Association, 12 million Americans over the age of 65 currently live alone. That number is expected to increase to at least 13.4 million by 2035!1
Among the Canadian population, living alone becomes increasingly more common as people age, especially for older women. According to the 2011 census, 31.5% of women aged 65 and over lived alone compared to 16% of senior men. Among those aged 85 and over, 36.6% of women lived alone compared to 21.7% of men (Statistics Canada, 2012). This is due to the higher life expectancy of women, men marrying younger women, lower rates of remarriage among women, and increasing preferences for independent living over time (Wister and McPherson, 2014). Older women are also more likely to live in institutions: among those aged 85 and over, 35.2% of women compared to 22.6% of men lived in institutions (Statistics Canada, 2012).2
As we can see from the above, many seniors are living in their homes, alone. As this is the case, one never knows when the unexpected will happen. From slips and falls to times where a stranger may be lurking outdoors, a senior’s need for help can arise in a second.
By purchasing the Here I Am App for a loved one living alone in their home, you’ll be letting them know that in their time of need you’re available to them through the Here I Am App. With the Here I Am app on their phone, they’ll be able to reach out to you. And with the emergency message providing you with a map and their exact GPS location, you’ll be able to send emergency services, if necessary, to where they are. And of course, if you’re able, you’ll be able to get to them too. As the Here I Am App is only $1.99 USD, download it for them. By doing so, you’ll be letting them know that you care – that they matter to you, especially in their time of need.
For more information, please visit the following websites:
https://seniordirectory.com/articles/info/5-ways-seniors-can-stay-safe-when-living-alone
https://seniorsocialisolation.ca/seniors-living-alone/
References:
- https://seniordirectory.com/articles/info/5-ways-seniors-can-stay-safe-when-living-alone – Accessed Oct. 4, 2022
- https://seniorsocialisolation.ca/seniors-living-alone/ – Accessed Oct. 4, 22