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'I LIKE IT': Wireless Pulse Sense co-developer Peter Lim, 33, of Nanyang Polytechnic helps Madam Choon, 93, with the device. -- ST PHOTO: DESMOND LIM
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MADAM Choon Foong Lun, 93, has lived alone for the last 13 years.
Despite her relatively good health, the frail-looking grandmother often worries about what would happen if things took a sudden turn for the worse.
But thanks to a new, high-tech gizmo originally designed for the military, Madam Choon has some peace of mind.
What appears to be a bulky watch on her wrist is actually a heart-rate monitor, just developed by Nanyang Polytechnic engineers. The Wireless Pulse Sense (Wips) uses magnetic forces to automatically measure her pulse. If it enters dangerous territory, the device will send out a phone call or text message.
'I know if I wear this, if I get into danger, someone will come to check on me. I like it,' said Madam Choon, who lives on public assistance.
The alert will go out to Peace Connect, a voluntary welfare organisation.
'The device will relay messages to us in the day and to youth volunteers' cellphones after office hours,' said manager Terence Thaver.
The organisation is developing a buddy system that will pair seniors with neighbourhood kids aged between 10 and 13.
Madam Choon is one of five elderly Singaporeans involved in a trial run of Wips. Originally designed for the military, the device bagged the prestigious 2007 Tan Kah Kee Young Inventors' Award in defence science.
The Central Singapore District Mayor's Imagine Fund will contribute up to $5,000 towards the pilot tests in the next six months.
Set up to promote active living, this will mark the first time the fund is giving money for a venture outside technical projects, said Mayor Zainudin Nordin.
Beside Wips, Nanyang Polytechnic inventors also plan to field-test another system that keeps close tabs on the elderly.
Using a movement sensor the size of a cellphone and worn on the body, the system sends out a signal if a senior falls or stops moving.
It can also track an elderly person who has wandered off and may need help. These signals will be relayed as messages by telephone service providers to caregivers.
The trials will take place in the Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC.
Nanyang Polytechnic says one company has already singled out the movement tracker for commercial development.
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