April 15, 2008
Tea time goes high tech
Having a humble cup of tea could help older Australians stay safe in the future, a seniors group says, reports The Sydney Morning Herald.
"Japanese technology can link a kettle to a mobile phone, so every time an elderly person boils water for their morning cup of tea a message is sent to a family member letting them know their relative is up and well.
Such advances are among the opportunities, rather than just the challenges, the National Seniors Australia (NSA) group wants to discuss at the 2020 Summit in Canberra at the weekend.
NSA chief executive Michael O'Neill said it was critical not to frame the issue of an ageing population as a threat, but recognise the potential for positives.
He pointed to the kettle example as one technological advance that would help families check on elderly relatives living alone without invading their space."
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