Doro, a tech company that makes easy-to-use mobile devices for people over 65, has announced plans to develop a health tech portfolio.
At MWC in Barcelona this week, the company confirmed that it’s set to accelerate the growth of its ‘Doro Care’ portfolio within the UK and Ireland, with the aim of helping the elderly live independently.
The Doro Care portfolio, already a substantial part of the overall business, offers a range of solutions to elderly and disabled people that can help improve their independence, mobility and health.
A big challenge
According to research, the average age in Europe is advancing at a rate of two days per week, and almost one-quarter (24 percent) of the British population will be aged 65 or older by 2039.
Doro says it is looking to ensure that older generations have the resources to live happy, fulfilled lives and has designed several mobile phones, wearables and sensors to achieve this aim.
The devices have been created to fit into the everyday lives of the senior population, and they come with features designed to work with Alarm Receiving Centres (ARCs) across the country.
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Expanding portfolio
The Doro Secure 628 is a good example: it’s an easy-to-use flip phone that sports large text, separated keys and higher-than-average volume levels, providing loud, clear sound for the hard of hearing. Users can also make use of the SMS function, 2-megapixel camera and memory keys.
Alongside the 628, Doro is also targeting its 580IP at the care market. Simple and durable, the handset offers a splash-proof construction, four direct contact buttons, SMS, loud sound and hearing aid compatibility.
There’s also a special alarm application offered within the portfolio. This makes Doro devices such as the 825 and 8030 compatible with Alarm Receiving Centres, which can respond to emergencies.
Wearables are also popular in the connected health market, and Doro has one of its own. The Secure 480 is a personal safety wristwatch that boasts tracking and communication capabilities to ensure the user is always safe.
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Emergency response functionality
If an issue arises – such as a fall – then users can get in touch with a local alarm receiving center to get emergency help. The Doro 3500, an alarm trigger, is the last device in the portfolio.
These products come with safety timers and an “Are you okay?” function. If the the user doesn’t answer, an alarm is sent out to caregivers who can respond with emergency help.
Doro Care devices use Internet Protocol (IP) and GPS, so that Alarm Receiving Centers have the ability to request a user’s location and set up automatic alarms to ensure they are always safe.
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Taking action
Robert Puskaric, CEO of Doro Group, said the company is taking action on an important issue. “The population demographic change requires new ways of delivering social care,” he commented.
“Doro’s smart technology for seniors who wish to live at home has led to more mobility thanks to the know-how from our consumer portfolio, and when coupling these two, we find a perfect match.”
Chris Millington, managing director at Doro for the UK and Ireland, added: “It is our vision to support users and their family through our devices and services.”
In particular, it aims for ease of use so that customers that might struggle with more mainstream mobile devices can use a Doro device with confidence.
“In addition, hearing aid Compatibility, adjustable tone controls, direct dials, improved UI and ergonomic design all add to the users confidence,” he said.
Related: China leads the US in connected health device adoption, Ipsos claims
Beacon of hope
Joy Gardham, head of western Europe at networking company Brocade, commented that there are significant challenges in healthcare but that connected technology has the ability to change things.
“There is no getting past the fact the NHS lacks the infrastructure it needs to support an aging population and increasing varieties of illnesses whilst costs spiral out of control,” she told Internet of Business.
“Yet, a smarter city infrastructure could change this. The benefits of remote healthcare are countless, such as enabling, cloud-based patient records to be accessible by doctors anywhere at any time.
“While we still have a long way to go, healthcare organizations and the government need to be putting smarter infrastructure in place as the foundation for future healthcare. Key to this is making sure they have a fast, scalable and secure network in place.”