New technology for Whanganui to give elderly and families peace of mind

Technology that builds a profile of activity such as toilet flushing is coming to Whanganui.

Technology that monitors a person's day-to-day activity and allows others to track it is coming to Whanganui - but it's not Big Brother watching.

The technology aims to help elderly people remain living in their own homes while allowing their families to remotely monitor their wellness and safety.

Using artificial technology, sensors monitor how often a person opens their fridge, flushes the toilet or switches on a light. Over time, this data can be used to predict regular patterns of activity and indicate if someone is unwell or needs help. Families can access a smartphone app 24/7 to monitor activity.

Local security company Securely is partnering with Essence, a leading international technology company, to bring the new healthcare system to Whanganui. Essence works across five continents and has more than 25 million devices installed worldwide.

Securely national business development manager Chris Barber says partnering with Essence will "turn security and healthcare monitoring on its head" in New Zealand.

"It also has a voice-activated emergency mode, so by simply asking for help from anywhere in the house, you can be connected quickly with a real person - even in the shower," Mr Barber said.

"It's also mobile and can sit in a watch strap. You can press a button or ask for help at the supermarket or [while] visiting friends. Once again you'll be connected straight away with one of our team and your location identified immediately."

Electra chief executive Neil Simmonds says the initiative is an investment in the future of Securely and the Electra Group which owns Securely.

"We believe the traditional security business model is becoming obsolete as technology rapidly evolves, and attitudes and behaviours about lifestyles continue to change," Mr Simmonds said.

"Our new partnership builds on our goal to use technology to solve human problems and deepens our investment in the home security and healthcare monitoring industry."