Mobile Personal Emergency Response System (MPERS) technology

Seniors Seek Technology that Promotes Secure Independence

Research by Lifecomm LLC Highlights Senior MPERS Adoption Motivated by Mobility and Design Factors

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Consumer research by The Link Group research firm and Lifecomm LLC has highlighted design factors and features important to seniors when considering becoming a user of a Mobile Personal Emergency Response System (MPERS). Specifically, the research findings indicate that wearable device design and features must integrate into seniors’ lifestyle without an undesirable labeling of the user. Potential users identified design elements such as color, weight, and form as influencing their likely acceptance of such a wearable product. Appealing features included automatic fall detection, along with GPS and nationwide cellular capabilities, which enable seniors to remain independent. According to the research, the combination of these design elements with these features made respondents feel safe both in and out of their homes, without feeling stigmatized by the product.



“Our research supports the notion that today’s seniors are active and are not afraid of using technology to maintain their lifestyles, but don’t want to be labeled by doing so,” said Jeff Leddy, chief executive officer of Lifecomm. “The whole MPERS industry is very much about empowering seniors to live their lives to the fullest.”

Respondents also preferred MPERS design elements like well-placed and easy-to-operate buttons, a large and easy-to-read display screen, and an overall sleek device design that is stylish and does not call undue attention. Additionally, seniors sought MPERS devices that were light weight and easy to wear with simple fastening clasps.

“This research confirms that seniors are willing to use technology that meets their specific needs,” said Richard Lobovsky, vice president of business development. “Although seniors are not typically early adopters, they are very comfortable with technology and the advantages it can provide in their active lifestyle. As an emerging company in the MPERS market, Lifecomm will apply these confirmed findings to our continued development of the next generation MPERS solution.”

Lifecomm will be attending the upcoming American Telemedicine Association’s 2011 Annual International Meeting and Exposition, May 1-3 in Tampa, FL. Stop by and visit Lifecomm representatives in booth #1532, alongside our partner American Medical Alert Corporation.

Lifecomm is a joint venture of Hughes Telematics, Inc. (HTI), Qualcomm Incorporated and American Medical Alert Corp. and operates as a majority-owned subsidiary of HTI. The Lifecomm MPERS device is scheduled to launch by the end of 2011.

About Lifecomm

Lifecomm is an innovative mobile health and wellness solutions company with a proven, best-in-class infrastructure of integrated back office systems and wireless network connectivity via the largest wireless carriers in the United States. Lifecomm is a majority owned subsidiary of Hughes Telematics, Inc. and a joint venture between Hughes Telematics, Inc., Qualcomm Incorporated and American Medical Alert Corporation. For more information, please visit www.lifecomm.com or follow us on twitter @lifecommllc.

About HTI

Hughes Telematics, Inc. (HTI) is a leader in implementing the next generation of connected services. The company offers a portfolio of location-based services for consumers, manufacturers, fleets and dealers through two-way wireless connectivity. In-Drive, HTI’s aftermarket solution, offers safety, security, convenience, maintenance and data services. Networkfleet, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of HTI located in San Diego, Ca., offers remote vehicle diagnostics, an integrated GPS tracking and emissions monitoring system for wireless fleet vehicle management. Lifecomm is a majority owned subsidiary of HTI. Additional information about HTI can be found at www.hughestelematics.com.