In the report by the Committee on Ageing Issues (CAI) published in 2006, it was reported that by 2030, one in five residents in Singapore will be 65 years or older. They are also most likely to be living alone or with their spouse (as indicated in the rising trend from 9.7% in 1995 to 19.9% in 2005). The declining marriage rates (some 14 to 16% of resident males and females at age 40 to 44 have remained single in 2004) can attest to the rising trend. The good news however, is the data shows a high percentile of the seniors are ambulant and physically independent.

The CAI report covered and addressed many other issues and concerns associated with an aging population. As rightfully pointed out by the CAI though, there is a need to start building an environment with sufficient and easily-accessible facilities and services for the seniors as well as catering to those who wants to remain active. An idea that comes to mind then is the use of a personal alert device that is connected to the mobile network for maximum mobility.

The personal alert device or PUG as we called it is extremely simple to operate and should prove handy in case of any distress or emergency. Pre-programmed up to a maximum of five numbers, a light pressure on the extra large emergency button would result in a call and/or SMS alert to the receivers. Help may also come immediately from anyone nearby due to PUG's audible alert. PUG has a built-in microphone and speaker which means the receivers can listen in and communicate with the senior as necessary.

Using a normal SIM card from the Telcos, whether pre-paid (preferred choice) or post-paid, the communication capacity of PUG is only limited by the Telcos' network coverage.

PUG or the Personal Unequivocal Guardian, is definitely a 'friend' of the seniors.