Are You Dead? That’s the name of the most popular paid app in China, according to the BBC.
The app is designed for the estimated 200 million or so people in that country who live alone, and who don’t have family or others to check on them regularly.
By clicking a button on the app every day, users confirm they are alive. If they don’t click it, the app will get in touch with an appointed emergency contact and tell them to check to see if the person is in need of assistance.
Said a user: “There is a fear that people living alone might die unnoticed, with no one to call for help. I sometimes wonder, if I died alone, who would collect my body?”
The app is only available in China. But with over four million Canadians living alone in Canada. It might be useful here.
Or maybe we already have an app for that: Being involved in a place of worship. I asked faith leaders what their groups do to make sure people—especially seniors—aren’t overlooked and alone.
Read my latest column on this topic in the Free
Press.
Photo above from Home Health Companions.
