ANDOVER, Mass., Oct. 31, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) today announced the availability of Philips Lifeline GoSafe, its mobile medical alert service that is part of Philips' suite of digital solutions that connect care across the health continuum. Today's seniors are active with almost 90 percent indicating they leave home by themselves more than three times a week*. GoSafe was designed to help provide peace of mind to seniors at home or on the go.  

Featuring the power of up to six location technologies, GoSafe gives seniors the assurance to get up and go while being protected by the 24/7, U.S.- based emergency call response center  which protects more seniors than any other medical alert service. Philips is the only mobile personal emergency response system (mPERS) to utilize this "hybrid" locating approach, which allows response center associates to locate seniors in need of assistance even in areas where GPS may not be available, such as indoors or in a parking garage.

"The tools and technology Philips Lifeline has developed enable people to have greater independence while managing their own health care," said Kimberly O'Loughlin, General Manager for Philips Lifeline. "Our connected solutions offer customers mobile protection so that they may feel confident while staying active and being the places where they want and need to be — from walking the dog and exercising, to fishing, taking a trip to the mall or visiting family and friends."

GoSafe's built-in AutoAlert fall detection technology can automatically call for help if it detects a fall, providing protection even if the senior is unable to call on their own. Whether the wearer experiences a fall, a health emergency, or even a minor assistance need such as being locked outside of their house, GoSafe enables help to arrive quickly when and where it is needed.

"We have known for 20 years that falls are common, expensive and that many falls are preventable," said Dorothy Baker, Ph.D., Yale University School of Medicine. "However fall-related injuries continue to disrupt the lives of too many older adults, some of whom are homebound or others who are out-and-about. Should a fall occur, the sooner the person can get up or get help, the better the outcome. If a person can't get up, it is important to have a plan that one can count on to call for help at any time, day or night, wherever a fall should occur."

The GoSafe system utilizes an in-home communicator to optimize in-home performance, and the GoSafe pendant can be charged while worn, providing continuous protection for the wearer.  GoSafe's advanced technology is delivered in an intuitive, user-friendly design that was recognized in 2014 with an iF Gold Product Award and Red Dot Product Design Award.

Joining Lifeline with AutoAlert and the Philips Lifeline response app, GoSafe is the latest in Philips Lifeline's suite of solutions designed to empower seniors to age safely and independently while providing their families with peace of mind. GoSafe is currently available in the U.S. through www.lifelinesys.com.

Philips Lifeline is celebrating 40 years of delivering meaningful innovations for supporting senior safety, health and connectedness. The company is the nation's first medical alert service and has served more than 7 million people since its inception. For more information on Philips Lifeline, please visit www.lifelinesys.com and join the conversation on Facebook.

To learn how Philips is making the world healthier through innovation and demonstrating its commitment to connecting care from hospital to home with digital solutions and services that span the health continuum, visit www.philips.com/healthcare.

For further information, please contact:
Alicia Cafardi

Philips Healthcare

Tel: +1 724-387-4439

E-mail: alicia.cafardi@philips.com

About Royal Philips
Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people's lives through meaningful innovation in the areas of Healthcare, Consumer Lifestyle and Lighting. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips posted 2013 sales of EUR 23.3 billion and employs approximately 115,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. The company is a leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as male shaving and grooming and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.

* According to a 2011 study conducted by Philips and SKIM

Coverage outside the home provided where AT&T wireless network coverage is available.  Not all falls may be detected.  Users should always press their button if able.

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SOURCE Royal Philips