Italy introduces smart bracelets to protect elderly as Europe battles deadly heatwave

As extreme temperatures continue to grip much of Europe, Italy has introduced an innovative technology -driven initiative aimed

As extreme temperatures continue to grip much of Europe, Italy has introduced an innovative technology-driven initiative aimed at protecting elderly and vulnerable residents from the dangers of intense summer heat.

The new program uses electronic health-monitoring bracelets that track vital signs and alert caregivers if users show signs of distress or require emergency assistance. The wearable devices are designed to reduce health risks associated with heatwaves, including dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke, conditions that disproportionately affect older adults.

The bracelets are part of a €400 million ($456 million) social support program launched by the Rome municipality with funding from the European Union’s post-pandemic recovery plan. The initiative currently supports around 700 elderly residents, allowing healthcare professionals and social workers to remotely monitor their wellbeing throughout the day.

Worn like an ordinary wristwatch, the black electronic device continuously records body temperature, heart rate, sleep quality, and daily activity. It is also equipped with motion sensors capable of detecting falls or sudden changes in movement, enabling emergency responders or caregivers to react quickly if a problem occurs.

One of the bracelet’s most valuable features is its emergency alert function, allowing users to immediately request assistance if they begin feeling unwell. Officials believe the technology could significantly improve response times during medical emergencies, particularly as Europe experiences increasingly frequent and severe heatwaves.

Local authorities have described the wearable device as an important preventive healthcare tool, especially as temperatures in Rome and other parts of Italy continue climbing into the high 30-degree Celsius range.

Clinical psychologist Piera Pomente emphasized the importance of monitoring elderly people during prolonged periods of extreme heat. She explained that older adults are especially vulnerable because high temperatures can lower blood pressure, slow heart rates, and place additional strain on the body, increasing the likelihood of serious health complications.

Across Europe, health officials continue to warn that the ongoing heatwave poses a significant threat to public health. In France, authorities recently reported approximately 1,000 more deaths than normally expected during the recent period of exceptionally high temperatures.

According to health agencies, the vast majority of those who died were aged 65 and older, accounting for around 85 percent of the excess fatalities. Many of the deaths occurred at home, highlighting the particular vulnerability of elderly individuals living alone during extreme weather conditions.

The intense heat has affected several European countries, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in parts of France, Italy, Spain, and neighboring regions. Similar conditions have prompted weather agencies in the United Kingdom to issue red heat alerts and warnings of a potential danger to life as temperatures approach 40 degrees Celsius.

Public health authorities throughout Europe are continuing to urge residents to take precautions to reduce the risks associated with extreme heat. Officials recommend drinking plenty of water, keeping homes as cool as possible, limiting outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day, and checking regularly on elderly relatives, neighbors, and other vulnerable individuals.

Experts believe innovative technologies such as Italy’s smart monitoring bracelets could become increasingly important as climate change contributes to more frequent and intense heatwaves. By combining wearable health monitoring with rapid emergency response, authorities hope to reduce heat-related illnesses and save lives during future periods of extreme weather.