The Invention of Fall Prevention

Constanza Villalba
9 February 2023
4 min read

It’s often said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. But it's not often acted on.

Everyone has heard a horror story about a neighbor, a friend, or a relative who fell while at home. In some cases, they remained there for hours or even days, frightened and in pain, possibly much worse. Even though we know this can happen, we never think it's going to happen to us—or to someone we love. And it's not just us - even the products that exist today to address this problem suggest fall prevention isn't on anyone's mind. That's why we invented fall prevention. Now there's a better way to not only make sure help is available when it’s needed, but also prevent falls from happening in the first place. It’s called LivWatch.

The LivWatch program leverages the Apple Watch to automatically detect falls and contact emergency services, if necessary. But here’s how LivWatch goes further to better meet your needs and preferences. If you have a fall, LivWatch loops in a team of emergency medical technicians who have been specially trained to gauge the severity of falls and prescribe next steps accordingly. Specifically, LivWatch EMTs won't just send an ambulance to your house; They will call you to check your status, find out if you’d like a friend or family member notified, and work with you to determine whether you need an ambulance or another type of medical care.

The LivWatch Experience on iPhone and Apple Watch

The benefits don’t end there. The LivWatch program has been clinically proven to reduce the risk of hospitalization due to falls by 60%. It does this by addressing the many factors that make falls more likely and more dangerous as we get older. Did you know, for example, that certain medications can significantly increase the risk of falling? Or that subtle age-related changes in the strength and flexibility of your feet and legs can make you more likely to topple? LivWatch tackles these and many other factors known to contribute to the risk of falling. 

The program will teach you simple exercises—tailored to you—that are designed to strengthen your legs and improve your balance. Doing these exercises will not only help prevent falls, but also help you stay active and mobile well into your 70s and 80s. Our team of medical experts will also review the list of medications you take and identify any that could be interfering with your balance or making you less steady on your feet. Side effects like these are common, but people mistakenly attribute them to normal aging. If it turns out one of your medications may be a problem, our experts will explain how you can work with your doctor to find alternatives. 

"The LivWatch program has been clinically proven to reduce the risk of hospitalization due to falls by 60%."

These are just a few examples of what the program can do to maximize your mobility and protect your independence. But here’s the best part: Because the LivWatch program combines the power of the Apple Watch with the expertise of a team of doctors, data scientists, and others, it will also track your progress using data. 

LivWatch uses movement data gathered by your watch and phone to generate a mobility score that tells you where you are today and show you when you're improving. What’s more, because the watch is a part of the program, you can get one at a deeply discounted rate. You won't find a deal this good for an Apple watch. Plus, you’ll get all the other cool features that come with the watch, such as the ability to place or answer a call directly from the watch.

Don't wait. Falls are a leading cause of disability and often lead to the loss of independence. People who were self-sufficient and independent prior to a fall commonly end up in nursing homes afterwards.

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Is LivWatch Beta for you?

LivWatch Beta program is a limited time only program for older adults in the United States. If you meet the following requirements below, we urge you to get started on your mobility journey.

  • You are 60 years or older
  • You have an iPhone 8 or newer (LivWatch App is not yet available to Android users.)
  • Your mobility is considered to be moderate (Beta program is not suitable for those who need mobility assistance devices.)
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Constanza Villalba
9 February 2023
4 min read