Soon, tea kettles that text old people's well-being to their relatives

Melbourne, Apr 14 : Soon, a single cup of tea would help you keep a check on the safety of older adults in future, according to a group of Australian experts.

With the help of Japanese technology, you would be able to link a tea kettle to a mobile phone, so every time an elderly person boils water for their morning cup of tea a message is sent to a family member letting them know their relative is up and well.

It has been predicted that more than a quarter of Australian population will be aged over 65 by 2025.

NSA chief executive Michael O'Neill said it was critical not to frame the issue of an ageing population as a threat, but recognise the potential for positives.

He said that this advancement would help families to check on elderly relatives living alone without invading their space.

"So without any invasion at all of a person's space or dignity, you are able to know that that person is alive and having a cup of tea or whatever the case may be," News.com.au quoted O'Neill, as saying.

"That's a simple example of the kind of technology there is an opportunity for us to explore that can help people remain in their own home," he added.

He said that it was important that Australia used the resources of its older citizens more productively, which may involve people working longer, volunteering as they move into retirement and the mentoring of younger people.

ANI