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A CUMBRIA pensioner is urging others across the area to prioritise their independence in a bid to stay healthy and “young at heart” for longer.

Anne Walker said she had taken positive steps to make sure she can continue to do all of the activities she enjoys in life into the future.

The active 75-year-old claims older people should not be afraid to investigate how they can protect their independence while they are still in good health.

Anne, a former Lake District cook, said: “I enjoy going out to classes and to meet other people.

“It’s important for me to get out, I’m quite independent.

“But I’m perhaps not as mobile as I once was so I decided three years ago to put things in place so that I can go on living as I want to but with the added peace of mind that I’ve got help on hand if I need it.

“The peace of mind this has given me has been invaluable.

“I’ve got really good neighbours who look out for me, but they work, and I don’t want to become a burden to anyone in the future.”

Anne lost her husband three years ago.

She initially looked into a service that provided her with a wrist-worn alarm to summon help if ever it was needed.

But the device had its limits, Anne realised, and could not be activated if she was not wearing it or if she was unable to press the button.

Then, a chance conversation with a neighbour brought her attention to Alertacall and the Cumbria firm’s Clever Contact service and the OKEachDay phone.

The simple system was up and running in Anne’s home within days and she said she has never looked back.

“I was very interested in the OKEachDay phone because I could let someone know I was OK at the press of a button.

“I just felt this was a bit more secure because if they didn’t hear from me they would get in touch to check I was OK.

“There was no chance something could happen and it would be days before help arrived,” Anne added.

“I press the OKEachDay button at 8.40am in the morning, which suits me, and at night it’s really quite satisfying that someone is there if I need them.”

Anne was born in Penrith and has lived in the Lakes since she was 20.

A stairlift and some handy rails have been installed at her home so they can be used if needed.

The decision to enlist additional support from Windermere-based firm Alertacall was made because the Clever Contact service fitted around Anne’s life rather than the other way around.

She sees it as something that will maintain her independence and confidence without intruding upon her privacy.

“I enjoy going to classes,” Anne said. “I get myself out.

“In the winter, if I feel fed up in the cold and dark, I’ll go shopping to cheer myself up and I visit family in Manchester on the train.

“I’m a very independent person, I’m young at heart. So I’ve put things in place that make life easier for me since my husband died and I’d recommend more older people do the same.

“Clever Contact gives me real peace of mind. What’s more, my family are reassured there is confirmation every day that everything is fine. It is as simple as pressing a button. Equally, they know if I don’t press, I will get a call and help if I need it.”

James Batchelor, founder of Alertacall, said he was delighted the technology he had invented to help his own grandmother, Eveline, was now making such a difference to other people.

“It’s lovely to hear how Clever Contact is working for Anne - that it is giving her peace of mind that she can live the independent and active life she wants while help is on hand if required.

“The OKEachDay phone puts people in control, they can have as much contact as they want and it won’t stop them from going out or getting on with what they had planned for the day.

“I’m proud that the Clever Contact service is helping people to do this, particularly as more and more will want to continue to live in their own homes for as long as possible in the future.”

Your chance to try the service for free

ON THE BUTTON: Alertacall's Clever Contact phone

WORLD leading technology firm Alertacall is giving 50 readers the chance to try the Clever Contact service and an OKEachDay phone for six months.

The offer will see the Windermere-based business provide the easy to use phones completely free of charge with no hidden costs.

Anyone who receives one of the phones simply has to plug it in at home to enjoy the peace of mind that comes with the innovative service. Everyday - usually in the morning - the user can press the OKEachDay button on the phone provided to signal that they are fine before carrying on with whatever they have planned.

Alternatively, they can press to speak to a member of the friendly Clever Contact team.

The service, which is designed to enable people to live active and independent lives for longer, also includes a useful reminder feature for appointments and birthdays. Anyone who has one of the OKEachDay phones can take advantage of this.

To apply for one of the 50 OKEachDay phones call the team on 0808 208 1234.

Callers can may apply on behalf of themselves or someone else.