In a bid to provide one-click access to emergency support system for senior citizens, a mobile app Save Our Seniors (SOS), has been launched. Launched by HelpAge India, the app can be downloaded free from Google Play Store on Android phones.

Details are also available on www.helpageindia.org. The security app was launched by Additional Director General of Police (Crimes) S. Ananthakrishnan here on Tuesday, on the eve of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

At the click of a button, the toll-free helpline 1800 180 1253 can be accessed through the new app round the clock. The call will be answered by a trained staff or counsellor.

If need be, those seeking assistance will be linked to the local police, hospital or old age homes. “It will be an effective platform for those above 50 years to access a variety of health and social security benefits,”

says Advocacy Officer of HelpAge India Shibin Antony. An information kit is also available to access information on various topics such as police protection, helping network, health, active ageing, financial planning, city-wise market discounts and how to tackle elder abuse.