At 82, Erik hasn’t slowed down. If anything, he’s just become more intentional about how he lives.

He spends his time travelling Australia in a motorhome he built himself, volunteering in his community and staying hands-on with the things he enjoys.

His MePACS personal alarm? It’s simply there in the background—supporting his independence, not defining it.

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A life built on doing

Erik’s working life was anything but typical. He ran his own tree surgery and pest control business for 30 years—work that kept him outdoors and active.

“I’ve always worked with my hands,” he says. “I’m not one to sit still. You’ve got to keep learning and progressing.”

Erik and his late wife spent five years building their motorhome from scratch. Then they hit the road and travelled across Australia.

Today, that same motorhome is still home. It’s solar-powered, simple, and exactly how Erik likes it.

“I try to live simply and sustainably,” he says. “And I enjoy life.”

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Staying active, staying connected

For Erik, independence isn’t complicated.

“What does it mean to me? Being able to keep going as I am, and to help other people where I can.”

That mindset has carried him well into his 80s—and often catches people off guard.

“When I tell people I’m 82, they take two steps back,” he laughs. “They think I’m in my early 60s.”

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Why Erik chose a personal alarm

As an insulin-dependent diabetic, Erik knows the importance of being prepared.

“I’ve had a couple of reactions in the past,” he says. “My wife was there at the time, but I realised that if I was alone, I’d need another way to get help.”

That’s what led him to a MePACS personal alarm—not out of fear, but for reassurance.

“It’s like insurance,” he says. “You hope you never need it.”

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Confidence at home and on the road

Because Erik is often out and about, having a mobile solution was important.

“I needed something I could take with me,” he explains. “I’m often out in the community, so I want to know I’m covered.”

Whether he’s volunteering, visiting friends, or travelling, that support goes with him.

“If I needed help, I wouldn’t hesitate—I’d just press the button.”

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A service you can trust

While Erik hasn’t needed his alarm in an emergency, he’s experienced the service through his regular pendant tests—and it’s left an impression.

“The response time is impressive,” he says. “And the attitude of the operators is positively brilliant.”

Even accidental activations—sometimes courtesy of his cat—are handled with care.

“They always check in quickly to make sure I’m okay. It’s wonderful!”

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A simple way to stay independent

Erik often recommends a personal alarm to others who want to keep living life their way.

“You never know when you might need a little help,” he says.

For him, it’s not about limitation—it’s about confidence.

Confidence to keep travelling.

Confidence to stay active.

Confidence to live independently.

“It’s no different to putting milk in your coffee,” he says. “If you need it, you use it.”

And that’s really what it comes down to.

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