The implementation of the so-called “red button” continues to be delayed, despite broad consensus that it is a critical support tool for elderly and vulnerable people. With 2025 coming to an end without the system being activated, the question now shifts to the new year. Will 2026 finally mark the transition from announcements to reality, or will it become yet another year added to an already long timeline of postponements?
As things stand, the programme has not entered operation, even though a pilot phase had been scheduled for 2025. The latest official update now places the pilot launch in February 2026, reviving debate around a project that has long been considered necessary but remains absent from everyday life.
Where things stand today
Speaking to Politis, Observatory of the Third Age president Dimos Antoniou said the red button scheme is in its final preparatory stage, following a lengthy period of technical and organisational work.
He stressed that the project was not abandoned but progressed more slowly than initially anticipated, as issues had to be resolved to ensure proper and safe operation. According to Antoniou, the pilot phase has now been moved to February 2026, although the original plan foresaw a December 2025 launch.
“There were technical and organisational obstacles that made it impossible to meet the original timetable. It was considered preferable to delay implementation rather than roll out a system without the necessary safeguards,” he said.
During the pilot phase, the first devices are expected to be provided to around 80 individuals with demonstrated need. Criteria include age over 75, receipt of the Guaranteed Minimum Income or other benefits, underlying health conditions, living in remote areas or the absence of a supportive family environment.
A project dating back to 2018
The discussion around the red button began in 2018, at a time when the growing need to support elderly people living alone was becoming increasingly visible. The original goal was to introduce the measure in 2019 on a pilot basis, evaluate its effectiveness and then gradually expand it.
That timeline was never met. In the years that followed, the red button repeatedly resurfaced in public discourse, alternately described as being “in the final stretch” or “taking shape.” Despite repeated announcements, implementation was continuously deferred and the measure remained on paper.
In May last year, the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare gave the green light and announced that the programme would enter a pilot phase within 2025. That schedule was not realised, leading to the latest postponement to early 2026.
What is the red button
The red button is an emergency alert service designed primarily for elderly and vulnerable individuals who live alone or without daily support. It allows users to request help through a single, simple action, without the need to use a telephone or complex digital applications.
Its core principle is simplicity and speed. Pressing a button is enough to trigger an alert, a crucial feature in situations where time is critical or the person’s condition does not allow for other forms of communication.
How it will work
In practical terms, beneficiaries will be provided with a special device, either wearable or installed inside the home, through which they can send an emergency signal. Once activated, the signal will be transmitted to a 24-hour call management and coordination centre.
The centre will be staffed by trained personnel, including social workers and other professionals, who will immediately assess the situation and activate the appropriate response. Depending on the case, this may involve ambulances, police, social services or other competent authorities.
The system is designed to function as part of an organised response chain, ensuring that requests for help lead to direct intervention rather than remaining merely recorded.
Who it is for
The scheme is primarily aimed at elderly people living alone, individuals with health or mobility issues and other vulnerable groups who may face emergencies without immediate access to support.
In Cyprus, it is estimated that between 30,000 and 40,000 people could potentially benefit from a system like the red button. The programme is also seen as a source of reassurance for families of elderly or mobility-impaired individuals, particularly when relatives cannot be present on a daily basis.
The main benefit of the red button lies in immediate access to assistance in situations where every minute can be decisive. Falls, sudden health episodes or other emergencies can be addressed more quickly, reducing response times.
Beyond emergencies, the system also has a preventive dimension. Its existence strengthens the sense of safety among elderly people and can be crucial in cases of abuse or neglect, where victims may struggle to seek help through other means.