Apparatus 102 for monitoring a users activity has a sensor such as an accelerometer that generates orientation data of a user. The data is inserted into advertising packets of a wireless communication protocol such as Bluetooth (RTM) Low Energy (BLE) for broadcast at a low repetition frequency over a short range to a device 110 such as a mobile phone or access point. The data is relayed to a server 120. The server may command the apparatus 102 to establish a communication session and generate and transmit further orientation data at a higher repetition frequency. The low repetition frequency broadcasting consumes less power and is used when the user is likely to be sitting down. The higher repetition frequency connection is used when the user is walking. In response to an activity pattern indicative of an imminent fall, an alert is generated such as an SMS message. Other sensors such as heart rate, temperature and pressure sensors may be sued.
