Wearable technology such as the Fitbit and Apple Watch is no longer limited to the young and active. Older adults are increasingly embracing smart wearable gadgets to improve their well-being. According to an AARP study in 2015, 45% of older adults (50+ years old) reported increased motivation for healthier living after using a wearable activity or sleep tracker for six weeks. Overall, 67% of participants found these wearables beneficial.
Wearable tech also provides peace of mind to family members and caregivers. Some wearables designed for seniors include features like fall detection and emergency monitoring, offering independent seniors the freedom to do what they love with an extra layer of protection in case of emergencies.
Whether you’re searching for a fitness tracker for an active parent or a medical alert device for an independent grandparent, we hope you’ll find what you need in this curated list of wearables suitable for seniors.
Activity Trackers, Smartwatches and Medical Alert Devices for Seniors
Garmin Vivosmart 3
This fitness tracker is versatile, sleek, and intelligent. It not only monitors your daily fitness activities like steps taken, stairs climbed, and calories burned, but also tracks heart rate variability to measure and display stress levels. Additionally, it offers built-in guided breathing exercises to promote relaxation and alleviate stress, making it an excellent choice for seniors looking to enhance their overall well-being.
Fitbit Charge 3
Named the 2023 Fitness Tracker of the Year, the Fitbit Charge 3 goes beyond step tracking. It offers automatic sleep monitoring for seniors to track sleep patterns and improve rest, crucial for healthy aging. With a large, backlit display, extended battery life, and integration with everyday apps like calendar and weather, the Fitbit Charge 3 is perfect for seniors.
Samsung Gear S3
With its timeless exterior and revolutionary interior, the Samsung Gear S3 resembles a traditional watch while offering so much more to enhance the well-being of seniors. Among its standout features is the capability to alert emergency contacts. By simply pressing the home button three times, the wearer’s location is instantly shared with predetermined individuals, enabling real-time tracking of their whereabouts.
Apple Watch 4
The Apple Watch 4 represents a significant milestone in wearable technology for seniors. One noteworthy feature is the ECG app, which can generate an electrocardiogram similar to a single-lead ECG. This provides crucial data for doctors, caregivers, and wearers. The resulting ECG waveform is stored automatically in the Health app on the iPhone, allowing wearers to easily share the results with caregivers and healthcare providers. Additionally, the Apple Watch 4 includes advanced fall detection. If a fall is detected and the wearer remains immobile, the watch will automatically contact emergency services and notify emergency contacts.
Reemo Health Smartwatch
“The mission of the Reemo Health Smartwatch is to enable seniors to embrace their independence for as long as possible. This specially designed smartwatch for senior living simplifies health data management and facilitates information sharing with family, caregivers, and healthcare providers. Additionally, the Reemo Health Smartwatch offers round-the-clock concierge assistance, allowing wearers to connect with live operators for product support or emergency services.
Freedom Guardian
The Freedom Guardian wearable medical alert watch includes functionalities that offer daily assistance to older users, their caregivers, and loved ones. With advanced location tracking, help can be quickly dispatched to the wearer’s precise location. Furthermore, automatic alerts aid in managing daily tasks, ensuring that seniors never forget to take medication or miss important appointments. The Freedom Guardian also boasts oversized icons and a large, high-resolution touchscreen, catering to seniors with impaired eyesight.
MobileHelp Smart
Designed specifically for seniors, the MobileHelp Smart is a discreet wearable that serves as a medical alert device. This smartwatch offers a wide range of features, including activity monitoring, heart rate tracking, and diet goal management, promoting a healthier lifestyle. Additionally, it provides emergency monitoring services for a monthly fee of $24.95. In case of an emergency, wearers can easily connect with emergency operators by simply pressing a button on the smartwatch, thanks to its built-in microphone and speaker.
More Gift Ideas for Seniors
If you’re searching for the perfect present for an elderly parent, grandparent, or loved one, we have curated a concise list of wonderful gifts for seniors. At Senior Lifestyle, we understand that regardless of the circumstances, seniors overwhelmingly agree that it’s the thought behind the gift that truly matters. The gift of time is also highly valued and appreciated. Whether your senior loved one resides at home or in a senior community, simply taking the time to say hello and spend quality time together can bring as much joy as any material gift you can imagine.
