Wearable Technology for Seniors – Benefits & Top Picks
Wearable tech devices are everywhere these days and are much more than just a passing trend. As the population of seniors in our society continues to grow, many people over 60 are embracing technology and turning to wearable devices to stay connected, active, and healthy. These devices provide several benefits for older adults, including easier monitoring of health and fitness, increased safety and security in the home, and improved communication with loved ones.
What is Wearable Technology?
Wearable technology is a broad term that includes any electronic device or system worn on the body, either as an accessory or embedded in clothing. The ever-popular Apple Watch is an example of a wearable device, as are other smartwatches, fitness trackers, and wearable sensors.
The Benefits of Wearable Technology for Seniors
One of the main benefits seniors can expect from wearable tech is improved health and fitness monitoring. Many devices can track key metrics such as heart rate, sleep quality, and activity levels, providing insights that can help seniors stay active and make healthy lifestyle choices.
Wearable tech also provides increased safety and security in the home, allowing older adults to live more independently. Some devices are equipped with GPS tracking so family members or emergency personnel can locate a senior if needed.
4 Best Wearable Tech Devices for Seniors
There is a wide range of wearable technology available for seniors today, including everything from simple fitness trackers to more advanced devices that provide medical monitoring and support. Some of the best options include:
Apple Watch Series 8 – The Apple Watch is one of the most popular wearable tech devices on the market, and it offers advanced capabilities that are great for seniors. In addition to its basic fitness tracking abilities, it has fall detection, emergency SOS features, and even ECG capabilities that monitor cardiac abnormalities.
Medical Guardian MGMove Smartwatch – Medical Guardian specializes in wearable tech devices for seniors and offers a range of products to suit different needs. Their MGMove Smartwatch is designed specifically for seniors, with features like medication reminders, built-in fall detection, an SOS button, and GPS tracking. And it doesn’t have to be connected to a smartphone to work.
GetSafe Pendant – GetSafe designed this small pendant device to help seniors feel more secure at home. It’s worn as a necklace and has built-in fall detection and an indented button — that way, accidental pushes are less likely. And if you don’t love wearable devices, GetSafe specializes in non-wearable techs, like buttons and audio devices that you can place around your home for added security.
Fitbit – Two particular Fitbit devices stand out to us: the Fitbit Sense and the Fitbit Luxe. Both are easy to use, and they offer sophisticated tracking features that can help seniors stay active and monitor their health, including built-in heart monitoring that can send alerts if there are any signs of an irregular heartbeat. The Sense is bulkier than the Luxe but has more features. Still, some seniors may prefer the smaller (and more budget-friendly) Luxe model since it’s more discreet.
How to Choose the Right Type of Wearable Technology for Your Needs
When choosing a wearable device for seniors, it’s important to consider your specific needs and goals. Some questions to ask yourself include:
- What features are most important to you? Do you need a fitness tracker that provides detailed metrics on your activity levels and sleep quality, or do you want a more advanced device to monitor your heart rate and provide medical-grade support?
- Are features like GPS tracking and fall detection a must-have, or would you prefer a non-wearable alternative?
- What is the budget for your wearable technology?
Ultimately, the best wearable technology for seniors will meet each person’s specific needs and goals while providing essential features like monitoring and support if necessary. When choosing a device, do a good amount of research, read reviews from other users, and talk to your healthcare provider to see if they have suggestions or recommendations. With the proper device and a commitment to regular use, seniors can enjoy all the benefits of wearable technology!
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