Wearable devices are commonplace for young people, but did you know that they’re becoming more and more beneficial for the older generation? The main reason is that older adults can use them to their advantage to live happier and healthier lives.
From emergency features like fall detection to blood pressure and heart rate monitoring, below are several impressive ways wearable tech can be beneficial to seniors.
1. Measure Heart Rate
It’s important to actively monitor your heart rate and pay close attention to it if it gets too high, especially while exercising. This becomes even more important as you get older.
Many wearables—mainly smartwatches and fitness trackers—typically measure your heart rate throughout the day. In fact, the Apple Watch will even send you high, low, or irregular heart rate notifications.
However, there are devices created specifically for capturing your heart rate, and they’re usually worn around your wrist or chest. Some standout wearable heart rate monitors include various options from Fitbit and Garmin including theFitbit Versa 4and theGarmin HRM-Pro.
2. Get Help Quick With Fall Detection
Older individuals are prone to falling because of muscle mass loss, balance problems, and blood pressure drops, as stated in thisarticle from the National Institute on Aging. The good news is that there are manywearable devices for older adultsto improve their health and safety using built-in fall detection.
One excellent example is theSamsung Galaxy Watch(Series 3 and later). These smartwatches are perfect for seniors, as they will alert emergency authorities and your chosen emergency contacts if you ever take a hard fall. Additionally, fall detection is installed automatically on all theApple Watchesthat have come after the Series 3.
3. Promote and Track Fitness and Activity
Regular physical activity can prevent bone loss, boost immunity, and prevent chronic disease, as stated in thisarticle from The National Council on Aging.
Wearable tech makes it easier than ever for older adults to track their fitness and activity. What’s more, they don’t have to cost an arm and a leg. TheFitbit Inspire 3is affordable, and it offers steps, distance, and calorie tracking as well as automatic exercise tracking.
Moreover, a smartwatch like theMGMoveallows seniors to set activity goals, which can encourage them to get up and move.
4. Schedule Medication Reminders
It can be difficult for older adults to remember to take their daily medications. And while there are devices like smart pill dispensers, they’re not wearable, so they’re not able to notify seniors when they are out and about. Seniors can benefit greatly from having their medication reminders right on their wrists.
You can use almost any smartwatch to set standard reminders, as they are automatically built into the device. However,seniors can benefit from wearing an Apple Watch, which features medication tracking and the ability to set medication reminders. The Apple Watch works in collaboration with the Apple Health app, so based on what your medication schedule is, the device will send alerts.
5. Blood Pressure Monitoring
Anarticle from the Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovationsays that regular home blood pressure monitoring can reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. What better way for older adults to regularly monitor their blood pressure than with a convenient wearable device?
Plenty of smartwatches can act as effective blood pressure monitors, including the Samsung Galaxy Watches and theOMRON HeartGuide. However, the only device that is registered with the FDA is the OMRON HeartGuide. This wearable monitors blood pressure fluctuations and collects your data, so you’re able to track it and review it whenever you like.
To track your blood pressure using the HeartGuide device, all you have to do is press the start button, hold it at heart level, and wait a few seconds to get your results.
6. GPS Tracking
GPS tracking is essential not only for seniors themselves, but for their caregivers, too. Wearable devices can offer peace of mind for loved ones and protection for seniors, especially if they are dealing with something like dementia.
GPS trackers for the elderly come in all shapes and sizes, including smartwatches, belt clips, wristbands, pocket devices, and neck pendants.
TheCPR Guardian II Watchis one of the best GPS location-tracking watches on the market for seniors. What makes this smartwatch special is that it gives you the ability to set up geofencing safety zones. Therefore, a loved one or caregiver will receive app notifications if the wearer leaves or enters a specific zone.
7. Improves Sleep Hygiene
According to anarticle from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, sleep hygiene refers to a series of healthy sleep habits that can improve your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. Older individuals can now ensure they alwaysget a good night’s restusing various wearable sleep trackers.
Some of the best options include theOura Ring,Apple Watch Series 8, andSamsung Galaxy Watch 6. These wearables all give seniors the ability to keep a regular sleep schedule and set a structured bedtime and wake-up time. The Oura Ring can even give seniors a sleep score after each night based on aspects like their REM sleep and heart rate.
8. Stay Connected With Loved Ones
Did you know that regular social connections and engagement can have plenty of benefits for seniors, including disease prevention, improved cognitive function, and fewer overall physical health problems? Anarticle from the Nursing Home Abuse Centerdetails these benefits.
to stay connected, seniors can use wearable devices like smartwatches to read and send messages as well as make and receive phone calls. On the other hand, the MGMove is a great option for seniors that allows them to send voice recordings or use the Social Circle app to message loved ones.
9. Creates a Sense of Independence
Elderly adults often need assistance when it comes to staying safe and healthy. However, moving to assisted living centers or dealing with care workers may lead to seniors feeling like they have lost the ability to live a fulfilling and independent life.
But wearables can help seniors maintain their independence for as long as possible while still keeping those who care for them in the loop. Seniors can use wearables like theAngel Watch Assistto monitor vital signs like body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate by themselves.
Moreover, a wearable medical alert device like theLifeStation necklacecan be used in an emergency situation by simply pressing the help button.
Wearable Devices and Tech Are Game Changers for Older Adults
Wearable devices are not just a trendy way for people to boost their fashion and style or conveniently stay in touch while they’re on the go. Seniors can also embrace and use these wearable devices as tools to their advantage.
These are some fantastic ways wearables can benefit seniors, whether they are looking for a convenient way to track their health metrics and fitness activity or a straightforward way to stay in touch with loved ones.
