While technology has always been a part of the healthcare terrain, it is only in recent years that the innovation radiates beyond electronic medical dossiers and diagnostic devices in hospitals. Today, wearable technology has stomped onto the stage, with no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Mounting the best gift list for men and women alike, you can find people with smart wearable gadgets on the train, at the supermarket, or at home.
Not only the young and active, but insightful elderly are also adopting wearable technology increasingly to help them live happier and healthier. Trendy-looking aside, these medical accessories offer much more to the daily lives of the elderly. For instance, smartwatches with medication reminders or fitness prompter functions can provide you or your loved ones with a sense of autonomy and independence. Also, health data such as pulse rate or blood sugar level collected throughout the day by wearable devices can provide a realistic context and is very helpful for healthcare providers. Wearable technology featuring fall detection, an easy assistance button, or emergency monitoring can also provide caregivers and family members serenity.
Whether you are a health-minded golden-ager or looking for a gift for your loved one, here’s a review of the best senior-adapted smartwatches.
Fitbit Versa 3
With its user-friendly interface, large display, and abundance features, it’s no surprise Fitbit Versa 3 is an overall elderly smartwatch winner. The Fitbit Versa 3 comes with a powerful built-in GPS that can accurately track and record the wearer’s movements throughout the day. You or your loved ones can also use it to monitor your fitness progress and control your Spotify playlist during workouts! Another plus point of Fitbit Versa 3 is that useful data such as heart rate and blood oxygen levels can be recorded all day and exported to your healthcare provider.
Apple Watch Series 6
When one mentions the smartwatch, the first brand that comes to our mind is probably Apple. Notable for its attractive aspect and excellent configuration, the Apple Watch Series 6 outshine its counterpart with its state-of-the-art fall detection function. This feature is particularly important for the elderly as the smartwatch will dispatch a help signal, allowing falls to be handled quickly. Designed with a lucid interface, this apple device can also be used as a fitness tracker, blood oxygen, and heart rate sensor. Besides, the Apple Watch Series 6 is waterproof which means you or your loved ones can even go swimming with it!
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
If you or your loved ones are Android phone users, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is a brilliant smartwatch choice. Showcasing a sharp sophisticated design, smart software, and outstanding health sensor, the latest Samsung smartwatch is assembled with quality materials such as leather straps, stainless steel case, and a unique physical rotating bezel. Besides accurate heart rate and electrocardiogram measurements, its 3-in-1 health sensor is also the first in the market to offer bioelectrical impedance analysis! Its simple-to-use outline, ergonomic waterproof design, and impressive battery life are also what make the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 popular amongst the elderly.
Freedom 2.0
Freedom 2.0 is specially designed with medical alert as the principal objective, boosted with some basic smartwatch features. Perfect for the elderly who don’t fancy elaborated elements, this simplified smartwatch provides local weather information, location tracking, medication, and daily task reminders. Its large icons, touchscreen interface, and waterproof blueprint also make this device elderly-friendly. The distinctive feature of Freedom 2.0 is its life-saving capabilities where users can upload their health and emergency information at a 24/7 Monitoring Center, as well as access to two-way assistance calls.
Omron Heart Guide
Omron is well-known for its array of blood pressure monitoring devices and this includes the HeartGuide wristwatch. It is one of the first innovative wearable blood pressure monitors approved by the FDA as a medical device. Unlike other smartwatches, HeartGuide uses an inflatable micro-cuff technology that mimics a blood pressure cuff, allowing real-time and clinically accurate blood pressure readings. Furthermore, this powerful smartwatch measures your or your loved ones’ physical activity, sleep habits and can also be used as a fitness tracker. Paired with Omron’s exclusive HeartAdvisor app, wearers can view personalized insights on how lifestyle impacts heart health.
