Wearable technology aids immensely in aging independently. Options like smartwatches or lanyards can help keep track of activity levels, monitor heart rate, detect falls, and dial for help when needed. Many variations of wearable technology exist and your choice of brands, styles, and fits is endless. Each system has different capabilities and benefits making it easy to assess your options and pick the system that best suits your lifestyle.
Benefits:
Wearable technology promotes independence and health for older adults. These devices can track heart rate, provide reminders for medication, appointments, and food, and will also monitor activity levels. While it may seem futuristic, wearable technology can grant unparalleled freedom in keeping you aware of your progress and promote movement. User-friendly reminders built into smartwatches aid in staying on top of medications and schedules while GPS capabilities, a near-universal feature, help you get around town with ease.
With so many options to pick from, we’ve chosen a few of our favorites to narrow down your search.
Options:
Lively Mobile:
- Affordable and designed specifically as a medical alert device for seniors
- Easiest interface- only buttons
- 2 way communication
- Accurate GPS tracking
- Can take anywhere
- Fall detection
- Lively link app – notifies friends and family
Fitbit:
- Tracks steps as well as sleep, which are important for seniors
- Display is large and easy to read
- Connects seamlessly to other apps, easy to use
- SOS button
- CONS: no fall detection
Apple Watch Series 7:
- Large screen and always-on retina display, which is easier on the eyes
- Blood oxygen readings in background
- ECG app – can detect abnormal heart rhythms
- More options to connect to other apps, large range
- Sleep tracker that also tracks respiration while you sleep
- Fall detection
- CONS: requires apple iOS phone
Considerations:
As there are many options for wearable technology it is crucial to evaluate your personal needs and wants with this new technology and what will be most comfortable for you. Evaluate if you want technology with monitoring services, fall detection, and help calls. This can help you narrow down the options and figure out what type of wearable you want. If you want a smartwatch other considerations to keep in mind include device size, comfortability with technology, cost, customer support, and power needs. These questions will help you pick a brand and style that you will be happy with for your daily needs.
Wearable technology or fall detection technology are great options to pursue to give you and your loved ones peace of mind. These options can help keep you active, allow for easy access to emergency help, give medical reminders, and more. Evaluating what option is best for you will help ensure easy integration into your daily routine and keep you safe and healthy.
For more information on wearable technology check out these resources:
Does Insurance Pay for Medical Alert Systems?
What Wearable Technologies Are Important for the Elderly, and Why?
