Free FitBit for Seniors: 7 Programs for a Free Fitness Tracker

By Maurice

free fitbit for seniors

Fitness trackers can be a source of great motivation for seniors to stay active and can inspire them to keep moving, get in better shape, lose weight, and improve overall health. They can also help monitor their heart rates to alert them if there are any alarming changes.

A study led by an assistant professor of kinesiology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Lisa Cadmus-Bertram, found out that study participants who were using Fitbit trackers were logging 62 minutes of more activity. According to Dr. Cadmus-Bertram, behavior changes can be easier to form when there is a tracking or feedback system in place.

If you’re looking for a free FitBit for seniors, you’re in the right place. Below are some programs that can help you obtain a free fitness tracker.

Free FitBit for Seniors – Charities

Recycle Health

RecycleHealth is a 501(c)(3) charity based out of Tufts University School of Medicine. They collect and refurbish fitness trackers to provide underserved populations with a method to maintain health and fitness.

TeleHealth Access for Seniors

TeleHealth provides seniors and low-income communities with devices, instructions, and free tech support to connect them to their physicians via TeleHealth, friends, and family using digital connectivity, and wellness tools via apps. They accept donations of devices that volunteers pick up, sanitize, and redistribute to seniors. Contact them to see if they have any FitBit available.

InterConnection

This electronics recycler collects used electronics and distributes them for charitable use. They accept and distribute just about everything you can think of.

All of Us

The NIH (National Institute of Health) program that started in 2015 has a new initiative called All of Us that aims to give out 10,000 Fitbit devices. The goal is to use these devices to learn more about your sleep patterns, heart rates, physical activity, and energy levels. By participating in this program you agree to share your data with NIH for research purposes.

Thrift Stores

Many Thrift Stores gladly accept most items including electronics. Check your nearest thrift store.

Free FitBit for Seniors – Healthcare Insurance

UnitedHealthcare Motion

The UnitedHealthcare Motion app lets you and a spouse “earn annual financial rewards for things like copays, prescriptions, and deductibles” based on completing “FIT” goals like completing 10,000 steps a day. Depending on your membership, you could receive a free Fitbit Charge 5 or Apple Watch, with a new device “every two plan years” and possibly a free paid membership like Apple Fitness+ as well.

Active&Fit

Some health insurance companies like Kaiser partner with Active&Fit(opens in new tab) to send “Stay Fit Kits” to eligible members that include a promotional code for a free Fitbit or Garmin tracker, along with other fitness accessories like dumbbells, resistance bands, and yoga mats.

Check Your Insurer

Talk with your provider to see if they participate in a free smartwatch or free fitness tracker program. Some programs don’t participate in free fitness tracker programs but they offer discounts. For example, Kaiser and Blue Cross Blue Shield both offer 20% off most of the best Fitbit trackers available, while Cigna Healthy rewards offer Garmin smartwatch discounts.

Free FitBit for Seniors – For Veterans

Vietnam Veterans of America

Vietnam Veterans of America accepts donations of all electronics and distributes them to people. Contact your local chapter to see if they have a FitBit.