Best Apple Watch for Seniors (2023): Top Models + Expert Buying Guide

By kbeveridge

Best Apple Watch for Seniors

Our Top Recommendations

In-Built ECG

Apple Watch Series 6

User-friendly

Apple Watch SE

Heart Problem

Apple Watch Series 5

Apple is one of the most reputable technology brands worldwide. Among music devices and phones, it also manufactures smart watches. These devices include high-tech inclusions, including health monitoring and alert features for seniors’ safety and wellbeing.

In this guide, we will look at the best Apple watches for seniors. We examine what makes these products distinct from the competition and how to choose the correct device for your needs.

Features of an Apple Watch for Seniors

Most Apple watches share the following features:

Compatibility with iOS mobile devices and apps.
Health, fitness, and sleep monitoring
GPS capabilities
Medical alert features
Comfortable watch bands
User-friendly interfaces

Popular Models of Apple Watches

These are the most popular Apple Watch models:

Later in this article, we will look at detailed reviews of each of these models.

Benefits of Apple Watches for Seniors

There are a few advantages to choosing an Apple Watch for seniors:

Apple uses high-quality materials and construction for its products.
Apple Watches have good compatibility with apps and iOS devices.
Apple watches offer various capabilities, including fitness monitoring, GPS, medical alert features, and health tracking.
Apple Watches are sleek and stylish.
Like other health watches, Apple devices can assist doctors and health professionals if you have a medical emergency.
Wearing an Apple Watch may help you regain independence because of the safety monitoring features.
If you have a caregiver, data from your Apple Watch may assist them in their activities.
Tracking health data may help to diagnose or prevent health problems, including gastrointestinal issues.

At a Glance: Best Apple Watches for Seniors

Name	Height	Width	Depth	Weight	Best For
New Apple Watch Series 6	40mm	34mm	10.4mm	30.5g	Monitoring features
New Apple Watch SE	44mm	38.7mm	10.4mm	36.4g	User-friendly
Apple Watch Series 5	44mm	38mm	10.74mm	36.5g	GPS & Waterproof
Apple Watch Series 4	40mm	38mm	10.7mm	47.9g	History of Falls & Accident
Apple Watch Series 3	42mm	36.4mm	11.4mm	52.8g	Reliable Health Tracking Features

Best Apple Watches for Seniors

Best Apple Watch for Seniors (Overall):Apple Watch Series 6

New Apple Watch Series 6
Height	40mm
Width	34mm
Depth	10.4mm
Weight	30.5g

The overall best Apple Watch for seniors is the Apple Watch Series 6. It is the newest model and includes many essential features, including sleep tracking, blood oxygen level monitoring, and even an in-built ECG to track your heart health.

This is a large Apple Watch for senior citizens, allowing you to read the display more easily. However, it is still lightweight enough not to weigh you down. It also has a waterproof outer and a durable design.

You can receive and make phone calls from the watch. Additionally, it has a rapid internal processor and accurate data collection in all scenarios. However, it is the least affordable Apple Watch model.

Pros

It has sophisticated health monitoring software.
The Apple Watch includes a medical alert feature.
It is waterproof and durable.
You can use the watch instead of your mobile device for calls.
It has a smart retina design to make it visible inside and outside.

Cons

It is the most expensive Apple Watch.

We recommend this Apple Watch for: anyone looking to invest in an Apple Watch with high-quality health monitoring features.

Easiest Apple Watch Band for Elderly:Apple Watch SE

New Apple Watch SE
Height	44mm
Width	38.7mm
Depth	10.4mm
Weight	36.4g

The Apple Watch SE is the most user-friendly Apple Watch for seniors. It has a large retina display that makes it easier to read for people with limited vision. Additionally, its waterproof and resistant construction makes it suitable for all environments.

You can make or take calls directly from the watch interface. Additionally, you can use a Family Plan to share data with several people. This feature could be helpful to allow family members or caregivers to track your health condition.

This Apple Watch can monitor your heart rate and sleep quality. In addition, it detects falls and can contact emergency services if you have an accident. It lacks some of the more sophisticated ECG and blood oxygen monitoring of other Apple Watches. Still, it has enough features for general health use.

Pros

It has a large retina display
It has in-built cellular features.
The watch includes heart and sleep monitoring.
It has fall detection and SOS features.
The watch is waterproof and resistant.

Cons

It doesn’t have an in-built ECG or blood oxygen app.

We recommend this Apple Watch for: anyone looking for the most intuitive and user-friendly model.

Best Apple Watch for Tracking Elderly:Apple Watch Series 5

Apple Watch Series 5
Height	44mm
Width	38mm
Depth	10.74mm
Weight	36.5g

The Apple Watch Series 5 is another excellent option for older people to track their health status. It is particularly suitable for heart problems because of its in-built ECG monitor and heart sensors. They function with optical and electric sensors to deliver the most accurate data.

It is one of the best choices for navigation due to its in-built GPS and compass features. The watch can also prevent falls and alert emergency services in case of an accident. So, it can give seniors and caregivers greater peace of mind.

This Apple Watch has a large screen with an adaptable retina display. If you have eyesight problems, it could make it easier to use. However, it is one of the priciest Apple Watch models.

Pros

It has an in-built ECG monitor.
The watch has optical and electrical heart sensors.
It has GPS and an in-built compass.
The watch includes fall prevention technology and emergency SOS.
It has a large and easy-to-read screen.

Cons

It is one of the more expensive Apple Watches.

We recommend this Apple Watch for: any seniors who want to track health problems, especially heart issues.

Best Apple Watch for Elderly Falls:Apple Watch Series 4

Apple Watch Series 4
Height	40mm
Width	38mm
Depth	10.7mm
Weight	47.9g

The Apple Watch Series 4 is the best choice for elderly fall prevention. The internal mechanism includes a gyroscope and an accelerometer to detect when you fall. It also has emergency alert features to notify your family or emergency services in case of an accident.

It is an excellent option for heart monitoring due to its electrical and optical heart sensors. Like other Apple Watches, it also enables you to monitor and record general health and fitness data.

The main downside of this model is that you must buy it renewed instead of brand new. While it still has excellent functionality, it may have lower battery life than other models. However, it is also one of the most affordable choices for this reason.

Pros

It is one of the most affordable Apple Watches.
It has sophisticated fall detection mechanisms.
You can use it for heart monitoring.
The watch has a speedy processor and a durable design.

Cons

You have to buy this model renewed.

We recommend this Apple Watch for: seniors who have a history of falls and accidents.

Best Apple Watch to Monitor the Health of an Elderly Person:Apple Watch Series 3

Apple Watch Series 3
Height	42mm
Width	36.4mm
Depth	11.4mm
Weight	52.8g

The Apple Watch Series 3 is the best Apple Watch to monitor seniors’ health on a budget. It is the most affordable model but still offers many of the excellent Apple features. For example, it has a barometric altimeter and GPS for precise location tracking.

It includes basic health tracking features like heart rate, calories burned, overall activity, and sleep quality. You can also use it during many kinds of exercise, including swimming. So, it can be a good choice for seniors who have specific health or fitness goals.

Like the Series 4, the Series 3 has also been discontinued by Apple. You can still find the model renewed or refurbished, but it could be challenging to locate a new device. It is still generally of excellent quality but may have some battery life problems in the long run.

Pros

It is the cheapest Apple Watch.
It has an in-built GPS and altimeter.
You can use it in all environments.
It includes basic health-tracking features.

Cons

It is discontinued and so difficult to buy brand new.

We recommend this Apple Watch for: anyone looking for an affordable device with reliable health tracking features.

Best Apple Watch App for Elderly:Pill Monitor Drug Minder

The Pill Monitor Drug Minder is the best Apple Watch app for the elderly. Many seniors need to take regular medications at prescribed times, so the application can handle reminders and scheduling.

It sends you an alert when it is time to take any of your medications and does this regardless of whether you have the app running. In addition, you do not need an internet connection for the Pill Monitor app to function.

You can send the data to your doctor and back it up to your Dropbox. However, the alarm feature is not loud enough for some users. Additionally, the app includes ads.

Pros

It is a free app.
You can schedule reminders with the pill type, frequency, and dosage.
It sends reminders even if the app is not open.
It doesn’t need an internet connection to function.
You can backup data to Dropbox.
You can send the pill logs to your doctor.

Cons

The app has in-built ads.
The alarm is not very loud.

We recommend this app for: anyone who needs consistent reminders to take their medications.

Apple vs. Competitors

Android Wear vs. Apple Watch for Seniors

Wear OS (Android Wear) watches have a similar design to Apple Watches, but they use different software. Wear OS has better compatibility with mobile devices but offers many of the same features. In contrast, Apple Watches have better voice control and a greater variety of apps.

Fitbit vs. Apple Watch for Seniors

Fitbit is one of the most popular smartwatch brands. It offers a greater product variety and more high-end devices than Apple. Additionally, Fitbit has better battery life and health tracking features. However, Apple Watches allow you to use them instead of your cell phone, and they have many app integrations available.

Medical Guardian Watch vs. Apple Watch for Seniors

The Medical Guardian watch is another alternative to an Apple Watch. It is geared directly to seniors and includes superior life alert and health monitoring services. However, Apple Watches are fitness devices with these features as add-ons rather than the sole focus of the product.

FAQs

Can the Apple Watch Be Used as an Emergency Phone for the Elderly?

Apple Watches can function as emergency phones for the elderly. You can use the Emergency SOS feature with an Apple Watch, which calls the police, ambulance, or fire service. The function also shares your locations when you make the call.

Should an Elderly Heart Patient Get an Apple Watch?

An elderly heart patient can benefit from using an Apple Watch. These smartwatches include tracking capabilities, including heart rate monitoring and irregular heartbeat alerts. So, you can see if your heart condition is improving or worsening when you use the device.

Buying Guide: Finding the Right Apple Watch for You

Price Range of Apple Watch Models

The most affordable Apple Watch is the Apple Watch Series 3, costing around $200. Conversely, the most expensive model is the Apple Watch Series 6, with a starter price of $400. So, you can choose the smartwatch that best fits your budget.

How to Choose the Best Apple Watch for Your Needs

These are some features to consider when you choose an Apple Watch for seniors:

Health monitoring: Many Apple Watches enable you to track your blood oxygen levels, heart rate, and sleep quality. Some premium devices also include an ECG to understand your heart health better.
Emergency alert features: A medical alert feature is crucial if you regularly fall or worry about heart attacks or other emergencies.
Comfort: An Apple Watch will sit against your skin for hours, so you should make sure that it fits properly and doesn’t chafe your wrist.
Durability: Watches that can resist water and damage are likely to last longer and give you more bang for your buck.
User-friendliness: All the included features are useless if you can’t use them. So, an intuitive design that seniors can read and access is essential.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Apple Watch Series 6 is the overall best Apple Watch for seniors. This premium model includes excellent health monitoring, including blood oxygen levels, ECG, and sleep quality.

When choosing an Apple Watch for seniors, you should make sure that it includes all of the health monitoring and emergency features you need. A user-friendly interface and a comfortable watch band are other top priorities for long-term use.

Sources:

Measurements of daily energy intake and total energy expenditure in people with dementia in care homes: The use of wearable technology

Increasing Patient Engagement Through the Use of Wearable Technology

epogPB_june-19.pdf

Current Standards and Advances in Diabetic Ulcer Prevention and Elderly Fall Prevention Using Wearable Technology

The usefulness and actual use of wearable devices among the elderly population

Emerging wearable technology applications in gastroenterology: A review of the literature

Heart health notifications on your Apple Watch

Use Emergency SOS on your Apple Watch