Fitness Tracker for Seniors

By kbeveridge

Our Top Recommendations

Connectivity options

Garmin Descent Mk2i

Optical Heart Sensor

Apple Watch Series 3

Monitor fitness level

Garmin Vivoactive 3

Fitness trackers are excellent tools if you want to track your fitness progress and other aspects of your life. These fantastic devices are trendy amongst fitness enthusiasts and athletes. However, they can also provide various benefits to seniors, like health alerts and tracking your sleep patterns.

In today’s guide, we’ll take an in-depth look at the best fitness trackers for seniors. We’ll also tell you more about these devices and how they can benefit you.

At a Glance: The Best Fitness Trackers for Seniors

Name	Length	Width	Height	Weight	Best For
Garmin Descent Mk2i, Watch	3.9″	3.9″	3.9″	14.1 oz	Connectivity options
Apple Watch Series 3	11.4mm	36.4mm	42.5mm	–	User-friendly
Garmin Vivoactive 3	1.7″	1.7″	0.46″	1.52 lbs	Built-in sports app
Fitbit Charge 4 Fitness	9.72″	1.13″	0.49″	3.53 oz	Highly readable
Apple Watch Series 5	10.74mm	38mm	44mm	36.5g	Large screen
Garmin Vivosmart 4	7.5″	0.2″	0.5″	0.04 lbs	Sleep monitoring

Buying Guide: How to Buy the Right Fitness Tracker for You

Major Brands of Fitness Trackers

Many brands specialize in manufacturing fitness trackers and smartwatches with fitness tracker features. These include:

Price Range of Fitness Trackers

Although you can find fitness trackers for as little as 25 USD, most models will cost you between 50 USD and 200 USD. Apple watches and other premium models can cost you twice as much as a standard fitness tracker. However, they provide many more benefits and features in comparison.

What to Look for in a Fitness Tracker?

Here are the aspects you should consider when buying a fitness tracker for seniors:

Durability: One of the main aspects you should consider is the durability of your fitness trackers. These devices are not cheap, so it is better to spend a bit more on a model that will last longer.
Comfort: You are going to wear your fitness tracker for long periods. That’s why it is essential to find a device that is comfortable to wear. If it is too tight, you are going to feel uncomfortable while wearing it. The same will happen if the model is too loose or made of low-quality materials.
User-friendliness: Seniors need to find technological devices that are easy to use. A modern and complex fitness tracker will be challenging to use, especially if you have a hard time dealing with technology.

Best Fitness Trackers for Seniors

Best Fitness Tracker for Seniors (Overall):Garmin Descent Mk2i

Garmin Descent Mk2i
Length	3.9″
Width	3.9″
Height	3.9″
Weight	14.1 oz

The Garmin Descent Mk2i is one of the best smartwatches with fitness tracker features on the market. This top-ranked device offers a wide variety of connectivity like Bluetooth, WiFi, ANT, and Soundwave.

It is also an easy-to-use model that you can use for tracking all your physical movements. It is even waterproof to use while you swim. However, if you use it underwater, its GPS technology won’t work.

Another drawback of this smartwatch is that it is a lot more expensive than other options on this list.

Pros

This smartwatch has excellent connectivity features.
It is an easy-to-read model.
It is waterproof and has an underwater compass.
This model is complex but still easy to use.

Cons

This model lacks medical alerts or fall prevention features.

We recommend this fitness tracker for: anyone looking for a high-quality fitness tracker with excellent features for seniors.

Best Easy to Use Fitness Tracker for Seniors:Apple Watch Series 3

Apple Watch Series 3
Length	11.4mm
Width	36.4mm
Height	42.5mm
Weight	–

The Apple Watch Series 3 is the perfect option if you want a user-friendly device. This model has a powerful dual-core with a retina-display design for better readability. It is also a comfortable, lightweight, compact, and modern smartwatch.

The main drawback of this model is that the brand has discontinued it, meaning it won’t receive any further updates. However, it still works perfectly and has excellent durability like most Apple products. It also has good compatibility with most Apple devices like iPhones, iMacs, or iPads.

Pros

This model uses retina-display.
It has a powerful dual-core.
It has an in-built GPS and altimeter.
This model is lightweight, compact, and user-friendly.

Cons

It has been discontinued by the brand.

We recommend this fitness tracker for: anyone looking for a user-friendly fitness tracker for seniors.

Best Fitness Tracker for Seniors Without Smartphone:Garmin VivoActive 3

Garmin Vivoactive 3
Length	1.7″
Width	1.7″
Height	0.46″
Weight	1.52 lbs

The Garmin VivoActive 3 is a good choice if you want a fitness tracker, but you don’t have a smartphone. This device offers excellent GPS features that allow you to track your daily steps and more physical movements accurately. It also supports apps like emails, heart rate monitoring, and a GPS tracker.

The main drawback of this model is that the touchscreen can be too sensitive, and you can trigger it by accident. It also requires constant software updates, which can be a bit annoying.

Pros

It has excellent GPS.
It is a water-resistant option.
It supports three apps.
It provides accurate readings.

Cons

The touchscreen can be too sensitive.

We recommend this fitness tracker for: anyone looking for a fitness tracker that doesn’t require a smartphone.

Best Readable Fitness Tracker for Seniors:Fitbit Charge 4

Fitbit Charge 4 Fitness
Length	9.72″
Width	1.13″
Height	0.49″
Weight	3.53 oz

The Fitbit Charge 4 is another good fitness tracker option for seniors, thanks to some solid features. For instance, this model includes a large display that allows for better readability and an easy-to-use design. It also has a powerful in-built GPS that can keep track of all your movement throughout the day.

This swim-proof device has other excellent extra features like a skin temperature tracker and a notification receiver when you get a new message. However, it doesn’t have the best battery life.

Pros

This model has an extra wide screen for better readability.
It comes with an in-built GPS.
It can track your skin temperature.
It is a swim-proof device.

Cons

It doesn’t have the best battery life.

We recommend this fitness tracker for: anyone looking for a highly readable fitness tracker for seniors.

Best Fitness Tracker for Elderly with Medical Alert: Apple Watch Series 5

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

The Apple Watch Series 5 is a modern smartwatch model with various features and benefits for seniors. This high-quality device has excellent app compatibility and a powerful in-built GPS. Additionally, this option has a swim-proof design that can let you track your swimming progress.

This model is perfect for seniors because it includes fall detection and medical alert technologies. Its large screen provides better readability and has an “on-retina” display that makes it easier to use. However, this model’s main drawback is that it doesn’t offer good battery life.

Pros

It is a high-quality fitness tracker.
This model has excellent app compatibility.
It is a swim-proof device.
It has an extra larger screen.

Cons

This model doesn’t have good battery life.

We recommend this fitness tracker for: anyone looking for the best fitness tracker with medical alert features for seniors.

Best Fitness Tracker Watch for the Elderly:Garmin VivoSmart 4

Garmin Vivosmart 4
Length	7.5″
Width	0.2″
Height	0.5″
Weight	0.04 lbs

The Garmin VivoSmart 4 is a high-quality fitness tracker for seniors. For instance, this affordable device lets you keep track of your sleeping patterns and other medical aspects. It also has an excellent battery life and a compact, lightweight design.

This device allows you to easily connect it to your Android phone for better control and customization. However, the touch screen of this model can be a bit unreliable, making it hard to use. It is also inaccurate when running or making other fast movements.

Pros

This high-quality fitness tracker works perfectly with Android phones.
It has a long battery life.
It is not an expensive option.
It offers a lot of features like a timer, sleep monitoring, and more.

Cons

The step counter is not always accurate.

We recommend this fitness tracker for: anyone looking for a user-friendly fitness tracker for seniors.

Best Step Tracker for Seniors (Overall):Fitbit Versa 2

Fitbit Versa 2
Length	3.96cm
Width	4.04cm
Height	1.19 cm
Weight	4.54 g

The Fitbit Versa 2 is the perfect option for seniors looking for a high-quality step tracker. This model is easy to link to your smartphone, allowing you to control and keep track of your fitness progress. It also provides a large display for better readability.

This model can track steps, sleep patterns, receive messages and notifications, and control your Spotify playlist for a more enjoyable fitness experience. However, it can be a bit expensive compared to other models. Also, this device doesn’t have the best durability.

Pros

You can easily link this fitness tracker to Alexa.
You can use it to receive notifications and messages.
This model can track your sleep quality.
You can use it to control your Spotify playlist.

Cons

It is not the most affordable model.

We recommend this step tracker for: anyone looking for the best step tracker for seniors.

Best Step Tracker for Elderly with a Walker:3D Fitbud Step Counter

3D Fitbud Step Counter
Length	6cm
Width	1.2cm
Height	3.8cm
Weight	23.81 g

The 3D Fitbud Step Counter is another user-friendly device that is perfect for seniors that use walkers. The design of this model makes it easy to count the steps, even when it is attached to the walker. It is lightweight, easy to read, and has an extra-large display that tells you the number of steps taken.

This is a basic model, meaning it can only count steps and doesn’t offer any more features. If you want a model with more features, you should consider other options.

Pros

It is the most user-friendly step tracker on the market.
This is a compact and lightweight option.
It provides accurate step reading.
It is an affordable option.

Cons

It is a basic model.

We recommend this step tracker for: anyone looking for a basic step tracker that works perfectly for seniors with walkers.

Best Step Trackers for the Elderly with Dementia: Apple Watch Series 6

Apple Watch Series 6
Length	10.7mm
Width	34mm
Height	40mm
Weight	30.5 g

The Apple Watch Series 6 is a user-friendly device that provides the best features for seniors with dementia. This model includes medical alert and fall prevention technology, making it perfect for serious health concerns. It also has a powerful GPS that lets you track where the device is at any moment.

This model is water-resistant and has an “always-on-retina” display that makes it easier to read. However, it is an expensive option, like all Apple devices, and it doesn’t have the best compatibility with smartphones.

Pros

It is a user-friendly smartwatch.
This model has excellent app compatibility.
This model is water-resistant.
It uses an in-built GPS to track your movement.

Cons

This is an expensive smartwatch.

We recommend this step tracker for: anyone looking for a smartwatch with step tracking features and in-built GPS for seniors with dementia.

Best Step Tracker Apps for Seniors:Pacer Pedometer

The Pacer Pedometer app is an ideal option for seniors looking to keep track of daily steps. This app lets you track calories burned, the distance you’ve walked, and your fitness progress. You can also set daily or weekly goals to challenge your body and skills.

Additionally, it keeps track of your fitness and health history. If you want to, you can also link it to your Fitbit or MyfitnessPal for a complete fitness experience.

The main drawback of this device is that it only works if you have a smartphone, and you’ll need a membership to unlock the best features.

Pros

It has excellent compatibility.
You can set daily fitness goals.
It keeps a history of your entire fitness and health history.
You can link it to your Fitbit or MyFitnessPal.

Cons

It only works with smartphones.

We recommend this step tracker app for: anyone looking for a user-friendly app with excellent features and benefits.

What Is a Fitness Tracker?

A fitness tracker is a device that can track different aspects of your fitness routine and daily life. These machines are usually smartwatches with in-built GPS technology that counts the number of steps you take in a day. Most modern fitness trackers work with Bluetooth technology that allows the device to link with your smartphone.

Types of Fitness Trackers

Fitness trackers are a new trend amongst fitness groups because they allow you to track your progress and health. Since they were first introduced, these devices have evolved from simple watches to more sophisticated models. These are the most common types:

Fitness tracker watches
Fitness trackers that don’t require a smartphone
Step trackers/pedometers
Calorie trackers

Pros and Cons of Fitness Trackers for Seniors

Pros

They are revolutionizing the senior care industry.
They can help you improve your physical form.
These devices provide essential features like medical alerts and fall prevention technology.

Cons

They can be expensive and difficult to use.

FAQs: Fitness Trackers for Seniors

What Is the Percentage of Elderly That Use Fitness Trackers?

Although there is no data about how many seniors use fitness trackers, we know that the number is constantly increasing.

We can tell this is happening because of the number of fitness trackers and smartwatches that employ features like medical alerts or fall prevention. These two features can help seniors live a more healthy life.

Do Fitness Trackers Work with Senior Citizens Using Walkers?

Physical movement is an important part of life, even if you or your loved one needs the help of a walker. So, if you want to track your fitness progress while using a walker, you can consider some fitness trackers that work with walkers.

These machines can count steps even if attached to walkers. So, you can use them to track overall physical activity.

How Can the Elderly Get a Free Fitness Tracker?

There are no free fitness trackers for seniors. Still, there are fitness tracker benefits for seniors that are veterans of the US army. This benefit comes from Fitbit, which has reached a deal with the Department of Defense. This alliance provides a Fitbit premium membership to veterans and their caregivers.

Conclusion

When buying fitness trackers for seniors, you should consider the Garmin Descent Mk2i. This device offers the best possible features and benefits. For instance, it is a highly durable and compatible model.

Overall, some aspects are essential when buying a fitness tracker for seniors. You should ensure that the device is comfortable and easy to use, especially if you have trouble dealing with modern technology.

Sources:

Fitness Tracker Benefits: The What and Why

Are Fitness Activity Trackers & Watches Worth the Money?

Use Fitbit? A New Partnership Will Give Veterans Free Premium Access

U.S. Department of Defense

Exercise Wearables for Your Active Seniors

Fitness trackers may improve senior health monitoring

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

Watch – Apple

Fitness Watches | Sport Watches | SmartWatches | Garmin

Sitio web oficial de Fitbit para monitores de actividad y más

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