Our Top Recommendations
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Powerful GPS
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Fall Detection
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Health Watch
Smartwatches are fantastic devices that can provide many benefits for you and your loved ones. For instance, they are an excellent way to stay connected even if you don’t have your phone with you.
One other benefit of a smartwatch that makes it a good option for seniors is that it can include different healthcare apps. You can use one of these devices to track your heart rate, the calories you’ve burned, and other related aspects.
In today’s buying guide, we’ll look at the pros and cons of the best smartwatches for seniors. We’ll also tell you a bit more about these devices and what you should consider when buying one.
What Is a Smartwatch?
A smartwatch looks like a regular watch, but it has a small and powerful computer that allows it to perform various tasks. One of the main features of a smartwatch is that you can link it to your smartphone to receive notifications and messages, but that’s not all. You can also use a smartwatch as a fitness tracker.
Smartwatches also provide benefits for seniors, like tracking your heart rate and oxygen levels. Some models can even use apps to help you prevent falls or contact emergency numbers if you need them.
Types of Smartwatches for Seniors
These are some of the most common smartwatches for seniors:
- Health watches: Health watches are smartwatches that allow you to monitor your health throughout the day. These models are relatively new and are focused on seniors or people in need of ongoing medical help.
- GPS watches: GPS watches are another type of smartwatches that are primarily focused on tracking your location. They are ideal for seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s as it makes it easier to monitor them.
- Medical alert/emergency watches: Medical alert watches use an app that sends an alert in case of an emergency. This alert signals professionals that you need immediate help.
- Fall detection watches: Fall detection watches send an automatic signal in case you have a fall. It is an ideal option for seniors who have fallen in the past.
Benefits of Smartwatches for Seniors
Smartwatches can bring many benefits for seniors and people in general. They are excellent tools to track and record different aspects of your daily life, like your fitness progress or health status.
Here are the main benefits of smartwatches for seniors:
- Smartwatches and other wearable devices have the potential of revolutionizing healthcare.
- They allow caregivers to monitor the health conditions of seniors.
- Smartwatches can help physicians and nurses collect medical information from a patient.
- Smartwatches are helpful assistive devices for seniors.
- They can help seniors manage their osteoarthritis.
- They facilitate goal settings for seniors.
- They can help seniors lose weight.
- Smartwatches can help seniors avoid sedentarism.
At a Glance: The Best Smart Watches for Seniors
Best Smartwatches for Seniors
Best Smartwatch for Seniors (Overall):Fitbit Versa 2
Fitbit Versa 2 |
|
---|---|
Height |
40 mm |
Width |
40 mm |
Depth |
12 mm |
Weight |
1.3 oz |
The Fitbit Versa 2 is the best possible smartwatch for seniors, thanks to its innovative design and excellent features. You can use it to track your fitness progress because it has a powerful in-built GPS that can record every movement throughout the day. It also allows you to track your heart rate and blood oxygen levels.
This model can track your sleep patterns, habits, and other related data to help you understand the quality of your rest. It also allows you to control your Spotify playlist while you exercise. Additionally, it is a user-friendly device you can easily set up and use, even if you are not good with technology.
This model has a larger display than most devices, giving you the best readability. However, you need to pay a monthly fee to unlock all of the features.
Pros
- This is a user-friendly smartwatch.
- It is a high-quality device with excellent durability.
- The display is large for better readability.
- It can track your heart rate and blood oxygen levels.
- It comes with an accurate in-built GPS.
- It is comfortable to wear for long periods.
Cons
- You need to pay a monthly fee if you want to enjoy all of its benefits.
We recommend this smartwatch for: anyone looking for a user-friendly smartwatch with the best features for seniors.
Best Smartwatch With Fall Detection:Apple Watch Series 6
Apple Watch Series 6 |
|
---|---|
Height |
1.57″ |
Width |
1.34″ |
Depth |
0.42″ |
Weight |
1.08 oz |
The Apple Watch Series 6 is another excellent smartwatch for seniors that has many beneficial features. For instance, one of its main benefits is that you can use it as a fall detection device. The watch will send a signal to medical professionals so that they can come and help you in case of a fall.
This Apple device has excellent app compatibility. You can download Spotify and even use the watch as a fitness tracker. The model is 100% waterproof, so you can use it even when swimming or on the beach. Additionally, it offers solid battery life and has a user-friendly interface.
Its main drawback is that it is more expensive than other items on this list. Also, it doesn’t have the best durability.
Pros
- It is a waterproof option.
- The battery can last up to seven days.
- It has a user-friendly interface.
- You can use it for Spotify or as a GPS.
- It works as an accurate fitness tracker.
- The watch has a fall detection system.
Cons
- This is not an affordable smartwatch.
- It doesn’t provide good durability.
We recommend this smartwatch for: anyone looking for a high-quality smartwatch with fall detection technology.
Best Health Watch for Seniors: Fitbit Sensed Advanced
Fitbit Sense Advanced Smartwatch |
|
---|---|
Height |
1.59″ |
Width |
1.59″ |
Depth |
0.49″ |
Weight |
1.06 oz |
The Fitbit Sensed Advanced is a good option if you want a health watch for seniors. This device allows you to track many aspects of your daily life, like your fitness progress and overall health. With this smartwatch, you can record your stress levels throughout the day, which is necessary if you want to live a healthier life.
It will also assess your heart regularly to check for any heart rhythm irregularity, which can help you prevent a medical emergency. You can also use this information to send it to your doctor in case he needs it. Additionally, it also includes a powerful GPS and processor for better accuracy.
The main drawback of this device is that it is mainly focused on recording health data, meaning it doesn’t have many other features.
Pros
- You can use it as a fitness tracker.
- It can record and track your overall health throughout the day.
- It can also help you manage your stress levels.
- This model also checks any type of heart rhythm abnormality.
- It has a powerful GPS and processor.
Cons
- It doesn’t provide many features apart from its health benefits.
We recommend this smartwatch for: anyone looking for a smartwatch that you can use as a health watch.
Runner-Up Health Watch for Seniors: Garmin Venu
Garmin Venu |
|
---|---|
Height |
1.7″ |
Width |
1.7″ |
Depth |
0.49″ |
Weight |
0.1 lbs |
The Garmin Venu is another solid option when it comes to health watches for seniors. This comfortable smartwatch lets you track a wide variety of important information like your heart rate and blood oxygen levels. It can also track energy levels, sleep patterns, respiration, and even your menstrual cycle.
Its AMOLED display provides great readability even during the night, as well as offering excellent battery life. It can last up to six hours if you have it in GPS or music mode and a lot longer if you only use it as a watch.
The main drawback of this model is that it can be a bit challenging to use and set up because of all the features it offers. Sometimes it is not clear what each icon means and that can be frustrating for some users.
Pros
- You can use it to listen to music or as a GPS.
- It has an AMOLED monitor for better readability.
- It provides good battery life.
- This model can track your heart rate and blood oxygen levels.
- It can also track sleep patterns, respiration, energy levels, and more.
Cons
- It is not a user-friendly option.
- The app icons can be confusing.
We recommend this smartwatch for: anyone looking for a health watch with high-quality features.
Best GPS Watch for Seniors: YAMAY Smartwatch
YAMAY Smart Watch |
|
---|---|
Height |
2″ |
Width |
3.7″ |
Length |
5.2″ |
Weight |
5.3 oz |
The YAMAY Smartwatch is an excellent option if you want a device with a powerful GPS. This smartwatch can track your blood pressure, oxygen levels, heart rate, and the distance you’ve walked. It also allows you to keep a record of your sleep patterns so that you can find out if you are getting quality sleep or not.
The device is waterproof and offers excellent accuracy even underwater. The YAMAY Smartwatch also provides good compatibility with different smartphone operation systems like Android or iOS. Additionally, it has a solid battery life that can last up to seven days with just one charge.
The main drawback of this smartwatch is its accuracy in tracking sleep patterns and blood pressure. The measures can be off by a small percentage, but that’s enough to make it inaccurate.
Pros
- You can easily link it to your iPhone or Android devices.
- It is an excellent option for swimmers, thanks to its waterproof design.
- The battery can last up to seven days.
- It can track your blood pressure and heart rate.
- It has a powerful in-built GPS.
Cons
- It is not an accurate option for tracking sleep patterns and blood pressure.
We recommend this smartwatch for: anyone looking for the best smartwatch with GPS for seniors.
Runner-Up GPS Watch for Seniors: Fitbit Versa 3
Fitbit Versa 3 |
|
---|---|
Height |
1.59″ |
Width |
1.59″ |
Depth |
0.49″ |
Weight |
0.71 oz |
The Fitbit Versa 3 is another solid GPS watch option for seniors that provides accurate tracking and a comfortable design. This device allows you to use it as a fitness tracker, sleep and heart rate monitor, digital reminder, and voice assistant. You can even link it to Alexa and control your smart house with it.
It will track and record your blood oxygenation levels throughout the day and lets you export the data so that you can share it with your physician. Additionally, it is easy to connect to your smartphone, thanks to Fitbit’s user-friendly app.
The main drawback of this model is that it is more expensive than other GPS watches because of its features. This model also doesn’t allow you to download your favorite music unless you use the Spotify app.
Pros
- It tracks and records your blood oxygen levels.
- It has a powerful in-built GPS for better accuracy.
- You can use it as a fitness tracker or monitor your sleep.
- It is a durable and reliable device.
- You can This model has good phone compatibility.
Cons
- It is a more expensive GPS watch than other options on this list.
- You need Spotify to use it to listen to music.
We recommend this GPS smartwatch for: anyone looking for a premium GPS watch for seniors.
Best Medical Alert/Emergency Watch for Seniors: Apple Watch SE
New Apple Watch SE |
|
---|---|
Height |
10.47″ |
Width |
2.99″ |
Depth |
1.36″ |
Weight |
8.15 oz |
The Apple Watch SE is the best option for anyone looking for a medical alert or emergency watch for seniors. The reason is that this Apple device was designed and built to help seniors or other people in need of a medical device. It also includes a fall alert that can be very useful.
This smartwatch supports various applications like fitness tracking, a voice assistant, elevation tracking, GPS, and heart rate monitoring. Its modern Bluetooth technology will let you link it to your iPhone or other Apple devices. Additionally, it has an excellent LED monitor that allows better readability.
Its main drawback is that it is an expensive option and doesn’t have the best compatibility with non-Apple devices.
Pros
- This Apple watch is highly durable and resistant.
- It includes a fall alert in case of an emergency.
- It has a powerful in-built GPS.
- The LED monitor offers better readability, even on sunny days.
- You can use it to track sleep patterns, heart rate, and fitness progress.
- It also works as a voice assistant.
Cons
- It can be more expensive than other options.
- It doesn’t have good phone compatibility.
We recommend this medical alert smartwatch for: anyone looking for the best smartwatch with medical alert features.
Runner-Up Medical Alert/Emergency Watch for Seniors:HandFree Health Smartwatch
HandsFree Health Smart Watch |
|
---|---|
Height |
4.37″ |
Width |
3.98″ |
Depth |
3.35″ |
Weight |
8.11 oz |
The HandFree Health Smartwatch is the perfect option if you want a medical alert system you can take with you anywhere. This device uses a powerful GPS and an outstanding internal mechanism to help you in an emergency. The way it works is by sending an SOS signal whenever you need professional help from a medic.
This medical alert device lets you create reminders for when you need to take your medicine. Additionally, it is also an excellent way to get weather updates, find health facilities near you, and get instant answers to your medical questions.
The main drawback of this device is that it needs a premium subscription to unlock most of the medical features.
Pros
- It is a reliable medical alert device.
- This model will send an SOS signal to medical professionals in case you need help.
- It is a lightweight and compact model.
- You can comfortably wear it for long periods.
- You can use it to find health facilities around you or set reminders.
- It also provides weather predictions.
Cons
- You’ll need a premium subscription to enjoy all its features fully.
We recommend this smartwatch for: anyone looking for a medical alert or emergency watch for seniors.
Best Apple Watch for Seniors:Apple Watch Series 3
Apple Watch Series 3 |
|
---|---|
Height |
1.67″ |
Width |
1.43″ |
Depth |
.45″ |
Weight |
1.86 oz |
The Apple Watch 3 is one easiest smartwatches to use, which is a necessary feature for seniors. It allows you to use it as a medical alert or as a fall detection device, apart from letting you track other aspects of your daily life. For instance, you can also use it to record your sleeping habits and heart rate.
The smartwatch has excellent app compatibility, which is necessary if you want to use it as a fitness tracker, sleep monitor, or heart rate monitor. It also includes a powerful in-built GPS that can accurately record the steps you take throughout the day and the distance you’ve walked.
The main drawback of this device is that the company has discontinued the Apple Watch Series 3.
Pros
- It is a high-quality device.
- This model has excellent app compatibility.
- It has an ergonomic and user-friendly design.
- You can use it while swimming or in the shower.
- It has a powerful and accurate GPS.
- This model can help you keep a record of your sleep habits.
Cons
- The Apple Watch Series 3 has been discontinued by the brand.
We recommend this smartwatch for: anyone looking for the best user-friendly Apple watch for seniors.
Best Samsung Watch for Seniors: Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2
SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch |
|
---|---|
Height |
1.73″ |
Width |
1.73″ |
Depth |
0.43″ |
Weight |
8 oz |
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 is Samsung’s best smartwatch for seniors, thanks to its user-friendly design and necessary features. For instance, this device can work as an advanced health monitor to track your blood pressure and oxygen levels. You can also use it to track your fitness progress, like the calories you burn throughout the day.
It is a comfortable device that lets you use it even while you swim, thanks to its ergonomic waterproof design. This model also provides excellent durability, thanks to its high-quality components. Additionally, it has impressive battery life that can last up to five days with one full charge.
The main drawback of this device is that it won’t link with iOS devices like iPhones, iPads, or iPods. Also, it doesn’t have good readability outside the house as you can barely see the display on a sunny day.
Pros
- It is a high-quality device from a reliable tech company.
- This model can track your heart rate and sleep patterns.
- It is accurate when reading blood pressure and blood oxygen levels.
- It is a waterproof device.
- It is incredibly durable and made of high-quality components.
- This model has excellent battery life.
Cons
- This smartwatch doesn’t provide good phone compatibility.
We recommend this smartwatch for: anyone looking for a high-quality Samsung smartwatch for seniors.
Buying Guide: Finding the Right Smartwatch for You
Major Brands of Smartwatches for Seniors
Many brands manufacture smartwatches, from affordable models to deluxe options. Apple is one of the most popular brands for smartwatches, but it is also the most expensive one.
Here are the leading smartwatch brands on the market:
Price Range of Smartwatches for Seniors
You can find a smartwatch for 25 USD, but most high-quality models will range between 100 USD to 200 USD. A premium smartwatch could cost more than 400 USD, especially if it is the latest Apple watch model.
What to Look for In a Smartwatch for Seniors?
- Durability: The durability of a smartwatch is essential. Smartwatches can be a bit expensive, which means you won’t want to replace yours yearly. So, ensure that your smartwatch is a high-quality model that can resist a couple of years of use.
- Quality: A high-quality smartwatch won’t be cheap, but it will offer more features and benefits. Basic models can still be reliable, but you must ensure that the device will fit your needs.
- Comfort: Smartwatches are wearable, so you’ll need one comfortable to wear for long periods. Ensure that the material of the band is of high quality. If not, it can be uncomfortable over time.
- Features: Not all smartwatches offer the same number of features or benefits. Most basic models only allow you to track fitness progress and receive notifications. In contrast, the most premium models let you record a lot more.
- Compatibility: Smartwatches are fantastic devices because you can link them to your smartphone. However, not all smartwatches can connect to every smartphone on the market. Some models only work with Apple devices, and others only work with Android phones.
Final Thoughts
The Fitbit Versa 2 is by far one of the best smartwatches for seniors in the market. This outstanding device is easy to use, comfortable to wear and has excellent durability compared to other models. It also allows you to track your sleeping patterns, heart rate, and it can receive notifications.
Overall, when buying a smartwatch for seniors, you need to consider the features it includes. For instance, a suitable model will have a medical alert or a fall prevention app to help you in an emergency.
Sources:
Increasing Patient Engagement Through the Use of Wearable Technology
Designing Wearable Technology for an Aging Population
Wearable Technology Reduces Prolonged Bouts of Sedentary Behavior