By kbeveridge
GPS watches are innovative devices that can bring many benefits for you or your loved ones. These devices use modern technology to give you an accurate reading of your current location, as well as recording other types of data. This feature is beneficial for seniors that tend to get lost easily.
In today’s buying guide, we’ll outline the benefits and drawbacks of the best GPS watches for the elderly. We’ll tell you all you need to know about these devices and what aspects to consider when buying one.
What Is a GPS Watch?
A GPS watch is a smartwatch that enables you to track your location thanks to an in-built GPS. Not all smartwatches offer this feature, but most modern models will have a GPS app.
GPA watches can be used as powerful fitness trackers, depending on how accurate the GPS is. They can also serve as medical alerts because the watch will send your exact location to a team of professionals if there is an emergency.
These devices can also offer extra features like in-built compasses, waterproof designs, Bluetooth, and app compatibility. Additionally, you can use a smartphone to track the location of the GPS watch, making it an ideal option for families or caregivers of seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
How Does a GPS Watch Work?
GPS watches work using a process known as triangulation to track your exact location throughout the day. The device calculates the difference between the moment your watch receives and sends a GPS signal.
Once the signal has been sent, a satellite picks up the data and uses it to calculate your exact location. Then, it sends back the information so that you can see where in the world you are.
That’s why you can use these devices as accurate fitness trackers, compasses, or medical alert devices.
Pros and Cons of GPS Watches for Seniors
GPS watches can offer many benefits for seniors. For instance, these devices can help seniors become more active, thanks to their fitness tracking features enabled by the in-built GPS. They can also work as accurate medical alerts or fall detection devices for seniors with a tendency to fall.
Here are the pros and cons of GPS watches:
Pros
Cons
Best GPS Watches For Seniors
Best GPS Watch For Seniors (Overall): Garmin Instinct
The Garmin Instinct is, by far, the superior choice when it comes to GPS watches with necessary features for seniors. This excellent device has outstanding durability and an ergonomic design, providing comfort even when wearing it for long periods. It is also easy to customize and has a wide variety of customization options.
It has been built to withstand harsh environments and has a military-grade resistance against shock, water, and heat. Additionally, it comes with multiple global navigation satellite systems like GPS, Glonass, and Galileo.
You can use this device to track your fitness progress, stress levels, and approximate heart rate. All you need to do is connect your Garmin device to a compatible smartphone. The watch will automatically upload the necessary data. You can easily link it to an iPhone or other iOS device.
The main drawback of this device is that its solar charging system doesn’t work the way the company claims. If you are looking for an eco-friendly smartwatch, you should consider other options. Also, the size of this GPS watch is bigger than most models on this list, and it can be too large for some users.
Pros
Cons
We recommend this GPS watch for: anyone looking for the best GPS watch with high-quality features for seniors.
Runner-Up GPS Watch for Seniors: Coros Pace 2
The Coros Pace 2 is another excellent option if you want a high-quality GPS watch with good readability. This model includes an “always-on-memory” LED display that provides the best readability for seniors. It also offers reliable connectivity and compatibility features thanks to a powerful Bluetooth and ANT+ system.
This compact and lightweight option is comfortable to wear and has good battery life, which can last up to 20 days or 30 hours if you use it for non-stop GPS purposes. You can use it to track your fitness progress when running, cycling, swimming, and other high-intensity physical activities.
It is a good option if you want to monitor your heart rate or track the calories you’ve burned during the day. Additionally, this model works as an accurate barometric altimeter, accelerometer, thermometer, gyroscope, and compass.
However, this model does present some drawbacks. For instance, it doesn’t have good durability compared to other options on this list. It is also not the most comfortable GPS watch, making it a poor choice if you want to wear it for long periods.
Pros
Cons
We recommend this GPS watch for: anyone looking for a GPS watch that is easy to read and use.
Best Budget GPS Watch for Seniors: Amazfit Bip U Pro
The Amazfit Bip U Pro is a high-quality option with some excellent features for seniors at an affordable price. This device has solid app compatibility, thanks to a powerful processor and GPS. It lets you use it as a fitness tracker, respiration monitor, alarm, calendar, and heart rate monitor.
Its compact and lightweight design could help you forget you are even wearing a smartwatch, giving you good comfort and portability. This model also has great battery life that can last up to nine days with one full charge. However, the battery lasts for less time if you use it as a GPS for long periods.
You can also use the smartwatch as a fitness tracker, thanks to its powerful GPS and processor. You can also use it to track your blood oxygen levels, heart rate, stress levels, breathing, and sleep habits. These features make this smartwatch a solid option for seniors and caregivers.
You also have the choice of linking this device to your smartphone to receive notifications, messages, and incoming calls. However, the Bluetooth connectivity of this model is weak compared to more premium devices. So, you must keep your phone and watch close together if you want to record data.
Pros
Cons
We recommend this GPS watch for: anyone looking for an affordable GPS with a wide variety of features.
Best User-Friendly GPS Watch: Apple Watch Series 5
The Apple Watch Series 5 is the best option if you want a user-friendly GPS watch for seniors. This device has a powerful in-built GPS and a dual-core processor that lets you use it as a fitness tracker, fall detector, or medical alert device. It is also made of high-quality gold aluminum for better durability.
Its “always-on-retina” LED display is ideal if you have a hard time with tiny screens that are hard to read. You can link it to your iPhone for a more complete and powerful experience, as the combination of these two devices will unlock more features. It also allows you to change the band or strap for one that fits your style better.
This compact and lightweight model has good comfort, especially if you want to wear it for long periods. This watch is also waterproof and can work as an electrocardiogram (ECG). Additionally, it allows you to control your music, podcasts, audiobooks, and Spotify with just a couple of steps.
The main drawback of this GPS watch is that it is a more expensive option than other models on this list. Its battery life is not the most durable, and you need to download third-party apps to unlock its full potential.
Pros
Cons
We recommend this GPS watch for: anyone looking for a GPS watch that is easy to use and adjust.
Best Fitness GPS Watch for Seniors: Garmin Forerunner
The Garmin Forerunner is a user-friendly GPS watch that has excellent fitness tracking features. It is an affordable smartwatch made of high-quality components that provides an accurate record of your physical activities throughout the day. This device will tell you with precision how much, how fast, and where you have run.
It will monitor your heart rate and pulse as long as you are wearing it. So you can use it to record information that could help your doctor diagnose or prevent certain heart anomalies. If you link it to a compatible smartphone, you can unlock many more features like smart notifications and live tracking.
You can use it to control your music playlist or to upload and record data on your smartphone. It is also an ideal option if you want to track the steps you walk daily, the calories you burn, and the intensity of your physical movement. Additionally, you can use it as a reminder for medications or appointments.
The main drawback of this device is that it has a pacing issue when you are running. Sometimes it can take up to three to five minutes to identify the change in your running pace. You have to pause the device manually as its auto-pause mechanism is not reliable. It is also difficult to change between the metric system and the imperial system.
Pros
Cons
We recommend this GPS watch for: anyone looking for a GPS watch with the best fitness tracking features.
Best Apple GPS Watch for Seniors: Apple Watch Series 3
The Apple Watch Series 3 is an excellent Apple watch with a user-friendly interface and good benefits for seniors. For instance, you can use this device as a powerful GPS, an accurate fitness tracker, a reliable sleep monitor, and even a pedometer. It is also an ideal option if you want to monitor your heart rate throughout the day.
This smartwatch uses Bluetooth technology to provide the best connectivity with other Apple devices. It uses high-quality aluminum and other components to offer solid durability and battery life. Additionally, the touchscreen is easy to read and set up thanks to a “retina display” design.
It is a waterproof model that you can use to store music, podcasts, and audiobooks. It also includes an optical heart sensor that provides better accuracy. You can use 8GB of memory to download the apps you need.
The main drawback of this device is that it is the most basic Apple watch on the market. So, it doesn’t offer features like medical alerts, fall detection, blood oxygen sensors, or electrocardiogram apps. It also doesn’t include in-built speakers like the later Apple Watch models.
Pros
Cons
We recommend this GPS watch for: anyone looking for the best Apple GPS watch with solid features for seniors.
Buying Guide: How to Buy the Right GPS Watch for You
Major Brands of GPS Watches
Most smartwatches include an in-built GPS with some excellent features for seniors and people in general. However, when it comes to devices with the best GPS, the list of manufacturers shortens.
These are some of the best GPS watch brands:
Price Range of GPS Watches
GPS watches are a type of smartwatch that you can find for as little as 50 USD. However, suppose you want a premium device with better features, a user-friendly interface, and a comfortable design. In that case, you’ll be looking at a price range of around 200 USD.
Premium GPS watches like Apple devices can cost between 400 USD and 600 USD because of their extra features.
What to Look for in a GPS Watch for Seniors?
These are a few factors to consider when you choose a GPS watch for seniors:
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Garmin Instinct is ideal if you want the best GPS watch for the elderly. This device is very comfortable and durable, with a military-grade resistance against various intense environments. It also works as an accurate fitness tracker that can monitor your stress levels and heart rate.
Overall, it is essential to find a GPS watch that is durable and easy to use. A user-friendly model is vital for seniors that are having a hard time dealing with technology. It is also a wearable device, so it needs to be comfortable, especially if you plan to wear it for long periods.
Sources:
Amazfit US - Fitness Tracker and Smartwatch Classify
Coros - Performance Sports Technology
GPS Watches | How They Work, And Why They're Not Always Accurate
Wearable Technology Reduces Prolonged Bouts of Sedentary Behavior
Increasing Patient Engagement Through the Use of Wearable Technology
