Wearable tech continues to gain in popularity, and a recent survey revealed that over 60% of seniors aged 65 and older now use smartphones, which shows more seniors are taking notice of the wide-ranging benefits of technology.
Wearables are portable pieces of technology that you can strap onto your wrist or wear comfortably around your neck, and many of them come with numerous life-enhancing features that may be especially helpful for older adults, particularly those who want to age in place.
In this blog, we share our top picks for the best wearable technology for seniors and offer helpful tips on choosing the best options for yourself or someone you love.
Benefits of Wearable Technology for Seniors
In addition to being stylish fashion accessories, many wearables offer plenty of functions that may promote independence by improving the health and well-being of older adults.
Some notable benefits of wearables for seniors may include:
- Health Monitoring: Some wearable technology for seniors can track vital health information like heart rate and blood pressure, and even send emergency alerts when needed. These real-time insights can be invaluable for seniors managing conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or sleep apnea.
- Enhanced Safety Features: Many wearables offer important safety features, including emergency buttons, GPS tracking, and fall detection, that may help keep seniors safe.
- Encourage Physical Activity: Wearables allow seniors to monitor important metrics, including calories burned, daily steps, and heart rate, which can encourage healthier habits. Some options even offer gentle reminders to get up and stretch or walk.
- Easier Ways to Connect: Wearable technology for seniors offers a convenient way to keep in touch with family and friends. For instance, some devices let you call or text your loved ones right from your wrist.
Key Features to Consider Across Different Devices
While wearable tech can offer many important advantages, older adults often have slightly different needs.
For that reason, it’s always helpful to prioritize wearables with senior-friendly features, such as:
- Health Monitoring: If you value keeping track of certain vitals, like blood pressure or heart rate, choose a device with those features. For instance, a wearable that measures blood glucose levels would be handy for someone with diabetes.
- Safety Features: It’s a good idea to choose wearables with built-in safety tools like emergency buttons and fall detection, particularly if you live alone. These can be especially helpful for someone with a history of falls or balance issues. If your loved one is likely to wander due to memory challenges, a wearable with a built-in GPS tracker might be a good choice.
- Usability: Sometimes, age-related vision and hearing changes may make certain wearables challenging to use. Check for options with clear screens, big buttons, simple menus, and easy-to-understand controls. Voice command features can be a helpful bonus.
- Battery Life: Battery life means how long your wearable can work before needing a recharge. The longer the battery lasts, the less you have to worry about remembering to charge your device every day.
- Water Resistance: It’s generally a good idea to prioritize devices with water resistance features to help prevent damage from rain or accidental splashes during handwashing.
- Comfort: Since you’ll be wearing your device most of the day, and sometimes at night, it’s best to choose something that feels comfortable on your skin. Look for options with adjustable straps, soft materials, and a lightweight design that won’t irritate or pinch.
- Connectivity and Service: Some wearables for seniors may need a smartphone, Wi-Fi, or a cellular network to support features like calling, texting, or GPS tracking. Before picking one up, it’s important to check whether the wearable requires a smartphone or a separate monthly service plan.
The Best Wearable Devices for Seniors
When it comes to wearables for seniors, you have countless options to choose from. That said, the right wearable for you depends on your specific needs and what you’re most comfortable with.
Here are some of our best picks:
Smartwatches
Smartwatches can do many things in addition to showing you the time. Some models let you see messages from loved ones, check the weather, and even track vital health information.
Here are a few great options:
Overall Winner: Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)
Starting at $189 for the 40mm GPS model
Cons: Limited to iPhone compatibility and requires daily charging
The Apple Watch SE can track vitals like your heart rate, active calories, total steps, and workouts completed. Further, it can automatically detect falls and call for help if it detects someone is unresponsive, making it ideal for people with a history of falls or balance issues. Its 1.57-inch display is crystal clear and easy to read, even in bright daylight.
While the interface is clean and intuitive, the Apple Watch SE is only compatible with iPhone models. The smaller battery may also require more frequent charging compared to other similarly priced options.
Notable Option: Amazfit Bip 3
Price is approximately $41.99
Cons: The interface may be less intuitive for some users, and it has a limited app ecosystem
If you’re looking for an affordable smartwatch that offers a lot of useful features, the Amazfit Bip 3 could be a great choice. It can help you track your steps, sleep quality, and heart rate. Like the Apple Watch, the Amazfit Bip 3 also shows notifications from your phone. Its large battery lasts up to 14 days on a single charge.
The Amazfit Bip 3 offers many essential features at an affordable price. However, some seniors may find its interface less user-friendly.
Fitness Trackers
As you might guess, fitness trackers are useful for monitoring daily movement. Since they mainly focus on health and activity tracking, they’re often easier to use and have longer battery life compared to smartwatches.
Here are some options worth checking out:
Overall Winner: Fitbit Inspire 3
Price is approximately $94.00
Cons: Small text may be hard to read for some and lacks advanced smartwatch features
Our number one fitness tracker is the Fitbit Inspire 3. It can monitor your heart rate, measure calories burned (among other metrics), and in combination with the Fitbit app, provide a detailed health report.
It also allows you to set gentle reminders to exercise, which can encourage seniors to stay active. The Fitbit Inspire 3 also features a slim and lightweight design, making it comfortable to wear all day, especially useful for seniors with weaker wrists. Although the screen is bright and colorful, the text size may be too small for some.
Notable Option: Garmin Vívosmart 5
Price is approximately $149.99
Cons: Higher price point and the interface may be complex for some users
The Garmin Vívosmart 5 is another excellent option. It can help track many aspects of your health and wellness, including stress, sleep quality, and blood oxygen levels. It also comes preloaded with numerous sports apps, including walking, running, yoga, and cycling, to help you accurately track your workouts.
Its bright display and long battery life (up to 7 days) are a bonus. However, its price may turn some people away.
Hearing Devices
These devices are usually worn in or around the ear to improve hearing, making them ideal for seniors experiencing age-related hearing decline. Many of them come with helpful features like noise reduction and allow phone connectivity via Bluetooth.
A few good options include:
Overall Winner: Oticon Own
Cons: Expensive and requires professional fitting
Oticon Own hearing aids are custom-made to fit comfortably in your ear, making it easier to follow conversations, even in noisy environments. They also offer hands-free connection to your phone via Bluetooth, allowing you to stream calls and music directly to your hearing aids.
While the Oticon Own can be a useful wearable for someone with hearing difficulties, its high price tag may be out of reach for some.
Notable Option: Jabra Enhance
Price is approximately $799.00
Cons: Limited to iPhone compatibility, and may not suit severe hearing loss
The Jabra Enhance offers more affordable hearing aids that you can purchase online and adjust remotely with the help of their audiologists. Many will find the Lively 2 Pro model appealing for its good sound quality and features like noise reduction.
Moreover, it offers dust and water resistance and allows remote audio streaming with compatible phone models. The Jabra Enhance also comes with a case that can recharge the hearing aids, which is great if you’re regularly away from home.
While it’s more reasonably priced compared to the Oticon Own, it can be tricky to set up for some seniors.
Medical Wearables
Medical wearables are devices you can wear on your body to help you or your doctor monitor important aspects of your health, like heart rate, respiration, movement, temperature, and even blood glucose levels, without needing to visit the clinic.
Medical wearables for seniors can be particularly helpful for individuals managing chronic conditions, like heart problems or diabetes.
Here are our picks for the best medical wearables for seniors:
Overall Winner: Abbott FreeStyle Libre 3
Price is approximately $75.00
Cons: Requires a smartphone for full functionality and it may be challenging for non-tech-savvy users
The Abbott FreeStyle Libre 3 is a small sensor worn on the back of the arm to help check blood sugar levels without using finger pricks. Instead, users can see their readings by scanning the sensor with a phone.
It can also send alerts if your blood sugar gets too high or too low. It comes in a lightweight design, is easy to wear, and its battery lasts up to 14 days.
Users need a smartphone and the FreeStyle Libre app to access features like real-time tracking and alerts, which might be tricky for seniors without a smartphone.
Notable Option: Omron Evolv
Price is approximately $63.99
Cons: Higher cost compared to basic models and requires a smartphone for data tracking
If you need to check your blood pressure regularly, the Omron Evolv is a top choice. It’s a small, all-in-one cuff that wraps around your upper arm and offers fast, accurate readings. This device might be especially beneficial for seniors who need to monitor their blood pressure due to hypertension, heart disease, kidney problems, or a history of stroke.
It can also connect to a smartphone so that users can save and share results with their doctor. However, it can be more expensive than basic blood pressure monitors, which may be a drawback for some.
GPS Trackers
GPS trackers are devices that use satellite technology to pinpoint a person’s location. For seniors, especially those with cognitive impairments like Alzheimer’s or dementia, or those who are prone to wandering, GPS trackers can provide a significant layer of safety and peace of mind for caregivers. These devices can be worn as pendants, placed in clothing, or integrated into shoes.
Overall Winner: AngelSense GPS Tracker
Price is approximately $65.00
Cons: Requires subscription, and the Initial setup may be complex
This tracker offers precise, real-time GPS tracking, so caregivers or family members can see where the wearer is throughout the day. It also has an SOS call button and search-and-rescue tools that may be useful during an emergency. Other features include two-way voice communication, one-way listen-in, and alerts if the wearer leaves a set area.
On the downside, it requires a monthly subscription and it might take some time to learn how to use all of the app’s features.
Notable Option: Jiobit Smart Tag
Real-time GPS tracking, geofencing, water-resistant design
Price is approximately $129.99
Cons: No voice communication, and requires subscription
The Jiobit Smart Tag combines GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity for more accurate tracking. You can set up trusted places, like home, or an assisted living community, to get notified whenever your loved one leaves or enters these areas.
The Jiobit Smart Tag is small and discreet. Depending on your preference, it can be attached to clothing or worn on a lanyard. It’s also water and shock-resistant, which means it might handle an accidental splash or drop.
This GPS tracker doesn’t allow users to make or receive calls, which may be a potential downside to consider for some. In addition to the upfront cost, you may also need a monthly or annual service plan.
Smart Rings
These wearables for seniors are worn on a finger and typically offer various health and fitness tracking features. They can be a good option for those who prefer a more discreet alternative to smartwatches or fitness trackers.
Some great picks include:
Overall Winner: Oura Ring Generation 3
Price is approximately $349.00
Cons: Expensive, No display for real-time data, and a subscription required for more extensive data
The Oura Ring Generation 3 allows you to track your sleep, nighttime and daytime biosignals, heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), body temperature, and respiratory rate. The battery lasts up to 7 days on a single charge and recharges fully in 20 to 80 minutes. Additionally, it’s water-resistant up to 100 meters, making it safe for use in the shower or swimming pool.
On the downside, some users have reported the fit being slightly off even after using the free sizing kit. Furthermore, the $349 price tag may seem too expensive for something that doesn’t offer real-time fitness tracking or a display.
Notable Option: Circular Ring Slim
Heart rate and sleep tracking, SpO2 and skin temperature tracking, silent alarms, and medication reminders
Price is approximatly $294
Cons: Short battery life (up to 2 days), not water-resistant, and the app may have syncing issues
The Circular Ring Slim is a lightweight, ultra-thin smart ring designed to track important health metrics like heart rate, sleep, SpO2, and skin temperature. Thanks to its slim profile, it’s comfortable to wear and includes thoughtful features like silent alarms and medication reminders.
However, the battery only lasts up to two days in full performance mode, and some users have reported issues with the app’s syncing and usability. While it offers plenty of features at a reasonable price, it’s not water-resistant and may scratch easily.
How to Choose the Right Wearable Technology
With so many fantastic options available, it can be tricky to pick something that truly works for you or your family member.
Here are some practical tips to help you choose the right wearable for yourself or a senior you care about:
- Think About Specific Needs: When choosing a wearable for yourself or someone you care for, try looking for options that support specific health and lifestyle needs. For instance, someone who enjoys walking a lot might benefit from a fitness tracker, while a senior with balance concerns might find a smartwatch with fall detection features useful.
- Consider Tech Savviness: Complicated wearables can be frustrating for some seniors. Devices with senior-friendly features, like big buttons and voice command features, are usually more comfortable and enjoyable for older adults.
- Prioritize Comfort: If a wearable feels too tight, heavy, or is difficult to put on, it may end up unused in a drawer. Choose an option with soft straps, lightweight designs, and adjustable fits, especially if it needs to be worn all day (or even at night).
- Understand the Costs: Some wearables for seniors have an upfront cost, while others may need a monthly subscription for additional features, like GPS or emergency response, to work correctly. Make sure to compare your options and choose one that fits your budget, both now and in the long run.
- Ask for Help if Needed: If you’re unsure about the best wearable tech for seniors, consider consulting close friends, family members, or caregivers. They might recommend some good wearables or help you set up your devices.
Senior Living With StoryPoint Group Communities
At StoryPoint Group communities, our residents’ needs are at the heart of everything we do. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed lifestyle with convenient access to amenities and plenty of opportunities to socialize, need some extra help with activities of daily living (ADLs), or simply want a place to call home, our goal is to help you make the most of every day.
To learn more about life with us or just to say hello, contact us or call us at 1-844-275-9990.
