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Smartwatches are terrific utility tools that can help you stay connected and on top of your fitness goals. As we get older, health becomes a higher priority, making a smartwatch a good idea for any senior who wants to be proactive. A smartwatch provides seniors with quick access to contacts in an emergency and health insights.
Smartwatches for seniors are designed to be easy to navigate, making them a terrific alternative to smartphones, which can be challenging for less tech-savvy seniors. If you’re looking for a smartwatch optimized for seniors, there are several fantastic options we’ll explore. But first, we’ll dive into what you should consider while shopping.
Top 5 Key Considerations
Health Tracking
Seniors who want as much insight into their health as possible will appreciate having sensors for tracking various metrics. For those with an active lifestyle, preset exercise modes are a must-have, as they’ll track metrics such as calories burned, distance, time elapsed, and more, depending on the mode.
As for health tracking, many premium smartwatches feature sensors for measuring stress levels, heart rate, blood oxygen, sleep habits, skin temperature, and even body mass index. It’s worth noting that smartwatches are meant to be used as a guide more than anything else. For serious health concerns or inquiries, seniors should consult a health physician.
Connectivity
Although some smartwatches for seniors can sync with Android and iOS smartphones, most of them are designed to function independently. This makes them easier for seniors to use and doesn’t require them to have a phone nearby to use features such as SOS calling, emergency texting, or GPS tracking. However, they do require an additional data plan, usually offered by the manufacturer at an extra cost.
Battery Life
Battery performance varies significantly across smartwatches. However, most smartwatches for seniors offer battery life of 2-6 days, with some more robust models lasting up to 10 days on a full charge. Battery life also depends on usage, and many have a Low Power mode that slows down background apps, which can significantly extend your battery life, often by as much as a day or two.
Water Resistance
Swimming is an excellent activity for seniors who want to stay active, which means a water-resistant smartwatch is a must-have for those who enjoy it. In addition to swimming, a water-resistant smartwatch allows seniors to wear it while showering, in the sauna, or during pretty much any other activity where sweating may occur.
Smartwatches carry an Ingress Protection (IP) rating that indicates how well they withstand water. It’s crucial to read the specs carefully before buying one, but for reference, here’s a quick summary of the most common IP ratings:
- IPX4: Splash-resistant only.
- IPX7: 1m of submersion for up to 30 minutes.
- IP68: Immersion beyond 1m, but specified by the manufacturer.
Emergency & Safety
Other than health tracking, emergency and safety features are the most crucial consideration. These features can make the difference in a life-or-death situation, as they allow seniors to contact emergency services and others if needed. These are the best safety features to consider when shopping for a smartwatch for seniors:
- SOS: Calls preset emergency contacts or services immediately at the push of a button.
- Fall/Crash Detect: Detects hard falls and vehicle collisions and sends an alert for the wearer to respond to. If they don’t do so within a specified time, it automatically contacts emergency services with a precise location.
- GPS Tracking: Provides the wearer’s real-time location when they’re out, and to contacts so they can locate the wearer if needed.
- Two-Way Calling: A built-in speaker and microphone let the wearer communicate with contacts on a phone.
- Safe Zones: Alerts caregivers when the wearer has left a designated area.
Preferences
Style & Comfort
Above all else, a smartwatch for seniors should be comfortable enough to wear 24/7. That means it should be made with lightweight materials such as plastic or aluminum, and have a silicone or fabric band. Smaller cases are less bulky than bigger ones, but they’re not as durable and can make on-screen text more difficult to read.
Comfort over style is best, but there are watches with both round and square faces available. Square smartwatches have a more tech look, while round faces are sleeker and more refined.
User Interface
Whether it’s due to fewer accessibility options or cluttered menus, some smartwatch user interfaces can be challenging for seniors to navigate. That’s why it’s essential to ensure that a smartwatch used by a senior has a bright, colorful screen, a fluid user interface and basic menus. However, more tech-savvy seniors may appreciate greater customization.
Feature Complexity
Feature complexity goes hand in hand with a fluid user interface, as it indicates how easy it is for someone to learn features and execute commands. A good rule of thumb is that the fewer steps it takes to use a feature, the easier it is to use a smartwatch.
For example, one-touch buttons for accessing features such as SOS calling, emergency texting, and GPS sharing are a crucial consideration, especially for older seniors. Advanced health metrics can provide insights into one’s health, but some seniors may find it confusing to read and interpret data.
A basic smartwatch that functions as a step counter with essential safety features is best for less tech-savvy users. Those who want enhanced phone functionality and advanced tracking features will have to endure a bit of a learning curve at first until they get used to it.
Top Smartwatches for Seniors
SecuLife Senior SOS Smartwatch
Seniors who want an affordable smartwatch with a user-friendly interface and easily accessible emergency features will love the SecuLife Senior SOS Smartwatch. It’s not as robust or feature-packed as other smartwatches, but it’s a terrific choice for less tech-savvy seniors.
The SecuLife Senior SOS Smartwatch costs $79 and requires a subscription that includes unlimited Fall & SOS Alerts, Safety Features, Talk, and GPS Tracking. This smartwatch automatically detects when you’ve fallen and sends an alert with your location, allowing emergency contacts to find you quickly. It also features customizable safe zones, a clear speakerphone for calls, and overspeed alerts when driving.
Although it lacks comprehensive health and fitness-tracking sensors, this smartwatch is the top choice for seniors who want peace of mind in emergencies. It lets you reach your contacts with a single tap and allows your loved ones to track your location in case of an emergency.
LifeStation Sidekick Smartwatch
Seniors who want a smartwatch with advanced sensors and safety features will find plenty to love about the LifeStation Sidekick Smartwatch. Unlike other smartwatches for seniors that prioritize functionality, this smartwatch doesn’t sacrifice style as it resembles traditional smartwatches with its sleek design and crisp display.
It’s equipped with a heart rate monitor for detecting irregular rhythms, location targeting for more reliable positioning, and a pedometer for step counting. It’s water-resistant and can be worn while showering, and Find My Loved One offers added peace of mind, letting you check in with preset emergency contacts with just a quick text message.
With enhanced location services and a modern design, the LifeStation Sidekick Smartwatch is a no-brainer for those who want something reliable yet stylish. It combines dependable safety features with everyday comfort, making it an excellent option for any senior.
Spade & Co Health Smartwatch 4
The Spade & Co Health Smartwatch 4 is an excellent health-tracking device with multiple SOS and safety features that give seniors peace of mind. With 24/7 heart rate tracking and blood oxygen monitoring, seniors can gain insights into their overall health status.
Battery life is super impressive, lasting over 10 days with moderate usage, and its waterproof design lets seniors swim and exercise without worries. It’s compatible with both iOS and Android and tracks steps, distance, and calories burned throughout the day. Plus, seniors can monitor stress levels, receive text and app notifications, and access Alexa for hands-free commands.
This smartwatch has a modern tech design that’s similar to the Apple Watch. However, it’s much more affordable and offers a streamlined user experience, making it perfect for any senior who wants smart functionality and emergency features on their wrist.
Apple Watch Series 10
If you don’t mind spending more to get enhanced app integration and smart functionality, the Apple Watch Series 10 is a fantastic choice for more tech-savvy seniors. Its sleek, lightweight design makes it suitable for all-day wear, and its always-on display lets seniors monitor health metrics and effortlessly keep track of time.
It offers advanced safety and senior-friendly features, including Fall Detection and Emergency SOS. If a hard fall is detected, the watch can automatically call emergency services and alert your contacts. It’s equipped with sensors for accurate heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring, as well as sleep and activity tracking.
The primary advantage of the Apple Watch Series 10 for seniors, apart from its safety features, is its intuitive controls and user-friendly interface. It’s more expensive than dedicated smartwatches for seniors, but it’s also more advanced and offers enhanced phone functionality.
Fitbit Sense 2
The Fitbit Sense 2 is the best option for fitness-focused seniors who want to stay on top of their health. It features over 40 preset exercise modes and a sleek, lightweight build, making it ideal for everyday wear.
The battery life is fantastic, lasting up to 6 days on a full charge, and the built-in GPS lets you track outdoor walks and jogging sessions. It’s waterproof and offers all-day activity tracking and 24/7 heart rate monitoring, which helps detect irregular heart rhythms. Plus, seniors will get access to apps such as Google Pay and Wallet, Alexa, and Google Maps.
Although it lacks dedicated SOS and emergency features, seniors can still manage frequently contacted numbers so they are available quickly in an emergency. As with the Apple Watch Series 10, the Fitbit Sense 2 is best for seniors who are more comfortable with tech.