As we age, our bodies change and we become more susceptible to illness and injury. However, there are many ways that older adults can stay healthy, active, and independent.
One modern solution to improved health is the use of wearable devices such as smartwatches and fitness trackers. These devices can help us track our fitness goals, monitor our vital signs, and even send emergency alerts if we need help.
There are many different types of healthcare and wearable technology devices available on the market today. Some of the most popular devices include fitness trackers, fall detectors, heart rate monitors, blood pressure trackers, and glucose monitors. These devices can be worn on the wrist, around the neck, or clipped to clothing. They can track steps taken, calories burned, distance traveled, sleep patterns, and more.
Whether you're looking to stay active and healthy or stay connected with your loved ones, there's a device out there that's perfect for you. In this post, we explore the benefits of fitness trackers and provide several options for the ideal wearable.
The Benefits of Wearable Health and Fitness Trackers and Smartwatches
Fitness trackers can offer a range of benefits, including reminding us to move if we've been sitting for too long or alerting an emergency contact in case of a fall. Let’s explore these benefits in a bit more detail.
Fitness Tracking
One of the best things about wearable technology devices is that they make it easy to track our fitness progress. For example, many devices come equipped with pedometers that can record how many steps we take in a day. This information can be used to set goals and track our progress over time. Additionally, some devices record other fitness metrics such as calories burned. This information can be extremely useful for older adults who are trying to maintain their health or prevent chronic diseases.
Health Monitoring
In addition to tracking fitness data, many wearable technology devices have the ability to monitor our vital signs. For example, some devices can measure our blood pressure and oxygen levels. This information can be important for older adults who are at risk for chronic diseases like heart conditions or stroke. Additionally, this data can be used to monitor the side effects of medications and other concerns.
Emergency Alerts
Some devices can be set up to immediately alert caregivers in case of emergency or in response to certain changes in an individual’s health status. For example, many devices come equipped with fall detection sensors that automatically call for help if the wearer falls and is unable to get up. Additionally, many devices have GPS tracking capabilities that can be used to locate the user if they become lost or disoriented. This feature is especially important for older adults who are at risk for dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
Staying Connected
While many users purchase these devices for their health benefits, they typically come with additional functionality. For example, some watches enable you to view and send text messages, make and receive calls, and check emails. You can even set up vibrating alerts for various apps and reminders.
Wearable Technology Options
Interested in purchasing a wearable device for you or your loved one? Check out some of these models to see if they might be a good fit.
If the goal is more health and fitness rather than safety and communication, then the Fitbit Versa 2 could be a great option. This wearable tech device tracks your steps, distance, calories burned, and active minutes. It also has a built-in heart rate monitor, oxygen saturation sensor, sleep tracker, and stress management app. Additionally, the Fitbit Versa 2 is water-resistant, so you can wear it in the shower or while swimming.
The Apple Watch Series 8 is perfect for older adults who want to stay connected with their loved ones. This device has a built-in cellular connection so you can make calls, send texts, and even stream music without being tethered to your iPhone. Additionally, the Apple Watch Series 8 has a number of health and safety features, including temperature sensing, an ECG app, a blood oxygen level sensor, fall detection, and crash detection.
While this watch is marketed heavily toward kids, the Angel Watch Series R - Assist has some great features that make it ideal for older adults. One of the major perks is the built-in camera that allows for video calling. Other features include GPS tracking, an SOS button, vital signs monitoring, fall detection, and medication reminders.
Wrapping Up
Healthcare and wearable technology devices offer many benefits for older adults. They can track our fitness progress, monitor our vital signs, and even send emergency alerts if we need help. These devices can help us stay connected with loved ones, get the care we need when we need it, and maintain our health and independence as we age. With so many different types of devices available on the market today, there is sure to be an option that meets your needs and fits your lifestyle. So why not give one a try?