Wearable gadgets are prevalent among young people, but did you realise that they are becoming more beneficial to the elderly? The major reason for this is because older folks might benefit from them in order to live happier and healthier lives.
From emergency features like fall detection to blood pressure and heart rate monitoring, wearable technology can assist seniors in a variety of ways.
1. Measure Heart Rate
It is critical to actively monitor your heart rate and pay close attention if it becomes too high, especially when exercising. As you become older, this becomes more and more vital.
Many devices, primarily smartwatches and fitness trackers, track your heart rate throughout the day. In fact, the Apple Watch will send you notifications if your heart rate is too high, too low, or too irregular.
There are, however, gadgets developed expressly for collecting your heart rate, which are often worn around your wrist or chest. Fitbit and Garmin have several important wearable heart rate monitors, like the Fitbit Versa 4 and the Garmin HRM-Pro.
2. Get Help Quick With Fall Detection
According to this National Institute on Ageing page, older people are more likely to fall due of muscle mass loss, balance issues, and blood pressure decreases. The good news is that there are many wearable gadgets for older persons that use built-in fall detection to improve their health and safety.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch (Series 3 and later) is an excellent example. These smartwatches are ideal for elders since they will notify emergency personnel and your chosen emergency contacts if you experience a heavy fall. Furthermore, fall detection is pre-installed on all Apple Watches released after the Series 3.
3. Promote and Track Fitness and Activity
According to The National Council on Retirement, regular physical exercise helps prevent bone loss, boost immunity, and avoid chronic illness.
Mobile technology makes it easier for older folks to measure their fitness and activities than ever before. In addition, they do not have to be prohibitively expensive. The Fitbit Inspire 3 is a low-cost fitness tracker that tracks steps, distance, and calories as well as automated workout monitoring.
In addition, a wristwatch such as the MGMove enables seniors to establish exercise objectives, which might motivate them to get up and move.
4. Schedule Medication Reminders
It can be challenging for elderly people to remember to take their prescriptions on a regular basis. While there are technologies like smart pill dispensers, they are not wearable and so cannot inform elders while they are out and about. Seniors might tremendously benefit from having medicine reminders right away on their wrists.
Because standard reminders are included into almost every smartwatch, you can use it to set them. Seniors, on the other hand, can benefit from wearing an Apple Watch, which has medication monitoring and the option of setting medicine reminders. The Apple Watch interacts with the Apple Health app, so it will provide notifications based on your prescription regimen.
5. Blood Pressure Monitoring
Due to an article published by the Institute for Healthcare Economics and inventiveness, often home blood pressure monitoring can lower the risk of cardiovascular events.What better method for elderly people to keep track of their arterial pressure than with a wearable device?
Many smartwatches, notably the Samsung Galaxy Watches and the OMRON HeartGuide, can serve as accurate blood pressure monitors. The OMRON HeartGuide, on the other hand, is the sole FDA-approved device.This wearable measures blood pressure shifts and records data for you to track and evaluate whenever you choose.
To monitor your blood pressure with the HeartGuide device, just push the start button, hold it at heart level, and wait a few seconds for the results.
6. GPS Tracking
GPS tracking is crucial not just for elders, but also for their carers. Wearable gadgets may offer peace of mind for loved ones and also safety for elders, particularly those who are suffering from dementia.
GPS trackers for the elderly exist in a variety of forms and sizes, like smartwatches, belt clips, wristbands, pocket gadgets, and neck pendants.
The CPR Guardian II Watch is one of the best GPS location-tracking watches for seniors available. This wristwatch is unique in that it allows you to create geofencing safety zones. As a result, if the wearer departs or enters an established zone, a loved one or carer will receive smartphone notifications.
7. Improves Sleep Hygiene
According to an article published by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, sleep hygiene refers to a set of healthy sleep behaviours that can help you fall and stay asleep. Older people are able to utilise different wearable sleep monitors to ensure they always receive a decent night’s sleep.
The Oura Ring, Apple Watch Series 8, and Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 are among the top possibilities. All of these wearables allow seniors to maintain a regular sleep routine and set a scheduled bedtime and wake-up time. The Oura Ring can even offer seniors with a sleep score based on factors like REM sleep and heart rate after each night.
8. Stay Connected With Loved Ones
Did you know that seniors can benefit from constant social contact and engagement in a variety of ways, including illness prevention, increased cognitive function, and fewer general physical health issues? These advantages are explained in a Nursing Home Abuse Centre article.
Seniors may stay connected by using wearable gadgets like smartwatches to read and send messages as well as make and receive phone calls. The MGMove, on the other hand, is an excellent alternative for seniors since it allows them to send audio recordings or share loved ones via the Social Circle app.
9. Creates a Sense of Independence
When it comes to remaining safe and healthy, older people often want assistance. Moving to assisted housing or interacting with care professionals, on the other hand, may make seniors feel like they have lost their ability to live a full and independent life.
Wearables, on the other hand, can help seniors keep their independence for so long as they want while keeping those who care for them informed. Seniors may check health parameters like body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate on their own with wearables like the Angel Watch Assist.
Furthermore, a wearable medical alert device, like the LifeStation necklace, can be launched in an emergency by just pressing the help button.
Wearable Devices and Tech Are Game Changers for Older Adults
Wearable technology are more than just a stylish way for people to improve their fashion and style or stay in touch while on the road. Seniors may also embrace and profit from these mobile devices as tools.
These are some wonderful ways wearables can benefit elderly people, either they want a simple way to check their health metrics and get moving or a handy way to stay in touch with loved ones.
