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Smartwatch technology may appear intimidating to some, especially those already using various smart devices. However, these gadgets have the potential to significantly impact and even save lives.
The elderly, in particular, can take advantage of a variety of smartwatch features, including medical alerts, fall detection, heart rate monitoring, and numerous other health and wellness indicators.
In order to select the most suitable smartwatches for older individuals, the Forbes Health editorial team conducted an analysis of around 90 products from leading brands. They assessed factors such as price, storage capacity, battery life, customer feedback, and more. Continue reading to find out which smartwatches have been identified as our top choices for older adults.
![Apple Watch Series 7 [GPS 41mm] Smart Watch w/Green Aluminum Case with Clover Sport Band. Fitness Tracker, Blood Oxygen & ECG Apps, Always-On Retina Display, Water Resistant](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41j+XyN9+YL._SL160_.jpg)
Best Smartwatches for Seniors Reviews
1. Apple Watch Series 7
The Apple Watch Series 7 is the latest offering from Apple, boasting unparalleled fall detection capabilities. Building upon its predecessors, this smartwatch incorporates significant advancements in health and fitness features.
Retaining all the attributes mentioned above, the Series 7 ensures prompt emergency services notification and assistance in the event of a fall, injury, or incident.
The fall detection functionality operates efficiently, directly calling emergency services while simultaneously alerting them in the event of a fall or injury.
In the realm of health, the Series 7 offers high and low heart rate notifications, an optical heart rate sensor, irregular rhythm notifications, the ECG app, notifications for low cardio fitness, and a blood oxygen level monitor.
Fitness features remain consistent with previous Apple watches, ensuring a seamless user experience.
With a battery life of 18 hours, water resistance rating up to 50 meters, and improved fall detection capabilities, the Apple Watch Series 7 stands out as an exceptional choice for health-conscious users.
However, please note that the Series 7 is only compatible with iOS devices. For iOS users, it is an excellent choice, but those with other devices may consider alternative options from the list. Nevertheless, for fall detection, the Apple Watch Series 7 is the perfect companion.
2. SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 3
Our choice for the ideal senior smartwatch is the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3. Notably, it comes equipped with fall detection, which goes beyond simply identifying a fall; it also initiates contact with a pre-designated emergency contact, like a family member, and shares the wearer’s location if they fail to respond to the alert within 60 seconds of the fall. Moreover, the Galaxy Watch 3 showcases exceptional durability, having passed the rigorous MIL-STD-810G military test. This certification attests to its ability to endure 10 harsh conditions, including drops from 4.9 feet, extreme temperatures, shock resistance, dust resistance, and even withstanding vibrations, low pressure, and high altitude.
Designed to be compatible with LTE cell plans, the Galaxy Watch 3 enables users to effortlessly make and send calls and texts from their wrists. While it can be paired with both Apple and Android devices, its Android prioritization makes it particularly user-friendly for seniors with Android phones, as the interface will feel familiar to them. Moreover, the smartwatch boasts 50-meter water resistance and offers access to Bixby, Samsung’s proprietary voice assistant. It also includes essential features such as Samsung Pay and music controls.
On the health and fitness front, the Galaxy Watch 3 provides comprehensive tracking capabilities for steps, heart rate, sleep, and stress levels. This makes it an excellent companion for maintaining overall fitness and well-being. With a choice of 41 and 45-millimeter case sizes, the smartwatch offers up to 56 hours of battery life for the 45-millimeter version and 43 hours for the 41-millimeter version.
For iPhone users, exploring the best smartwatches specifically designed for iPhones would be a prudent option to suit their needs effectively.
3. Fitbit Sense
The Fitbit Sense is a top-notch smartwatch equipped with excellent fall detection capabilities, making it a standout choice for safety-conscious individuals. Its advanced fall detection system utilizes an accelerometer and a 3D Gyrosensor to detect motion during falls or accidents, promptly sharing your precise location with emergency contacts through a Google Maps link.
The Sense’s design resembles the stylish square-faced and round-edged style of the Fitbit Versa series, making it an attractive accessory.
In addition to fall detection, the Sense incorporates an extensive range of health and fitness features, empowering users to monitor their well-being and achieve fitness goals effectively. It includes the EDA scan app, stress management score, heart rate variation notifications, 24/7 heart rate variability monitoring, sleep scoring and tracking, and a temperature sensor.
For fitness enthusiasts, the Sense offers active zone minutes, all-day activity tracking, heart rate zones, 20 goal-based exercise modes, built-in GPS, and workout intensity maps.
Beyond health and fitness, the Sense features call functionality, voice assistant integration, music experience, Fitbit Pay, find my phone, customizable clock faces, and an always-on display.
With over 6 days of usage in smartwatch mode and up to 12 hours in continuous GPS mode on a single charge, the Sense ensures reliable performance.
While some tools within the Fitbit Sense require a Fitbit Premium subscription, it remains a top choice for fall detection purposes.
4. Garmin vívoactive 3 Music
Similar to other leading smartwatch brands, Garmin has incorporated a built-in fall detection system into its smartwatches. The Garmin Vivoactive 3 Music is one such model, featuring an advanced fall detection system.
Safety takes precedence with this smartwatch as it automatically notifies preloaded emergency contacts with your real-time location upon detecting a fall. Whether you’re running, hiking, or walking, the Vivoactive 3 Music accurately detects falls and swiftly sends text notifications to emergency contacts and family members.
To activate fall detection, simply set up emergency contacts using the Garmin Connect app and ensure your smartphone has an active data plan within network coverage.
The watch also offers over 15 preloaded sports apps, custom workouts, and advanced health features like wrist-based heart rate technology, heart rate variability monitoring, stress tracking, and menstrual cycle tracking.
With up to 7 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, up to 5 hours in GPS mode with music playback, and up to 13 hours in GPS mode without music, the Vivoactive 3 Music ensures long-lasting performance.
The improved fall detection system, impressive battery life, and outstanding fitness and health features make the Garmin Vivoactive 3 Music a top choice.
5. Garmin Forerunner 945
The Garmin Forerunner 945 is a standout smartwatch known for its exceptional fall detection system, making it an excellent choice for users prioritizing safety. As a premium smartwatch, the Forerunner 945 comes equipped with advanced fall detection capabilities, utilizing an accelerometer to promptly detect hard falls and send SOS messages to designated emergency contacts for timely assistance.
Beyond its impressive fall detection, the Forerunner 945 offers a wide array of health and fitness features, catering to active individuals. It includes wrist-based heart rate monitoring, VO2 max estimation, a Pulse Ox sensor, body battery energy monitoring, sleep tracking, and women’s health tracking, ensuring comprehensive monitoring of users’ well-being.
For fitness enthusiasts, the Forerunner 945 presents Garmin Coach, built-in sports apps, Multi-GNSS support, running dynamics analysis, training status assessment, training effect measurement, training load tracking, and daily workout suggestions, empowering users to achieve their fitness goals effectively.
With a battery life of up to 10 hours in GPS mode with music and up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode, the Forerunner 945 ensures extended usage between charges.
While its fall detection and health features are commendable, the Forerunner 945 may be bulky for some individuals’ wrists. However, for those unfazed by the size, it remains an ideal choice, especially for its exceptional fall detection capabilities.
Final Word
A smartwatch may not be suitable for everyone, however, this ever-present wearable technology can enhance, enrich, and potentially even save the lives of individuals or their loved ones. Seniors, in particular, can reap the advantages of the safety and well-being functionalities integrated into smartwatches.
Nevertheless, similar to any other gadget, the key lies in discovering a smartwatch that provides the precise features and functions that align with your distinct requirements and preferences.