Best Wearable Senior Monitors

The Apple Watch 5 works for people of all ages and levels of tech-savviness. Its large screen, easy controls, and health monitoring apps make it easier to age gracefully at home. As long as you’re wearing the watch when you take a fall, it will act like a standard medical alert system.

While the latest Apple Watch is expensive, older adults can use it to track almost any health metric. In addition to heart, diet, and activity monitoring, the Apple Watch has automatic fall detection for older adults.

See how it compares to traditional medical alert systems and senior monitors in our reviews.

Best Senior Monitors and Wearables

Wearable trackers need to be just that—wearable. So we prioritized comfort and easy wearing over bells and whistles. We looked for monitors with adjustable sizes that don’t get in the way of normal activities. The more comfortable the wearable, the more inclined users are to wear them. After all, wearable senior monitors aren’t helpful if nobody wears them.

Tracking features are also important. GPS location features, health tracking, and fall detection are the most important types we considered. The devices with the most tracking abilities scored higher in our lineup.

Finally, we looked for devices with senior-friendly features like a big screen or button, easy fasteners that don’t hurt arthritic joints, and simple setup and operation. Take a look at our methodology to see how we reviewed this and other products.

Sure, its sleek design, dozens of health tracking apps, and messaging features are attractive. But what turned our heads is the Apple Watch 5’s automatic fall detection. This feature is common in medical alert systems but unique among smartwatches like this one. When the Apple Watch 5 detects a sudden change in speed and altitude, it triggers an alert asking if you need assistance. If you’re unresponsive, it will call for help within 60 seconds.

Just like your phone, the Apple Watch’s screen is customizable. You can download health apps based on your needs. Apps range from heart health and activity to sleep quality, dietary habits, and even glucose levels.

Older adults can keep in touch with loved ones through text, video chats, and calling on their Apple Watch 5. This may come with a learning curve for anyone new to smartwatches. But if you can operate an iPhone, you can operate this smartwatch.

The device itself is sleek with a clear screen that makes it easy to read. There are also tons of wristbands available users can change out based on their style or comfort level. And the battery lasts up to six days without charging.

Unfortunately, the Apple Watch 5 is expensive (at least $300). If you’re interested in a  cheaper alternative and falls aren’t a concern, look into the Apple Watch 3. It has similar health and calling features but no fall detection.

Users don’t have to be in a life-threatening situation to use this device either. Of course, it’s helpful for older adults during falls or medical emergencies. But the 5Star Urgent Response agents on the other line can also help in cases where you want roadside assistance or need help contacting family.

If you’re looking for a super simple senior monitor you or a loved one can wear without interfering with daily life, Lively Mobile is worth checking out. It doesn’t have the health tracking, messaging, or cellular consistency of other devices on our list, but it’s effective and affordable.

The watch face is large enough for older adults to read easily. And it has an always-on option that makes it easier to access your information. Plus, the battery lasts up to six days, meaning you won’t have to charge it constantly. And like the Apple Watch 5, you can swap out bands based on your comfort level and style.

Its health-tracking features, large screen, and built-in smart assistant make it a good starter monitor for older adults who want to stay active. But it lacks a few key features that could save lives—like location tracking and fall detection.

The Freedom Guardian uses three methods of tracking to locate your loved one when they’re lost. GPS, Wi-Fi positioning, and triangulation make finding them much faster, even when cell service is scarce. The watch also has a SIM chip to keep it connected.

Family and caretakers can use the app to send messages and check up on activities, schedules, updates, and location. Messaging uses simple yes and no responses, so users won’t have to fiddle with a complicated keyboard. But unfortunately, messages and reminders cost an extra $5 per month.

Other downsides include a shorter battery life. But at 48 hours, it’s not too shabby. This watch also lacks automatic fall detection, but it has an easy call button that can call for help after a fall. At $44.95/month for monitoring, it’s an investment, but one that can save a life and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Bay Alarm’s wearable monitor is water-resistant, so you can wear it in the shower or bath to call for help in case of a slip or fall. But like most medical alert systems, automatic fall detection costs extra every month ($10 to be exact).

Its most basic package costs a one-time payment of $79 for device, then $25 per month for monitoring, or up to $40 with fall detection and the caregiver app. The wearable GPS device  from Bay Alarm Medical comes with a 30-day free trial and you can cancel anytime.

Bay Alarm gives older adults a lifeline to get help in any emergency situation. But it won’t track steps or any health metrics like the Apple Watch, FitBit Versa 2, or Freedom Guardian.

The Tango Belt is a discreet wearable airbag for your hips in case of a fall. It looks like a normal belt but wears more like a fanny pack. When the device detects a change in altitude and speed, it will deploy the cushions like the airbags in your car, breaking your fall instead of your hip. Unfortunately, it’s not available yet, but we’re watching for news on this cool device.

The Mobile Guardian comes from the same company as the Freedom Guardian smartwatch. It’s more of a traditional wearable alert designed as a necklace. Its basic one-button design makes it easy to call for help in an emergency, and it’s waterproof, making it safe to wear in the shower.

You can also opt for a stylish metal option that looks like normal jewelry. The only problem is it’s a two-piece wearable. You’ll need to keep the necklace and tracking device close (at most 350 feet apart) for this system to work, making it hard for active older adults to use.

None of these devices are helpful unless users wear them every day in case of an emergency. So prioritize comfort and convenience before flashy features like texting and video calling. Activity and fitness tracking are attractive too, but don’t choose them over essentials like location and emergency calling. The best wearable devices for older adults should help them live independently and safely.

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