How to Choose a Senior-Friendly Smartwatch for Health Monitoring
|
August 10, 2025
|
Data from ScienceSoft Healthcare shows that in the next five to 10 years, about half of people ages 55 to 60 will use wearable devices that can detect health risks, such as smartwatches.1 As family caregivers, we seek ways to support our loved ones’ health and independence. Smartwatches can be a valuable tool, as they offer real-time insights into vital signs, activity levels, location, and emergency situations.
However, choosing the right smartwatch for an older family member requires consideration of their unique needs, comfort with technology, and specific health conditions. Our testing shows that there are five key factors to consider when picking a smartwatch: emergency response and safety features, health monitoring capabilities, usability, cost, and insurance coverage. Let’s do a deeper dive.
Key Features to Look for in Senior-Friendly Smartwatches
Choosing a smartwatch for an older loved one is a little different from picking one for your daily use. After testing 12 senior-friendly smartwatches, our senior care experts agree that these factors are the most crucial:
Emergency Response and Safety Features
Safety features should be your top priority. Fall detection technology, for example, uses built-in sensors to identify sudden impacts or unusual movement patterns. If the smartwatch with fall detection notices a probable fall, it automatically contacts emergency services or designated family members.
We also recommend smartwatches with GPS tracking to ensure that, during emergencies, you can quickly locate your loved one. Similarly, two-way communication features allow for immediate contact with emergency services or family members. Some models can even store medical information, accessible to first responders.
Here are some essential safety features you should look for in a smartwatch:
- Automatic fall detection with customizable sensitivity
- One-touch SOS button for manual emergency alerts
- GPS location tracking
- Medical information storage for emergency responders
- Water resistance for shower and swimming safety
Note: Test the emergency features with your loved one before leaving them with their smartwatch. Make sure to practice using the SOS button and ensure that all emergency contacts have been configured properly.
Health Monitoring Capabilities
Modern smartwatches offer comprehensive health monitoring that extends far beyond basic step counting. Heart rate monitoring should include both continuous tracking and irregular rhythm detection, as atrial fibrillation (AF) often goes undiagnosed. In a 2023 Massachusetts General Hospital study of U.S. adults ages 65 and older, over 13 percent had AF.2
Blood oxygen saturation monitoring is also critical, particularly for seniors who have respiratory conditions or who are recovering from illnesses. In the same vein, sleep tracking provides insights into sleep quality and duration. These factors directly impact older adults’ overall health and cognitive function.
In sum, make sure the smartwatch you buy has the following health monitoring features:
- Continuous heart rate monitoring with alert thresholds
- Blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) measurement
- Sleep quality and duration tracking
- Activity and exercise monitoring with customizable goals
- Stress level detection and management suggestions
FYI: Some premium models now include ECG capabilities, allowing users to take electrocardiograms and share results with healthcare providers directly.
User Interface and Accessibility
Accessibility and ease of use is also vital. Sophisticated features are useless if the wearer cannot easily navigate and use them. In our tests, we found that the best medical alert smartwatches for seniors include:
- Large, high-contrast displays with adjustable text sizes to accommodate vision changes that occur with aging.
- Simplified menu structures with clearly labeled icons to reduce confusion.
- Adjustable haptic feedback and audio alert volumes, particularly for wearers with difficulty hearing.
- Compatibility with assistive devices the wearer uses, such as hearing aids.
In addition, we’re also seeing more advanced models that allow for voice control, such as Apple Watches. If your loved one suffers from arthritis or tremors, which could make it difficult for them to navigate a smartwatch’s relatively small screen, we recommend a smartwatch with voice control.
Battery Life and Charging Considerations
Ensuring the smartwatch is always on and worn during active hours is critical. That especially applies to smartwatches that monitor blood pressure and other health metrics, as well as those used for emergency response. That’s why looking into smartwatch battery life and charging options is also crucial.
The problem is, features like continuous heart rate tracking, GPS, and cellular connectivity use up battery fast. Traditional smartwatches require daily charging, which could pose a problem to seniors who tend to forget to charge their devices. Taking those into consideration, here are our recommendations:
- Choose devices with at least 18- to 24-hour battery life under normal use.
- Look for power-saving modes that maintain essential health monitoring.
- Consider models with wireless charging for easier daily maintenance.
- Evaluate charging dock designs for accessibility and ease of use.
FYI: Establish a consistent charging routine, such as placing the watch on its charger every night before bed, to ensure the device is always ready when the senior needs it.
Traditional charging cables can be challenging for seniors with arthritis, tremors, or limited fine motor control. Magnetic charging docks that simply require placing the watch in the correct position are significantly more user-friendly than cables that must be precisely aligned.
Some manufacturers now offer charging stands that hold the watch upright, making it easier to position correctly while also serving as a bedside clock. Wireless charging pads also eliminate cables entirely, but may require more precise placement.
Cost
What you’ll pay for the smartwatch itself is only part of the total cost of owning a senior-friendly smartwatch. You should also take into account monthly cellular service fees, replacement bands, screen protectors, and potential insurance coverage.
Premium devices like the Apple Watch Series can cost $249 to $800 depending on features and connectivity options, while senior-specific devices typically range from $150 to $200. However, the most expensive option isn’t necessarily the best choice for every senior’s needs and technical comfort level. Here are all of the costs, beyond just equipment:
- Initial device purchase price
- Monthly cellular service fees
- Accessories like charging docks and protective cases
- Potential insurance or extended warranty coverage
- Replacement costs for bands, screens, or battery service
Insurance and Medicare Coverage
Traditional Medicare does not typically cover smartwatches, even when used for health monitoring purposes. They’re not considered durable medical equipment.3 However, some Medicare Advantage plans have begun including wearable devices as part of their wellness benefits, recognizing the potential for reduced healthcare costs through preventive monitoring.
Private insurance coverage, on the other hand, varies significantly based on your provider and plan type. Some insurers offer discounts on devices or reimburse portions of the cost of smartwatches when physicians have prescribed them for specific medical conditions. In the same vein, you may use Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) to buy smartwatches when you use them for medical purposes primarily. Here are some insurance coverage options to explore:
- Medicare Advantage plan wellness benefits
- Private insurance
- HSAs or FSAs
- Employer wellness programs
- Veteran’s Affairs coverage
Comparing Top Senior-Friendly Smartwatch Options
Now that we’ve gone over what to look for in a smartwatch and how to pay for one, let’s go over some popular smartwatch brands.
Apple Watch Series
Credit: Apple
Apple’s latest smartwatch models offer comprehensive health monitoring within an ecosystem that many families already use. In our testing, we’ve found that the fall detection is extremely accurate, while the ECG app provides heart rhythm analysis that you can share with doctors directly.
With GPS, fall detection, and emergency SOS, Apple Watches can let emergency services know immediately when you’ve fallen. Integrating with the Health iOS app, you’ll also get a
comprehensive health dashboard that family members can access (with your permission, of course).
Key Advantages
- Accurate fall detection
- ECG and irregular rhythm notifications
- Integration with iPhone and family sharing
- Large ecosystem of health and fitness apps (check out the best fitness smartwatches for active seniors)
- Regular software updates with new health features
Key Considerations
- Requires iPhone
- Learning curve may be steep for non-Apple users
- Expensive
- Daily charging required
Compare an Apple Watch to medical alert systems we’ve tested out directly.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Series
Credit: Samsung
Samsung’s smartwatch offerings provide comprehensive health monitoring with Android compatibility and standalone cellular options. The big advantage of these Samsung watches is that you can control them via buttons on the side and not just the screen, which may make them a better option for someone with manual dexterity issues versus Apple watches.
Additionally, Samsung’s Galaxy watches have advanced sleep tracking, providing detailed insights into sleep stages and personalized recommendations for improvement. The device also includes guided breathing exercises and stress management tools.
Key Advantages
- Rotating bezel for easier navigation
- Advanced sleep tracking and coaching
- Standalone cellular connectivity options
- Multi-day battery life on newer models
- Compatible with both Android and iPhone
Key Considerations
- Expensive
- May require Samsung phones
- Not as many apps as with Apple Watches
Specialized Senior-Focused Options
Several companies have developed smartwatches designed for older adults specifically, prioritizing simplicity and essential health features over comprehensive app ecosystems. Typically, these devices feature larger buttons, simplified interfaces, and extended battery life.
Medical alert companies like Bay Alarm Medical and Medical Guardian offer senior-specific devices with 24/7 monitoring services and dedicated customer support trained to assist older adults. While these options may lack some advanced features, they often provide better user experiences for seniors who prefer simplified technology. To learn more about our experiences testing specific smartwatches including medical alert smartwatches, read our reviews:
- Verizon Care Smart Watch review
- Timex FamilyConnect Smartwatch review
- Medical Guardian MGMove review
- Angel Watch review
- Bay Alarm Medical SOS Smartwatch review
A senior who has never used a smartphone might find a specialized senior smartwatch with three large buttons and a simple display more manageable than an Apple Watch, even though the latter offers more comprehensive health monitoring.
Conclusion
Choosing the right smartwatch for senior health monitoring is an investment in both their safety and their independence. While we’ve gone over the most essential features, from emergency response to user-friendly interfaces, the key to success lies in making sure you’re matching the device with the individual’s needs. Rather than focusing solely on the most advanced features, prioritize devices that your senior will actually use consistently and find valuable in their daily routine.
Remember that technology adoption is a gradual process, especially for older adults who may be encountering smartwatches for the first time. Patience, ongoing support, and celebration of small victories will help to their long-term success and their satisfaction with their smartwatch.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Do seniors really need cellular connectivity on their smartwatch?
Seniors, particularly active seniors, need cellular connectivity on their smartwatches because it enables emergency calls and GPS tracking when they’re away from Wi-Fi networks. However, WiFi-only models work well for seniors who stay close to home and carry smartphones.
-
How accurate are smartwatch health readings compared to medical devices?
Smartwatch health readings are not as accurate compared to medical devices. A 2024 study from the Mayo Clinic measured how accurate smartwatches were at detecting insufficient oxygen levels. Apple Watches had accuracy rates of 85 percent, while Withings ScanWatches had accuracy rates of 79 percent. While smartwatches can provide useful health information, they’re not a replacement for medical devices.
-
What happens if a senior forgets to charge their smartwatch?
If a senior forgets to charge their smartwatch, with most devices, they will receive a low battery warning and their smartwatch will enter power-saving modes that keep health monitoring and emergency SOS active. However, if they wait long enough, their smartwatch will shut off. It’s important to make sure users charge their smartwatches consistently. For the most forgetful users, consider devices with multi-day battery life.
-
Can smartwatches help seniors remember to take medications?
Yes, most smartwatches offer customizable medication reminders with vibrations and visual alerts. Some specialized senior devices include dedicated medication management features with caregiver notifications.
-
Are smartwatches waterproof enough for seniors to wear while bathing?
Most modern smartwatches are water-resistant for handwashing and showering, though full submersion capabilities vary by model. Check specific IP ratings and consider that soap can affect water resistance over time. A fully waterproof smartwatch that can be immersed in water continuously would have an IP rating of at least 68.
-
How do family members receive emergency alerts from senior smartwatches?
Typically, emergency alerts are sent from smartwatches via text messages, phone calls, or dedicated apps to family contacts. Some devices also contact professional monitoring services that can coordinate emergency response.