The Apple Watch remains the smartwatch gold standard. That’s true no matter who you are–young or old. As it turns out, though, it offers some special features that make it particularly useful for seniors. And, since it doesn’t have the stigma of being a piece of medical equipment, it’s easy to get even your most stubborn loved ones to wear it. These watches are also compatible with a ton of smart home and security systems, which can help if you’re taking care of an elderly parent at your place.
Although not designed specifically as a medical alert device, the Apple Watch can be used as one. The emergency SOS Alert feature, for example, allows seniors to connect with the press of a button to family members, caregivers, or emergency responders in case of an emergency. Emergency SOS can also send your current location to emergency responders. In addition, the Apple Watch has a heart monitor and sends both high and low heart rate notifications.
The watch even offers fall detection though users have to enable this feature. If the watch detects a fall followed by no movement, it sends the wearer an alert. If the wearer doesn’t respond, Apple Watch taps their wrist, sounds an alarm, and calls emergency services.
The watch is waterproof, which is a major plus (for more on waterproof devices, read our review of the Best Waterproof Medical Alert Systems) and it can also monitor for blood oxygen levels as well as irregular heartbeats.
Of course, because the Apple Watch is a smartwatch that can be used as a medical alert device, rather than the other way around, it also offers features you’re not going to find with any other devices on this list– the ability to make calls, for instance, to text, and to surf the web. If the senior in your life is tech savvy, you really can’t underestimate the value of those functions.
The Apple Watch is an impressive device, but it’s not perfect, especially if you’re using it as a medical alert system. One of the areas we worry about most is battery life. The Apple Watch’s battery lasts around 18 hours. That makes sense, given how many functions this smartwatch can perform. Frankly, it’s nothing short of amazing that it can last for 18 hours. The standard for medical alert watches, though, is 24 hours, enough time to get a senior through the day. The worst that happens if you’re an average Apple Watch user and the battery goes out? You can’t text your friends. The worst that happens if you’re a senior and your alert system goes out is a serious medical emergency.
FYI: It’s extremely important to note that Apple Watches are not monitored by medical professionals. The wearer won’t have the assistance of a trained associate available, and vital health information will not be immediately available to emergency personnel.
Another drawback is the cost. The most recent version of the Apple Watch — the Ultra — costs $800. Older iterations are available, though, mostly from third-party retailers. If you don’t need the latest and the greatest, you can pick one up for around $200.