Wearable technology is proving to be a game changer for older adults, as it provides new ways to stay connected, healthy, and independent. The latest wearable devices come equipped with features like fall detection, medication reminders, and emergency response systems that can help improve the quality of life for older people.
One of the most popular wearable devices for older adults is the smartwatch, which offers a wide range of features such as heart rate monitoring, fitness tracking, and voice-activated assistant technology. These watches allow seniors to stay connected to their loved ones, receive notifications and reminders, and track their health and wellness all in one device.
Another popular wearable technology is the personal emergency response system (PERS). These devices can be worn as a pendant or wristband and are equipped with a button that can be used to send an alert to a designated caregiver or emergency services in case of an emergency. Some of the most common devices are:
Wearable technology has also helped people to maintain their independence by enabling them to manage their health and wellness more effectively. For instance, many devices come with medication reminders that help people stay on top of their daily doses.
An Edinburgh-based start-up using artificial intelligence (AI) to support older adults live more independently conducted a study on falls prevention. As part of the study, 300 individuals over 55 years old with a recent history of falls were given a mainstream wearable device – such as Fitbit, Garmin, or Polar – which produced data that enabled their wearable tech platform to predict and proactively alert to the likelihood of a future fall. There was a consequent reduction in falls in the group.
UK government data from February 2022 shows close to a third of over-65s and half of over-80s fall at least once per year, incidents that cost the NHS more than £4.4 billion annually.
Wearable technology is revolutionising the way people live their lives, providing them with new opportunities for staying connected, healthy, and independent. With the continued growth of these devices, it is expected that wearable technology will become even more accessible and beneficial for older adults in the years to come.
