Healthy Aging Month: Your Smartwatch May Do More Than You Think

As we continue to recognize Healthy Aging Month, technology can be another useful tool for staying proactive about our health. For adults 50 and older, today’s smartwatches offer features that go far beyond step counting.

Monitor your heart rate

For example, the Apple Watch can monitor heart rate and alert you to unusually high or low rates and irregular rhythms that may suggest atrial fibrillation (AFib). Newer models can also look for patterns associated with hypertension, or chronic high blood pressure, and alert users when it may be worth discussing with their healthcare provider. The watch does not actually measure blood pressure, so a traditional cuff is still needed.

Fall detection

Safety features may be especially valuable as we age. Fall Detection can detect a hard fall and, if the wearer is unresponsive, contact emergency services and notify designated emergency contacts. Adults 55 and older who have entered their age correctly have Fall Detection enabled automatically. This is especially beneficial, as the CDC reports that each year 3 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries.

The Medical ID feature also makes important health information and emergency contacts accessible to first responders. Make sure to add this information to your smartwatch.

Sleep tracking

Sleep is another important part of healthy aging. Compatible Apple Watches can track sleep, monitor breathing disturbances, and provide notifications of possible moderate-to-severe sleep apnea.

Smartwatches aren’t substitutes for medical care, but when their health and safety features are set up properly, they can provide helpful information and an extra layer of protection.

Your partner in healthy aging

Hurley Elder Care Law wants to partner with you as you create the smoothest, healthiest approach to aging. We can help you plan for potential health and cognitive declines in advance so you can make the most of your golden years. Call us today at 404-843-121. We are Georgia’s premier elder law firm, serving clients statewide.