Watch any advert for fitness trackers and you could be forgiven for thinking that they are only for hipster millennials who love technology. Nothing could be further from the truth. Fitness tracker manufacturers are also aiming at other markets. One of which is to create a purposeful, useful fitness tracker for seniors.
Editors Pick
Manufactures of fitness trackers such as Fitbit, Garmin and others have realised that there is a lot of value in producing a fitness tracker for seniors. It makes sense, as people of that age are growing in number, tend to have a reasonable amount of disposable income and are increasingly engaged with their health and well-being.
There are lots of options available so this guide is going to take a look at the best fitness trackers for seniors and point out their pros and cons.
If a fitness tracker isn’t your thing check out our guide to the best pedometers.
Top pick of best fitness trackers for seniors
1. Fitbit Inspire 2
The Fitbit Inspire 2 is the most affordable fitness tracker for seniors on this list.
The one-year free trial on their app allows you to access your health data from the app once you have the tracker connected to your smartphone.
Fitbit inspires 2 has a long battery span of 10 days after a complete charge.
The device is waterproofed and can function accurately under 164 feet or 50 meters of water.
You do not need to remove the tracker when you want to bathe or when caught up in the rain.
Fitbit Inspire 2 monitors your sleep pattern so you can track how many hours of sleep you get per day. Seniors with insomnia will benefit from this feature.
Besides being a sleep tracker, Fitbit Inspire 2 also monitors your heart rate, stress rate, the total distance covered, and the number of steps taken per day when you walk or jog.
In addition, you can receive calls, messages, and notifications on the app.
The only downside is that some important tracking features like blood oxygen sensors and electrocardiograms are missing from the device.
Overall, Fitbit Inspire 2 is suitable for anyone looking for a decent tracker at a reasonable price.
PROS
- User-friendly and reasonably priced tracker
- One year free trial on the app
- Slim, Lightweight design
- Durable and comfortable tracker
- Waterproofed to survive underwater
- Works as a fitness tracker, sleep tracker, step tracker, pedometer, and more
- Long-lasting battery life up to 10 days in one complete charge
- Suitable for receiving calls, messages, and notifications.
CONS
- Limited health monitoring features compare to most trackers
- No fall detection
2. Garmin Vivosmart 4
Vivosmart 4 is a smart device from the reputable wearable company, Garmin.
The health features and smart functions are suitable for older adults.
Seniors will love the lightweight feature of the fitness tracker.
Vivosmart 4 is available in multiple colors – from gray to black and azure blue.
This device can track your daily steps and distance covered. Being fit on the inside but stressed outside makes no sense.
The tracker implements the HRV technique to determine the body stress level by calculating your heartbeat and time in-between.
That way you can quickly tackle and eliminate stress or anxiety before it develops into a health issue. The unique ‘relax reminder’ function of the device is designed to alert you when it is time to relax (based on your settings)
Vivosmart 4 has the VO2 max function that uses your current health status to determine your age. The healthier you become the lesser your age on the tracker.
unlike the garmin vivofit fitness band, You cannot stay idle all day with the Garmin Vivosmart 4 tracker. This device vibrates when you do nothing for some particular hours. The goal is to nudge you to get something done.
Vivosmart 4 also features a sensor that monitors your blood oxygen level and calories burned.
Vivosmart 4 tracker is waterproofed which means that it will not damage when caught up in the water which means you are safe in the pool.
The battery can last up to 7 days on one charge.
Furthermore, you can also receive health report notifications from your phone.
Just connect the fitness tracking device to your phone and you will start receiving notifications.
You can reply to messages from the tracker too. However, according to some users,
PROS
- Long battery life up to 7 days
- Uses HRV technique to calculate stress level
- Checks up when the user is idle for hours
- Tracks the blood oxygen level
CONS
- No interchangeable bands available
- No GPS
- Incorrect step tracking in some cases
3. Fitbit Charge 4
If you need results, you need the Fitbit Charge 4. Within the 7 days battery life, you can have all the information you need to track your health progress.
The fitness tracker for seniors monitors the heart rate from anywhere and anytime.
If you are looking for an up-to-date fitness tracker for seniors, you may want to check out this Fitbit tracker.
Fitbit Charge 4 can track sleep patterns like the deep and light sleep, and the REM cycle – and provide the sleep score that rates your sleep quality.
You also access information about your blood oxygen level including the past week’s trend.
This makes it easier to analyze and identify any change in sleep quality and frequency and correct future sleep disorders.
Keep in mind that this feature does not replace advice from a medical practitioner. It is only for warning or indication purposes.
What’s more, the device also features a built-in GPS that accurately reads your pace and distance when jogging, running, or hiking.
For seniors who exercise, the tracker features over 20 exercise types.
Feel free to swim without fear because the 50-meter waterproof feature has got you covered. Your wearable is super safe. No cap. it also measures the amount of calories burned.
As mentioned earlier, it comes with a 7 days battery life after one complete charge. However, turning ON GPS will reduce the battery life to 5 hours.
PROS
- Monitors virtually all key health aspects
- Built-in GPS for proper tracking
- Cost-effective device
CONS
- Extremely low battery life in GPS mode
4. Amazfit Band 5 Review
The Amazfit Band 5 is a top-grade fitness tracker for seniors with 12 days of battery use.
This lightweight and portable tracker fits perfectly on your wrist so that it may not feel like you’ve got a tracker in your hand.
The Amazfit Band 5 is the fitness tracker for seniors with the longest-lasting battery on this list. Its 125mAh battery can last for up to 12 days at one complete charge.
In fact, you can double up the battery life when you turn off some features.
The clear and bright display is easier for seniors to read.
The touch screen setting allows you to swipe the screen up and down to read through notifications.
The Amazfit Band 5 also features the Amazon Alexa app where you can open settings like the alarm, notes, voice command, and appointments.
The device features various health options including the calories burned. The heart rate sensor can be set to monitor the heartbeat throughout the day with accurate results.
The blood oxygen measurement of the device is pretty impressive.
It also monitors sleep while analyzing deep and light sleep.
In addition, there is a stress measuring feature that encourages you to practice stress-relieving activities like meditation, breathing exercises.
The notification feature also ensures that you get notified on the Amazfit Band 5.
Overall you have these incredible features at a pretty decent price. Did we forget to mention that it is also waterproof and safe even when drenched in water?
PROS
- Affordable
- Several healths tracking feature
- Long-lasting battery
- Amazon Alexa technology
CONS
- Short battery lifespan
- Costly
5. Garmin Forerunner 35
Elders can count their steps with fun. If you are looking for a step counter, you may want to see the Garmin Forerunner 35.
This device features a large screen that records all the monitored steps, heart rate, and sports activities (if you practice one)
The Garmin Forerunner 35 also comes with a wearable heart monitor (optional) to monitor their heart rate and detect any sign of an issue.
The fall identification feature is one of the best things we love about this device. It detects when you are injured, and you can send your information to the emergency service.
Remember that this feature is only a guide and does not replace the medical alert system.
The battery can last up to 7 days at one complete charge.
However, keep in mind that this sleep tracking device does not feature an app.
PROS
- Panic button for added security
- step counter
- Longer battery life
- Activity tracker for a smooth experience
- Excellent step tracker
CONS
- Does not feature critical health apps
6. Lintelek Fitness Tracker
Lintelek Fitness Tracker is for seniors looking for a fitness tracker without the bells and whistles of the typical tracker.
The device comes with an excellent built-in GPS for unmatched accurate reading of your health inputs.
We noticed that the device is not suitable for tracking fast movements such as jogging, running, or an intense workout.
But it can function as a step tracker.
A USB cable can charge the tracker to proper accuracy.
In addition, you can receive messages and notifications on the sleep tracking device once you’ve connected to your phone via WiFi connectivity technology.
Lintelek Fitness Tracker also takes care of your heart rate and sleeping pattern.
Overall, we recommend this tracker to anyone looking for a top-notch quality model with an affordable price advantage.
PROS
- Built-in GPS for accurate reading
- Chargeable with a USB cable
- Great quality at a competitive price
- Sleep pattern and heart rate tracking
CONS
- Cannot track intense movements like running and jogging.
Buyers Guide
This section discusses all you need to know about the best fitness tracker for seniors and helps you make an informed buying decision.
Factors to consider before buying a fitness tracker for seniors
Not every activity tracker works for seniors. There are key qualities of a good fitness trackers older adults should prioritize.
First, keep in mind that seniors need a fitness tracker that is easy to use. You don’t want to get them a tracker they have to struggle with all their life.
Consider the following factors before you purchase a fitness tracker:
Price
While there are cheap fitness trackers within the $25 range, most models fall within the $50 and $200 range.
As expected, benefits differ among these price ranges.
We recommend that you prioritize quality over price.
However, purchase within your budget.
Comfort
Remember that your fitness tracker stays in your hand throughout the day even at night when you sleep.
So one of your priorities should be a tracker that is comfortable to wear during the day and at night when you sleep.
These activity trackers may disrupt your daily activities if it is too tight or even falls off if it is too loose.
Seniors do not deserve the stress of a heavy fitness tracker.
Lightweight is a key factor to consider in a fitness tracker for seniors.
Durability
The durability of a fitness tracker is important.
It should withstand harsh conditions and not break easily.
Durable fitness trackers do not come cheap.
So be prepared to spend more money on a high-quality durable model.
User friendly
Seniors need a smart tracker with great tech features and ease of use. Complex trackers can be difficult for users, especially among elders with less tech know-how.
Clear display
The truth is, our vision quality reduces with age.
Elders with diminishing vision need not compound their problem with the bad display on the tracker. They should be able to read the screen information without strain.
So choose a tracker with a clear screen.
Battery life
Prioritize a long-life battery.
We do not recommend a short-life battery that will require frequent removal for charging.
Putting it back may be difficult.
A tracker that requires less removal will last longer.
FAQs: Best Fitness Trackers for Seniors
What percentage of seniors use fitness trackers?
While there is no exact percentage of elderly people using fitness trackers, we know the numbers are increasing.
And that is because more fitness trackers now incorporate health features like fall detections which promote a healthier life.
What are the top industry brands to watch out for?
With many old and new fitness tracker brands in the marketplace, knowing what to choose can overwhelm your buying decision.
You will not regret patronizing any of the following brands:
- Apple
- Fitbit
- Lintelek
- Garmin
What is the typical heart rate for seniors?
The target heart rate varies according to age. A 50% to 85% intensity of exercise for a 60-year-old should have their heart BPM (Beat Per Minute) at 80-136.
Seniors above 65 should have between 78-132 and those above 70 should have 75-128 BPM.
Can elders with walkers use these trackers?
Physical movement is critical whether you use a walker or not.
Seniors using walkers should consider fitness trackers for walkers.
These devices are programmed to count steps when used with a walker. Hence you can use the trackers to monitor physical activities.
Are free trackers available to senior citizens?
Free fitness trackers are currently unavailable for seniors.
However, seniors with Army affiliation/veteran can access fitness trainers sponsored by Fitbit through the department of defense.
This partnership offers a premium Fitbit membership to US army veterans who are seniors.
Final Verdict
We hope you found value in this Best Fitness Tracker For Seniors review.
If you are looking for an affordable fitness tracker with incredible health monitoring features, the Fit bit inspires 2 is a good fit.
If you have enough money to spend on a fitness tracker with all the qualities you need, the Apple Watch is a great choice. You only need to charge it frequently.
Overall all the models featured are top-notch and offer unique features.
Just Make sure you understand your priority before making a choice.
Last update on 2023-01-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
