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September 20, 2024

The Role of Wearable Technology in Monitoring Senior Health

With the advancements in healthcare technology over the last two decades, wearable devices have become increasingly popular for monitoring the health and safety of older adults. Wearable tech is crucial for ensuring close health monitoring, promoting independence and autonomy, and improving seniors' health outcomes and quality of life.

 

Wearables provide emergency services, continuous monitoring through GPS tracking, fitness trackers, fall detection sensors, health metrics (or vital signs) monitors, etc., for older adults, providing peace of mind in their daily lives and empowering seniors to live independently.

 

What is Wearable Technology?

Wearable technologies are electronic medical devices designed to be worn on the user's body as clothing, accessories, implants, or tattoos for digital and remote patient monitoring. 

Older adults are more prone to falls and chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, etc. As a result, close, continuous monitoring is needed to provide personalized care, meet seniors' unique health needs, and offer peace of mind to them, their friends and family, and their healthcare providers.

Modern healthcare technology continues to evolve to meet these needs and help seniors manage their health and well-being. Wearable technology is transforming how we manage our health and other aspects of our lives. 

 

Why You Should Consider Wearable Devices As A Senior: The Benefits

According to the NCBI, 17 % of U.S. wearable tech users are between 25 and 34 years old, while only 3.3 % of the senior population use wearable devices. However, this number has been projected to rise from 46 million in 2016 to over 98 million by 2060. 

The low acceptance of wearable devices among seniors is due to several factors, such as the perceived complexity of using these devices, technology anxiety, resistance to change, and lack of motivation.

A better understanding of the impact of wearable technology and how it meets the unique health and safety needs of seniors will change your mind and lead you to the smart health side.

So, what are the potential benefits of this technology, and how do they play a crucial role in addressing the needs of the senior population?

1. Professional Monitoring

Wearables are designed for continuous tracking and monitoring of vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen levels, as well as activity levels, alertness, sleep, etc.

With smart wearable devices, seniors and their caregivers have access to real-time health data, which helps them monitor their health closely throughout the day without having to visit the hospital.

Wearables detect abnormalities in a person's health status and send alerts immediately for interventions in emergencies.

2. Fall Detection

Falls are the most common cause of accidents and injuries among seniors. Wearables can save you from a lifetime of chronic pain, disability, severe injury, costly expenses, and stress caused by falls and the management of their aftermath.

Devices equipped with fall detection technology play a pivotal role in enhancing the safety of seniors at home by preventing falls. Fall detectors are medical alert devices that work with sensors that monitor movement and send an alert to a monitoring center or a family member when an oddity is observed.

A pro tip: Fall detection sensors are most accurate when worn around the neck.

3. Fitness Monitoring

Wearable fitness monitoring devices play a significant role in helping seniors stay on top of their game when it comes to physical fitness and exercise. They may provide motivational reminders, progress made with daily fitness goals, and exercise prompts when seniors have been inactive for too long to help them stay agile and physically fit.

4. Medication Compliance

Due to cognitive health decline, some seniors may forget to take their medications as and when due. Wearable medical devices address this challenge by sending reminders to help seniors take their medicines at the appropriate time and the correct dose, promoting medication compliance and preventing skipping doses and accidental overdose.

5. Personalized Patient Care

Wearable technology offers healthcare professionals the luxury of accessing important health data without making time-consuming in-person appointments. They can also monitor and analyze changes in certain health conditions, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, identify the unique needs of seniors, and formulate personalized, patient-centered care plans as appropriate.

6. Live Location Tracking

Senior care for seniors living with cognitive illnesses like dementia should include the use of GPS tracking devices to help locate seniors if they wander and enhance safety.

Usually, designated areas are pre-set on the device. If movement is noticed outside the designated areas, alerts are sent, and the healthcare personnel or caregiver takes immediate action.

7.  SOS and Emergency Alerts

An emergency alert device is an essential wearable technology for seniors. They can be made in the form of devices worn on the wrist, such as smartwatches and belts. Seniors are taught what to do with the devices in emergencies such as fire outbreaks, sudden power outages, and other alarming situations that may be difficult to handle. 

8. Improved Cognitive Health and Independence

Seniors who use portable technology to provide reminders, navigation, and brain-training exercises can experience improvements in their intellectual health and well-being, which is an essential aspect of health in the realm of senior care. Wearables also provide a good measure of independence for daily functioning.

Are There Any Risks Associated With Using Wearable Technology?

This section discusses three major potential risks associated with the use of wearable devices among seniors. Most people opine that the potential risks outweigh the benefits of these wearables for seniors' health and care.

1. Security and Privacy Issues

Digital health devices have access to sensitive personal and health information. Hacking incidents could lead to a breach of data privacy, such as in sleep patterns, location, activity levels, and general daily activities, exposing seniors to security threats. Third-party access to personal details is also a concern.

2. Data Accuracy

There are risks of unreliable and faulty data with the use of various health tech, which could result from improper placement on the body, declining battery life, weakening sensors, or poor brand development.

False readings can result in false emergency health alarms and a false sense of health, which may contribute to anxiety and even cause death in the case of missed health issues.

3. Exaggerated Sense of Security 

 The use of smart wearables can lead to an exaggerated sense of security, which could make seniors engage in more risky behaviors carelessly, believing that the devices will protect them at all times. Proper education should be ensured to avoid this.

Popular Wearable Tech Devices for Seniors

Below are seven popular and easy-to-use smart devices for improved health management.

  • Smart Watches: Health and fitness tracking, fall detection, voice-activated help features, SOS button, location tracking, caregiver access, calling and messaging, medication reminders, etc.
  • Tango Belt: Discreet wearable airbag features for cushioning a fall, movement, and speed detection.
  • Smart Clothing: Temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure detection, motion sensing, sleep monitoring sensors.
  • Smart Jewelry: Activity and location tracking, Bluetooth, and sensor technology.
  • Body Sensor Clips: These discreet clips monitor activity, provide fitness training or coaching, and are waterproof. They use a Bluetooth sensor for easy application and monitoring.
  • Smart Fitness Socks: These socks have textile circuit boards, an accelerometer, and a Bluetooth ankle sensor, are waterproof, and offer comfortable, real-time audio fitness coaching.
  • Hearing Aids: Hands-free calling and texting, audio reminders, Bluetooth streaming, hearing aid. 

Conclusion: The Future of Wearable Technology

Wearable technology has great potential to revolutionize health care services provided in senior care. Future advancements in wearable device tech aim to address the potential risks associated with use and improve the functioning and efficiency of these devices for overall health and well-being.

Learn how Kendal At Home can integrate these innovative solutions into your personalized aging-in-place plan, helping you maintain your independence and well-being. Contact us today to find out more.

Healthy aging is hard on your own. Kendal at Home can help you age well and enjoy your retirement.

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