that even works if you don\u2019t have a Wi-Fi or a cellular connection. The app will show your direction, elevation, incline, latitude and longitude. Unfortunately, this feature is not available with the Apple Watch Series 4.<\/span><\/p>\nApple Watch Series<\/b> 5 vs. Series 6<\/b><\/h2>\n
Apple began dipping its toe into health and wellness monitoring in the Apple Watch Series 4. The Series 5 launch kept the electrical heart sensor and optical heart sensor while improving the irregular heart rhythm notification system. The Series 5 also improved upon fall detection technology and emergency alerts. However, the improvements that came when the Series 6 launched were very impressive.<\/span><\/p>\nThe Series 6 features the third-generation optical heart sensor which only improves readings for the user. It also allows for the ECG function and blood oxygen readings, which the Series 5 does not. The fall detection algorithm is also more advanced and optimized in the Series 6 than in the Series 5. In general, the Series 6 is a much more innovative piece of technology than the Series 5 when it comes to health monitoring and fall detection.<\/span><\/p>\nApple Watch Series<\/b> 6 vs. Series 7<\/b><\/h2>\n
While the Series 6 and Series 7 came out just one year apart from one another, there are some serious improvements that accompany the newer model. First, the display is much larger on the Series 7 than the Series 6. This is a big improvement and makes texting, tapping, and reading the display much easier for Series 7 users. For older adults specifically, this change in the display size can accommodate low vision challenges as well as fine motor obstacles that were apparent while using the Series 6.<\/span><\/p>\nBoth the Series 6 and 7 are water resistant and durable, though the Series 7 does boast dustproof and crack-resistance making it more durable during daily use.<\/span><\/p>\nSimilarly, both the Series 6 and 7 offer health monitoring applications ranging from ECG and blood oxygen levels to notifying the user if there are any irregular heart rhythms.<\/span><\/p>\nApple Watch Series<\/b> 7 vs. Series 8<\/b><\/h2>\n
While it can sometimes be difficult to compare newer versions of the Apple Watch, there are some wonderful additions to what the Series 8 offers that can make it a much more friendly option for active seniors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nFor example, while the Series 8 has the fall detection and SOS features that the Series 7 does, a new safety feature is crash detection. Using its microphone, GPS, and barometer, the Series 8 can detect if the user is in a potential car crash. If it is detected, it will automatically connect the user to emergency services, provide your location to dispatchers, and even notify emergency contacts. For older adults who drive, this is an added layer of peace of mind that we love.<\/span><\/p>\nWhen it comes to health and wellness, we like that the Series 8 continues to offer blood oxygen level monitoring and ECG monitoring as the Series 8. But we also like the addition of the medications app push notifications to the device as well as how it coordinates with the Health app. The Health app not only gives users the chance to store their health information, it also helps the user understand what their individualized readings mean to them and their wellness goals.<\/span><\/p>\nThe Apple Watch, as long as it is Series 4 or newer, offers a real alternative to medical alert devices. Consider which ones might be best for your current needs and budget.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nApple Watch Series<\/b> 8 vs. Series 9<\/b><\/h2>\n
The latest Apple Watch has a new S9 SiP chip that can process machine learning tasks up to two times faster than before. This allowed Apple to release a new “gesture” called Double Tap. Double Tap allows you to do things like answer a phone call and pause music by double tapping your index finger and thumb together. It also has twice the screen brightness than the Series 8 so it will be easier to read.<\/span><\/p>\nSiri requests and commands are faster and up to 25% more accurate too so you can have a better hands-free experience with this version. You can use your Apple Watch 9 to securely ask about or update your weight or find out how well you slept the night before. You can also get more precise location of your misplaced iPhone if you can’t find it. If you happen to have a HomePod, the Apple Watch Series 9 gives you more control through a new integration feature.<\/span><\/p>\nSome of these features may be helpful to you but may not warrant the cost of a new Apple Watch. If you already have one or can get a good deal on a previous version, that may be the better\u00a0choice.<\/span><\/p>\nApple Watch Fall Technology Pros and Cons\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n
As with any feature or technology, there are benefits and drawbacks to Apple\u2019s fall detection technology. For some people, especially seniors on a fixed income, the Apple Watch might simply be too expensive. The cost of the watch can be prohibitive, as well as any monthly costs to keep the watch connected to WiFi. In addition, the user needs an iPhone in order to set up the Apple Watch, which is an additional cost.<\/span><\/p>\nAnother drawback is the learning curve. Someone who is not comfortable with new technology might not trust the fall detection technology, or might not feel ready to navigate the prompts if a fall is detected. In this case, the watch becomes more of a source of stress than peace of mind.<\/span><\/p>\nFinally, the Apple Watch is not a full replacement for a medical alert alarm monitoring device. While it does offer fall detection technology and the ability to call for help if needed, there is not a 24\/7 monitoring center or other hallmarks of other medical alert systems.<\/span><\/p>\nHowever, there are plenty of benefits to using Apple Watch, especially if the user doesn\u2019t need the 24\/7 access to a monitoring center and is comfortable with technology. The watch can tell emergency contacts and first responders where the user’s location is thanks to GPS technology, it offers voice activated options thanks to Siri, and it doesn\u2019t look like a typical medical alert device. Read the latest Apple watch reviews to see which Series would be the right fit for you.<\/span><\/p>\nAre Apple Watches with Fall Detection Covered by Insurance?<\/b><\/h2>\n
While the Apple Watch is not covered by Medicare or Medicaid, you still might be able to offset the cost of the device through your private pay insurance plan. Some insurance plans use the Apple Watch as an incentive, allowing the user to log healthy behaviors or habits in order to gain a discount code for using the watch and sharing data with the insurer.<\/span><\/p>\nCheck with your insurance plan to see if that option exists.<\/span><\/p>\nAre There Other Smartwatches That Have Fall Detection?\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n
Yes, besides Apple Watches, several other smartwatches and fitness trackers from various manufacturers also incorporate fall detection features. Several Android smartwatches and fitness trackers from different manufacturers have incorporated fall detection features. Some notable examples include:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Samsung Galaxy Watch:<\/strong> Samsung’s Galaxy Watch series includes fall detection capabilities. Similar to Apple’s approach, it can detect a sudden fall and send an alert with options for the user to call for help or dismiss the alert if it was a false detection.<\/li>\n
- Fitbit (Wrist Worn):<\/strong> Certain Fitbit models worn on your wrist, such as the Fitbit Sense, also offer fall detection. Although Fitbit is not a watch, it is a device that can detect potential falls based on motion patterns and provide the user with the option to send an emergency notification.<\/li>\n
- Garmin Smartwatches:<\/strong> Garmin, known for its GPS location enabled fitness devices, includes incident detection features in some of its smartwatches. This feature not only detects falls but also other incidents like cycling accidents, triggering an automated assistance request.<\/li>\n
- Huawei Watch GT:<\/strong> Huawei’s Watch GT series includes fall detection capabilities as part of its health and safety features. When a fall is detected, the watch prompts the user to confirm their well-being or automatically initiates an emergency call.<\/li>\n
- Amazfit Smartwatches:<\/strong> Amazfit, a brand associated with fitness wearables, includes fall detection in some of its smartwatches. These devices can identify sudden falls and send alerts to designated contacts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
It’s important to note that the availability of fall detection features can vary between different models and may be dependent on the specific version of the device’s firmware or software. As technology continues to advance, more smartwatches and fitness trackers may incorporate fall detection as a standard feature to enhance user safety.<\/span><\/p>\nApple Watch FAQs<\/b><\/h2>\n
Is Apple fall detection reliable?<\/strong><\/p>\nIt\u2019s important to note that Apple fall detection, like others, cannot guarantee to detect all falls. In general, the technology available detects hard falls or quick changes in position of the body. This is better than nothing and certainly can be crucial during a hard fall, seizure, stroke, or other event. It also aids to call emergency services to get help as soon as possible.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThe user can always call 9-1-1 if they need assistance from an event that wasn\u2019t tracked.<\/span><\/p>\nIs the Apple Watch for elderly people?<\/strong><\/p>\nThe Apple Watch was designed for anyone of any age. However, Apple did try to consider the needs of the Boomer generation when developing its health and wellness tools, including fall detection. If you or your older loved one is comfortable with technology and iOS based devices like iPhones and iPads, an Apple Watch can be a great way to get that peace of mind without needing to invest in a medical alert pendant.<\/span><\/p>\nIs Apple Watch fall detection available for all series?<\/strong><\/p>\niWatch fall detection technology became available with the Apple Watch Series 4. It has been included in all series after that.<\/span><\/p>\nAre Apple Watch safety features easy to use?<\/strong><\/p>\nYes! You can access Apple Watch safety features, like fall detection and Medical ID, right from your iPhone or iPad.<\/span><\/p>\nDoes Apple Watch 3 have fall detection?<\/strong><\/p>\nNo. Apple Watch Series 3 fall detection is unavailable. However, the user can use the SOS Emergency call to contact <\/span>emergency services automatically if needed. Be sure to review the product features before purchasing an Apple Watch.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nDo I need to be a current Apple customer?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nNo. You do not need to be a current user of a Mac book, Airpod or iPhone in order to buy an Apple Watch. It is a standalone product.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nDo Apple Watches have other senior friendly apps?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nYes. Depending on the model, some will have ECG and heart rate monitoring, GPS location tracking, medication reminder apps, workout apps, messaging apps, voice dictation, mindful and breathing apps and much more!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nWill my Apple Watch call 911 if my heart stops?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nCurrently, Apple Watches including some models equipped with cellular capabilities and the Emergency SOS feature, do not have a built-in capability to automatically call emergency services specifically in the event of a detected cardiac event or if your heart stops.<\/span><\/p>\nExplore our extensive medical alert fall detection product and service reviews for your options when it comes to medical alert device coverage.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"As technology advances, seniors have access to more and more options when it comes to monitoring their health, safety, and wellbeing. The latest tech news was first introduced with the Apple Watch Series 4 and continues with the Series 5, Series 6, Series 7, Series 8 and now the Series 9 which was released in […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":7952,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"no","footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[298,301,481,482,384,475,300,299,302],"acf":[],"modified_by":"ArticlesTips","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.medicalalertadvice.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3554"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.medicalalertadvice.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.medicalalertadvice.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.medicalalertadvice.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.medicalalertadvice.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3554"}],"version-history":[{"count":62,"href":"https:\/\/www.medicalalertadvice.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3554\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7965,"href":"https:\/\/www.medicalalertadvice.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3554\/revisions\/7965"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.medicalalertadvice.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7952"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.medicalalertadvice.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3554"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.medicalalertadvice.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3554"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.medicalalertadvice.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3554"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}