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When it comes to old age, retiring to a sedentary lifestyle isn’t your only option. Many senior citizens I met throughout my life actually continue to keep up with an active lifestyle to stay in shape and live a healthy life. So if you’re a senior citizen who wants to do the same, read on to find out the best fitness tracker for seniors this 2021.
Why Do You Need A Fitness Tracker And What Does It Do?
When it comes to fitness trackers, these sorts of devices are usually linked to fitness enthusiasts. And you’re not wrong there. Fitness trackers are quite trendy in the fitness world.
How could it not? It gives you a convenient and instant measurement of your statistics in terms of your steps, distance, heart rate, and so much more.
But fitness trackers don’t only benefit fitness enthusiasts and fans. These wearables can only be used by casual individuals, healthcare workers, and yes, senior citizens as well. In general, fitness trackers can be used by a broad range of people. Anyone who wants to have a more active and healthier lifestyle can use these wearables.
Some more high-tech fitness trackers can also be equipped along with a smartwatch. Giving you further access to your apps and notifications when your phone is not nearby or if your hands are simply preoccupied. Other impressive features can also include sleep monitoring, blood oxygen measurements, and plenty of others more.
When you’re reaching a certain age, sometimes health difficulties can’t be avoided. Whether it be body pains, diseases, or whatever else, having a device to help you monitor your health regularly will be a big help. And fitness trackers do exactly just that.
Some Reminders About Wearables
While fitness trackers do wonders for everyone, it’s best to keep in mind that they’re not always accurate. Though this depends on the model sometimes. Some wearables are sworn to be reliable and accurate by certain reviews and users. But it’s best to keep taking this with a grain of salt and find out for yourself.
Fitness trackers are not miracle products either. At best, fitness trackers are great in monitoring your stats, which can show you signs of certain symptoms of many diseases. This helps a lot when you’re unsure whether it’s time to take a visit to the doctor to get yourself checked.
Some fitness trackers also have built-in SOS functions. So if you get into an accident and are currently wearing your fitness tracker, it will automatically notify your emergency contacts for you and 911 or any nearby hospital.
This particular feature is also great if you live alone and would need assistance or help immediately in case of an unfortunate situation.
Our Top Recommendations
1. Fitbit Charge 4
Overview
Fitbit needs no introduction when it comes to fitness trackers. Every fitness enthusiast out there who loves fitness trackers knows what kind of company Fitbit is.
Ever since their debut in the industry way back in 2009, they have been leading the fitness tracker market and also putting out the best wearables with a fairly affordable price tag you can find anywhere right now.
That’s why the Fitbit Charge 4 is never left out when it comes to listing down the best fitness trackers in the market right now. Its predecessors like the Charge 3 are also pretty solid wearables but of course, we are going to go for the best of the best.
Unlike the Charge 3, the Charge 4 has a built-in GPS which will give you a more accurate measurement of your steps, distance, and pace whenever you go out with this fitness tracker for a walk. What’s more, you also get to see your heart rates and changes throughout the routes you have taken.
Other features also include other health monitoring sensors such as 24/7 heart rate monitoring, the newly added Active Zone Minutes (which will notify you through a buzz when you reach your target heart rate zones during exercises), activity tracking, sleep tracking, skin temperature measurement, and SpO2 readings.
The pretty simple user interface on the wearable screen is also quite easy to understand. So senior citizens that are not too inclined with technology will be able to use this without too much of a hassle.
The only downside I can see with the Charge 4 is that the screen can be a little dim under harsh lights or direct sunlight.
If you’d like to know more about the Fitbit Charge 4, check out our dedicated review here.
Features & Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 9.72 x 1.13 x 0.49 inches, 1.06 ounces.
- Manufacturer / Brand: Fitbit.
- Batteries Used: 1 Lithium Polymer battery.
- Battery Life: Lasts up to 7 days and up to 5 hours
- Wireless Communication: Bluetooth.
- Compatibility: Android and iOS.
- Interface Output: Touchscreen.
- Waterproof: Yes.
- Heart Monitoring: Yes, 24/7 monitoring.
- Sleep Tracking: Yes.
- Colors: Black, Rosewood, Granite, Blue, and etc.
- Extra Features: Active Zone Minutes, SpO2 sensor, built-in GPS, Fitbit Pay, Spotify playlist controls.
Pros
- Multiple health monitoring sensors that can be beneficial for senior citizens.
- Waterproof design.
- Impressive 7-day battery life.
- Sleek and slim aesthetic.
- It doesn’t feel chunky on the wrist.
- Fitbit Pay allows for contactless payments.
- You can control your Spotify playlist from the convenience of your wrist.
- Fairly affordable.
Cons
- The screen gets a bit dim under harsh lights such as direct sunlight. It can be improved to a brighter one.
Rating: 9.5 out of 10.
Where Can I Buy The Fitbit Charge 4?
2. Fitbit Luxe Fitness and Wellness Tracker
Overview
Now if you’re someone who wants a fitness tracker that doesn’t look like the usual fitness tracker around your wrist, the Fitbit Luxe Fitness & Wellness Tracker is the one for you.
Essentially, you will be getting the same benefits and impressive health and activity monitoring features from the standard Fitbit wearable. Though the design is much more fashion-forward. It has a more luxurious feel akin to an expensive wristwatch.
But you can also have the option to switch out the stainless steel bands to a rubber band if you wish to.
Personally, I love how the stainless steel looks. It looks a lot more like a fashion accessory or a piece of jewelry rather than your usual fitness wearable. This is great for people with a certain sense of style and care for their looks when they’re out and about.
The Difference Between The Fitbit Luxe and the Charge 4
As I have already mentioned, you’re still getting the same features Fitbit activity trackers are pretty much known for. These include 24/7 heart rate monitoring, more than 20 workout modes for your exercise routines, the same waterproof design, sleep monitoring, step counting, smartphone notifications, and so on.
However, I find that the slimmer design of the Fitbit Luxe is a lot more comfortable to sleep in and wear throughout the day. Don’t get me wrong though, I never had any complaints when it comes to wearing any Fitbit wearables but I do like how the Luxe feels around my wrist.
In addition, the Fitbit Luxe sports an AMOLED color display which makes it a lot easier for senior citizens to read their statistics even in broad daylight.
Though I would like to point out that this particular model doesn’t come in with a built-in GPS, altimeter, and mobile payment support which the Charge 4 has. All in all, the Luxe fits better with senior citizens who prioritize wellness with activity tracking coming in a close second.
Check out our dedicated review of the Fitbit Luxe here.
Features & Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 1.43 x 0.69 x 0.4 inches (LxWxH)
- Product Weight: 0.92 Ounces
- Manufacturer / Brand: Fitbit
- Batteries Used: 1 Lithium ion batteries required.
- Battery Life: Up to 5 days in a single charge.
- Wireless Communication: Bluetooth.
- Compatibility: iOS and Android.
- Interface Output: Touchscreen.
- Waterproof: Yes.
- Heart Monitoring: Yes, 24/7 heart rate monitoring.
- Sleep Tracking: Yes.
- Colors: Black/Graphite, Lunar White/Soft Gold Stainless Steel, and Orchid/Platinum Stainless Steel.
- Extra Features: Smartphone notifications, Sleep tracking and sleep score, AMOLED display, and stress management tools.
Pros
- Fashion-forward and luxurious aesthetic.
- Slimmer design is great for senior citizens with smaller wrists.
- Interchangeable bands.
- Impressive 5-day battery life.
- Brighter AMOLED display.
- Lightweight.
- You’re basically getting the same benefits of other Fitbit wearables on a prettier model.
Cons
- The screen can be a little small for seniors with poorer vision.
- The buttonless navigation on the model can be a little confusing to use.
- No music control support or mobile payment support.
- No built-in GPS.
Rating: 9 out of 10.
Where Can I Buy The Fitbit Luxe Fitness And Wellness Tracker?
3. Fitbit Versa 3 Health and Fitness Smartwatch
Overview
I swear this article isn’t sponsored by Fitbit or anything but the Fitbit Versa 3 deserved a spot on this list mainly because it is a more affordable alternative to the Apple Watch Series 6. While the Versa 3 doesn’t have the same polished ecosystem like Apple’s iOS, I assure you that this model works just as well on its own.
Unlike the Apple Watch, the Versa 3 works more as a fitness tracker with fantastic smartwatch capabilities rather than the opposite.
This latest iteration of the Versa lineup includes built-in GPS and Amazon Alexa, Active Zone Minutes, music control support, and more than 6 days of battery life on a single charge.
If you love to stay active and someone who just wants to keep moving, this is perfect for you as the integrated GPS into this model provides you with accurate data and metrics regarding your real-time pace and distance.
In addition, Fitbit’s newest and enhanced heart monitoring technology, the PurePulse 2.0 will allow better heart rate tracking for you.
Aside from that, you can check your nightly blood oxygen levels right at your wrist with Fitbit’s collection of SpO2 clock faces while the skin temperature sensors can measure your body temperature conveniently.
The Fitbit app is also there for you to track your trends over time in the Health Metrics dashboard to see when there may be indications of significant changes in your wellness. This will help a lot in informing you regarding your health and habits that you follow.
Google Assistant and Alexa are also helpful so you can stay updated with the news, the weather, and everything else that might be important for you. Plus, the built-in speaker and microphone allow you to have hands-free calls, send your callers to voicemail, or adjust the call’s volume.
Features & Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 1.59 x 1.59 x 0.49 inches
- Product Weight: 0.71 Ounces
- Manufacturer / Brand: Fitbit
- Batteries Used: 1 D batteries.
- Battery Life: Up to more than 6 days of battery life on a single charge depending on usage.
- Wireless Communication: Bluetooth
- Compatibility: iOS and Android.
- Interface Output: Touchscreen display.
- Waterproof: Yes.
- Heart Monitoring: Yes, 24/7 heart rate monitoring.
- Sleep Tracking: Yes.
- Colors: Black/Black Aluminum, Midnight/Soft Gold Aluminum, Pink Clay/ Soft Gold Aluminum, Thistle/Soft Gold Aluminum, and Olive/Soft Gold Aluminum
- Extra Features: Weather, Sleep Monitor, Reminders, Voice Assistant, Alexa, Phone, GPS, and Heart Rate Monitoring
Pros
- Impressive smartwatch features.
- More than 6 days of battery life.
- A great alternative to the Apple Series Watch.
- Built-in GPS, Google Assitance and Amazon Alexa.
- Microphone and speaker inclusion for hands-free calls and text dictation.
- Bright and always-on AMOLED display.
- Music control support for Spotify.
- SpO2 readings and better heart rate monitoring with the PurePulse 2.0.
Cons
- Heavily relies on your smartphone being nearby.
- Only allows you to make quick replies if your smartwatch is an Android phone.
Rating: 9.5 out of 10.
Where Can I Buy The Fitbit Versa 3?
4. Apple Watch Series 6
Overview
Now if you have the money to splurge and want a fool-proof product that does it all for you, I would highly suggest setting your eyes on the Apple Watch Series 6. This beast of a smartwatch isn’t the most highly-rated wearable in the market for no reason.
Topping almost every reviewer’s best smartwatches list, the Apple Watch Series 6 is equipped with a plethora of impressive features that will make sure on top of your fitness and wellness.
Despite being a smartwatch first and not a dedicated fitness tracker like the other wearables on this article, the Apple Watch Series 6 is undoubtedly at par with the likes of Fitbit, Garmin, and other fitness-dedicated companies.
What’s great about the Apple smartwatch is that it does a whole lot more for you.
It doesn’t only keep track of your health metrics, daily activities, and keep you moving, but it also has other functions such as getting smartphone notifications, access to the App store, one of the best AMOLED displays I have seen on a wearable, pretty accurate SpO2 readings and an FDA-approved ECG app to check your heart rhythm.
However, because it has so many functions and features that most people use every day, its battery life isn’t as impressive as Fitbit’s lineup. The Apple Watch Series 6 would have to be charged daily.
Check Out Our Dedicated Review Of The Apple Watch Series 6 Here.
Features & Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 1.57 x 1.34 x 0.42 inches
- Product Weight: 1.08 ounces.
- Screen Size: 40 mm and 44mm
- Manufacturer / Brand: Apple
- Batteries Used: 1 Lithium Polymer battery.
- Battery Life: Up to 18 hours of battery life.
- Wireless Communication / Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, GPS.
- Compatibility: iOS.
- Interface Output: Touchscreen display.
- Waterproof: Yes.
- Heart Monitoring: Yes.
- Sleep Tracking: Yes.
- Colors: Interchangeable bands with multiple colors to choose from.
- Extra Features: Fitness Tracker, Built-In GPS, Cellular Data, Sleep Monitor, Voice Assistant, Elevation Tracker, Heart Rate Monitor, FDA-approved ECG app, SpO2 Sensor App, Fall Detection, and Always-on Retina display.
Pros
- You can connect to Wi-Fi.
- You get an all-in-one model that has both functions of an activity tracker and a smartwatch.
- Supports voice assistance.
- Allows you to have access to the app store.
- Equipped with fall detection, an FDA-approved ECG app, and a SpO2 Sensor app.
- Waterproof design.
- Interchangeable bands with plenty of colors to choose from to fit your every mood or taste.
- Overall one of the best smartwatch/fitness tracker hybrid in the market.
Cons
- A lot more expensive than the regular fitness trackers.
- Battery life lasts for less than a day.
Rating: 9 out of 10.
Where Can I Buy The Apple Watch Series 6?
5. Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2
Overview
Another big player trying to test the waters in the fitness tracker game is Samsung. Their Galaxy Watch Active 2 is their own iteration of dedicated fitness trackers unlike their hybrid smartwatch, the Galaxy Watch.
Personally, the Active 2 can still function as a smartwatch but definitely has a few upgrades and added perks that make it a much better fitness tracker than its relative, the Galaxy Watch.
While I find the latter a lot more superior in terms of overall performance, the Active 2 just has generally better fitness tracking functions and is much easier to understand for senior citizens. It’s more straightforward and the design is a lot cleaner too.
The Active 2 checks all the boxes when it comes to the basic fitness tracking features too and more. Such functions are built-in GPS, integrated pace coaching, automatic alerts if your watch detects an irregular heart rate, sleep tracking, as well as receiving smartphone notifications at a glance of your wrist.
Overall, the Galaxy Active 2 is preferable if you lean towards an active lifestyle wherein you run, jog, or take walks regularly. My only qualm is that it comes in for a steeper price than most fitness trackers on this list.
Features & Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 1.73 x 1.73 x 0.43 inches
- Product Weight: 4.8 ounces.
- Manufacturer / Brand: Samsung
- Batteries Used: 1 Lithium-ion battery.
- Battery Life: Lasts up to 5 days on a single charge, depending on usage.
- Wireless Communication: Bluetooth.
- Compatibility: Android and iOS.
- Interface Output: Touchscreen and a rotating bezel.
- Waterproof: Yes.
- Heart Monitoring: Yes.
- Sleep Tracking: Yes.
- Colors: Silver, Black, Gold, Pink Gold, and Rose Gold.
- Extra Features: Sleep Monitor, Phone, GPS, Heart Rate Monitor.
Pros
- Suitable for senior citizens who live an active lifestyle, or are runners or athletes.
- Sleek and minimalist design is comfortable around the wrist.
- Roatating bezel makes for easier navigation.
- Fairly impressive battery life.
Cons
- Too pricey for the little upgrades and perks you’re getting.
Rating: 8.5 out of 10.
Where Can I Buy The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2?
6. Garmin Lily
Overview
Like the Fitbit Luxe, the Garmin Lily is another fashion-forward fitness tracking wearable. It’s ideal for smaller wrists and for those who love the idea of having an expensive-looking watch wrapped around your wrist. Who says you can’t look good while keeping yourself healthy, right?
Despite looking more like a piece of jewelry for women, the Garmin Lily is not to be underestimated. It ticks all the boxes when it comes to functioning as a fitness tracker.
The Lily can easily track blood oxygen levels, has sleep and heart rate monitoring, step counting, and provides your metrics such as calories burned, pace and distance, workouts, and so much more.
If that’s not enough, the Lily also comes in with a few smartwatch features like receiving notifications you’re smartphone is also getting in real-time, music playback controls, and other various widgets you can tinker around with on the watch.
Overall, the Garmin Lily is your go-to fitness tracker encased in a beautiful and attractive design. Plus, it’s not as expensive as the Fitbit Luxe. It’s an excellent choice if you want a more fitness-focused lifestyle while having a pretty wearable around your wrist.
Features & Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 1.38 x 1.38 x 0.39 inches
- Product Weight: 0.847 ounces
- Manufacturer / Brand: Garmin
- Batteries Used: 1 Lithium Polymer batteries.
- Battery Life: Lasts up to 5 days depending on usage.
- Wireless Communication: 802.11g
- Compatibility: Android and iOS.
- Interface Output: Touchscreen.
- Waterproof: No.
- Heart Monitoring: Yes.
- Sleep Tracking: Yes.
- Colors: Dark bronze, dark purple, light gold and white, light gold and black, rose gold and light tan.
- Extra Features: Pulse Ox Sensor; Mindful Breathing; Advanced Sleep Monitoring; Smart Notifications; Safety And Tracking Features; Calendar View, Body Battery Energy Monitoring; Wrist-Based Heart Rate; Stress Tracking; Hydration Tracking; Respiration Tracking; Sync with Garmin Connect.
Pros
- Attractive and stylish design.
- Impressive fitness tracking and smartwatch features for a much lesser price compared to other fitness trackers in the market.
- Impressive 5-day battery life.
- Lightweight and comfortable around the wrist.
Cons
- No built-in GPS.
- No color display.
Rating: 9 out of 10.
Where Can I Buy The Garmin Lily?
7. Samsung Galaxy Watch 3
Overview
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 is another smartwatch hybrid worth considering in our list of the best fitness trackers for seniors this 2021.
Personally, the Galaxy Watch’s take on the traditional wristwatch design is something I really like and is actually one of my favorite designs on a smartwatch.
The overall appearance is classy and attractive without it looking like a piece of technology around your wrist. The subtle design just makes it look like a high-end wristwatch due to its stainless steel case and stylized bezel.
Apart from appealing aesthetics, you also get two size variants of the Galaxy Watch. A 41mm and a 45mm. I highly suggest getting the smaller variant as I find the 45mm option a little too big and chunky around the wrist even for people with thicker wrists. This wearable also comes in three different colors and two different finishes.
While the Galaxy Watch rivals Apple in almost everything, I was fairly impressed to find out that they stepped up their battery life with this particular model. Instead of getting less than 24 hours, you’re actually getting 3-5 days of use with the Galaxy Watch.
As for performance, you’ll be getting Samsung’s core apps in the Galaxy Watch and this model is a lot more fitness-focused than other smartwatch hybrids in the market.
Check Out Our Dedicated Review Of The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 Here.
Features & Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 1.73 x 1.73 x 0.43 inches
- Product Weight: 4.8 ounces.
- Manufacturer / Brand: Samsung.
- Batteries Used: 1 Lithium-ion battery, 340mAh (60H).
- Battery Life: Lasts up to 3-5 days depending on usage and the size variant chosen.
- Wireless Communication and Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi. GPS, and NFC.
- Compatibility: Android and iOS.
- Interface Output: Touchscreen and a rotating bezel.
- Waterproof: Yes.
- Heart Monitoring: Yes.
- Sleep Tracking: Yes.
- Colors: Black, Gold, Silver, Titanium.
- Extra Features: Bixby, Sleep Monitor, Phone, GPS, Heart Rate Monitor, SpO2 Sensors, Samsung Health.
Pros
- Overall impressive fitness and health tracking.
- Attractive and stylish design.
- Great battery life.
- Rotating bezels make navigating through the smartwatch a lot more convenient and easier.
Cons
- Lacks critical third-party applications.
- Samsung’s AI, Bixby, is not as functional compared to other AI technologies.
Rating: 9 out of 10.
Where Can I Buy The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3?
Before You Buy
Now that we have covered our top recommendations of the best fitness trackers for senior citizens, let’s dive into a few things you need to consider to make an informed purchase.
When it comes to senior citizens, health always comes first. As you already know, health complications usually come around once we reach old age. Some stay healthy, while some start to feel the effects of aging. So a fitness tracker that prioritizes its users’ health is something to look for. Read on to find out more in detail.
Your Health Goals
Ultimately, the main reason you’re getting a fitness tracker is to stay healthy. That’s why I highly suggest keeping in mind your health goals as a priority before making any purchases. The best fitness tracker for you is one that you will be able to use efficiently and maximize its features to their fullest potential.
It would be a waste of money to get a fitness tracker that has features that would not be used or are not for you.
Battery Life
The last thing you would want in a fitness tracker is having to constantly charge it just so it won’t die on you in the middle of the day. This is especially important for senior citizens when their memory is not as good as when they were young. Sometimes you can be forgetful or just busy and not charge your wearable during certain times.
So a fitness tracker that lasts for several days is a good option and something you need to look out for.
Uncomplicated User Interface
Much like the design, it’s best to choose a fitness tracker that doesn’t have a complicated user interface. Technology and figuring a device like wearables can be tricky if you’re not a techy person in the first place. Senior citizens, especially, would end up getting confused or overwhelmed.
So to avoid such situations, picking a wearable that has a simpler user interface and is beginner-friendly is highly recommended.
Screen Brightness & Readability
While there are multiple ways out there for senior citizens to stay in shape and keep themselves healthy, sometimes, things like poor vision can’t be helped. That’s why choosing a fitness tracker that has enough brightness and great readability even under direct sunlight or any harsh light will be good for you.
Not to mention, it would just be a lot more convenient on your part to be able to read your fitness tracker’s screen without having to constantly look for shade or cover the screen with your hand when you’re in broad daylight.
Conclusion
All in all, a fitness tracker is a great device that can really help you out in staying active. Of course, you will have to put in the work too for these devices to actually make sense.
As we grow older, we put a lot more importance on keeping ourselves healthy. But why should we have to wait and only put in the effort when complications are starting to come up? Personally, making sure our health is in tiptop shape is much better the earlier we start out. Prevention is better than cure, right?
But for the people who are already our seniors, it’s never too late. And a fitness tracker is a pretty beneficial investment that can help you gradually improve your health or reach fitness goals by making small adjustments to your lifestyle each and every day.
Already own a fitness tracker? Did your favorite make it to our list? Let me know in the comments section below your insights and experiences. I would love to hear your thoughts and discuss them!
Recommended reading for you:
The Best Fitness Trackers With GPS For 2021
The Best Smartwatch For Nurses 2021: Stay Healthy With These Wearables
Your Quick Guide To Buying Fitness Trackers With GPS 2021
How To Buy The Best Activity Fitness Trackers 2021: Shopping For The Right One
Fitbit Versa 3 Review: The Best Smartwatch From Fitbit Yet
Fitbit Luxe Activity Tracker Review: The Most Fashionable Fitness Wearable
The Garmin Vivosmart HR+ Review: The Best Wearable For You?
The Fitbit Charge 4 Review: Your New Bestfriend To A Healthier Lifestyle
The Apple Watch Series 6 Review: Is It The Best Choice For You?
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 Review: Is It The Best Android Smartwatch?
