080 – Interview: Smartwatches as Medical Alert Devices<br> (What to Know & How to Choose)

In This Episode:

Dr. K talks with Richard Caro, PhD, a co-founder of Tech-Enhanced Life, who recently spent a few weeks carefully testing and reviewing four types of smartwatches that can serve as medical alert devices in the event of a fall or other personal health emergency. They discuss:

The Tech-Enhanced Life approach to evaluating innovations and newer technologies
The problem with existing medical alert devices
What key things to consider, when choosing a personal emergency response system (PERS) device and service
Why Richard and Dr. K recommend automatic fall-detection in a medical alert device
Which four smartwatch devices Richard selected for further testing
The difference between the Apple Watch 3 and 4, when it comes to using them as a medical alert
Why most medical alert services charge a monthly fee
How these newer smartwatch devices compare to more traditional PERS devices
The benefits of being able to “practice” summoning help
Richard’s preferred combo of medical alert features that no smartwatch offers (yet)
What to keep in mind if considering a medical alert for someone with dementia