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

Related episodes: 

068 – Interview: Putting Older Adults at the Center of Technology Conversations

010 – Interview: Choosing a Wearable Medical Alert System for Older Adults

Related Resources:

• From Tech-Enhanced Life:
  • Smartwatches as Medical Alerts (this is Richard’s in-depth report; highly recommended by Dr. K!)
  • Medical Alert Systems Guide & Selection Tool
  • About the Longevity Explorers