edited by Alex on Jan 12, 2024
In this guide, you will discover the best smartwatch with fall detection alerts for seniors in 2024 and other great health benefits.
This year in May, the CDC reported that at least 32,000 falls recorded in older adults annually result in fatalities. We all want the best health for our seniors, but at the same time, we can’t be with them 24/7.
If you’re mindful of the safety of your elderly seniors, you could get a health smartwatch with a fall detection alert system. It alerts you when they are in an emergency, like a fall.
This guide introduces you to the best smartwatches certified for fall detection, ECG, and other health features.
But first of: what is fall detection, and why does it matter?
What is Fall Detection?
Fall detection gadgets are part of health monitoring or assistive technologies that help remotely track the safety and well-being of patients and seniors. It’s designed to send an emergency alert when a crash or fall is detected.
‘…my watch’s fall detection saved my life!” As a seasoned smartwatch reviewer, this is a statement I have come across countless times when gathering user feedback.
But how does it save your life?
Also read:
How Does Fall Detection Work?
One of your smartwatch’s advanced sensors (accelerometer) recognizes a sudden body displacement coupled with changes in blood pressure readings. Complex programs in your smartwatch detect this as a geriatric fall and send an alert to another phone or emergency contact.
The two main sensors are a nano gyroscope and an accelerometer — these track the body movement and speed and compare them to fall profiles prerecorded on the watch.
Sounds interesting, right? But there is one common pitfall you must avoid!
Some fall-detection smartwatches require you to press an emergency button, which may not be suitable for dementia patients or unconscious cases. Selecting the best smartwatch with an automatic fall detection alert is tricky, but our well-researched list has made it easy.
Next up: best smartwatch with fall detection alerts for seniors.
Which is the Best Smartwatch with Fall Detection Alerts for Seniors?
We’ve compared user experience — how easy it is to set up and use the fall detection feature, the accuracy, alerting system, and feedback to recommend only the best and most reliable smartwatches.
1. Apple Watch Series 8 LTE — Best Overall
Some of these smartwatches combine both GPS accuracy and cellular (LTE) functions — these features add to their functionality.
Here’s a look at their specs:
1. Apple Watch Series 8 LTE
I couldn’t imagine a better watch for seniors than the Apple Watch Series 8 with LTE functions. Compared with all the other smartwatches with fall detection, the Apple Watch Series 8 outshines every model with its intuitive design.
It has a customer-centric appeal — the watch is designed with every person in mind, and for seniors, it’s the perfect health smartwatch due to its user-friendly interface.
The fall detection and alert feature is accurate and precise, which matters most. Not only can it differentiate between a fake fall and a real one, but it has a countdown that lets you cancel the fall before sending an emergency alert.
You also get to enjoy other health benefits with the series 8.
Other Health Benefits Of The Apple Watch Series 8 LTE
- Fall & crash detection
- Tracks heart rate, blood oxygen, & temperature
- Has ECG & heart rate tracking
- Apple fitness app
Downsides of the Apple Watch 8 Series LTE
- Battery lasts only a day
- Compatibility is limited to iOS
Our Verdict:
So far, we’ve only gathered positive feedback about the Apple Watch Series 8 LTE fall detection feature, and this isn’t even the best part.
Most people who bought this watch as a fall detection smartwatch ended up using it for several other tasks, including monitoring blood oxygen, ECG, and heart rate tracking. And what’s more, it’s super lightweight, easy to use, and waterproof, which means safety in the bathroom.
2. Apple Watch Series 7 LTE
Consistency is a big part of Apple’s design philosophy, and the Apple Watch Series 7 topples numerous smartwatches with safety features such as fall detection and health monitoring.
Apple’s older watch versions are convenient if you’d rather use Apple’s fall detection without the Series 8. And what better choice than the Apple Watch Series 7 with cellular features?
The fall detection works just as in Series 8 — it accurately detects a real fall and a false signal, connects to cellular networks independently, and sends an emergency alert.
But what really makes Apple watches stand out is the accuracy and reliability, which in many cases can mean the difference between life and death.
Here’s what the health features look like in the Apple Watch 7 Series:
Other Health Benefits of the Apple Watch Series 7 LTE
- Fall detection with emergency alert
- Blood monitoring, oxygen levels & temperature
- Heart rate & ECG
Downsides of the Apple Watch 7 Series LT
- Compatibility is limited to iOS
Our Verdict:
The Apple Watch Series 7 fall detection is just as accurate and reliable as in the Series 8 discussed previously. Both these watches have the same ratings on Amazon — thus, they are almost incomparable.
Besides the ECG and heart monitoring features in this Series 7, this watch can help track bedtime and sleep patterns with the mindfulness app. The other thing I like about the Series 7 is the large Retina display, which makes reading and use effortless.
3. Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 LTE
I never heard about a BAI sensor until I came across the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 LTE fitted with advanced body sensors. A BAI sensor coupled with fall detection offers excellent health tracking.
So, what is a BAI sensor?
The BAI advanced sensor tracks critical physiological functions in the body, such as skeletal muscle, body fat, water, and body mass, ensuring optimum health.
It’s a cellular or LTE smartwatch with great health features:
Other Health Benefits of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 LTE
- Advanced health monitoring — heart, blood & temp
- ECG reading
- Sleep tracking feature
- BAI sensor for advanced body physiology tracking
Downsides of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 LTE
- Less intuitive design
Our Verdict:
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 LTE is a brilliant, lightweight, durable, and waterproof smartwatch. Due to its cellular functions, we recommend it for fall detection and emergency alerts.
But as far as ergonomics is concerned, the fall detection function may be complicated. The user feedback we obtained shows that the fall detection will only work best if synced with the correct user mode.
4. Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE Smartwatch
The Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE, fall/crash detection, works in two ways:
When activated, it automatically detects a fall or crash. It sends an alert or starts a call to an emergency contact with the exact location after a 10-second countdown. The LTE and GPS allow precise mapping and alerting without any linked phone.
You can send an alert directly by pressing the emergency button or using the quick reply function. This feature is particularly useful if you are stuck in a remote place and need help.
It’s designed as a fitness smartwatch, but it also has impressive health features:
Other Health Benefits of the Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE
- Safety feature
- Heart rate monitoring
- Stress & sleep tracking
Downsides of the Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE
- The LTE feature requires a premium subscription
- Less user-friendly
Our Verdict:
The Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE isn’t designed as a health smartwatch, but it’s a great fitness or running watch with a robust fall/crash detection system.
We recommend the Forerunner 945 for adventurous people who like outdoor adventure and fitness enthusiasts. Overall, it’s a modern and stylish smartwatch suitable for every adult.
5. AngelSense Assistive Technology Watch
This revolutionary AngelSense Assistive Technology watch has really saved the day!
Most of the smartwatches in this list are priced above $ 200, but this AngelSense Watch retails below $ 100 and has even better health features. First, you’ll appreciate it’s an LTE smartwatch with an eSim feature that allows standalone calls or texting.
But the real fun lies in its assistive technology with intelligent alerts. It’s purposely built for special needs people, such as dementia or autistic kids, which makes it stand out as a health/safety smartwatch.
The array of health and well-being features in this AngelSense is unparalleled:
Other Health Benefits of the AngelSense Watch
- Smart, accurate fall detection & alert function
- The proactive alerting sends safety info in real time
- Designed for Dementia & autistic people
- The auto-answer call allows remote support
- Excellent wellness monitoring
Downsides of the AngelSense Wwatch
- Some health & safety features require a monthly subscription
Our Verdict:
Apart from requiring a premium subscription to access some safety features, we’ve appreciated this AngelSense watch’s excellent safety features, such as proactive alerting.
And what’s even more, it’s super user-friendly with an auto answer or auto call feature. It’s also a perfect find for kids if you’re mindful of the safety and well-being of your little ones.
6. Huawei Watch 3 Connected Smartwatch
Why do you need a Huawei smartwatch for fall detection alerts?
It has LTE functions and can send emergency alerts to selected emergency contacts. And apart from that, you can text and voice call anyone without linking your phone. These standalone features make this Huawei Watch 3 connected a perfect find.
And, of course, it has other great health benefits:
Other Health Benefits of the Huawei Watch 3 Connected Smartwatch
- Impressive fall detection emergency alert
- Heart, blood oxygen & temp. monitoring
- Huawei TruSleep improves sleep & wake patterns
Downsides of the Huawei Watch 3 Connected Smartwatch
- LTE may not work in some countries
Our Verdict:
So far, the user feedback we’ve obtained shows the Huawei Watch 3 performs excellently. However, due to limited feedback about the automatic fall detection and alerting system, we recommend this smartwatch for independent persons only.
F.A.Qs
What is the best smartwatch for seniors with fall detection?
The Apple Watch Series 8 is designed with fall and crash detection and alerting systems activated by unexpected falls or crashes. It’s an LTE smartwatch that can send messages and make calls independently.
Here are other smartwatches with fall detection:
- Apple Watch Series 7 LTE
- Apple Watch Series 6 LTE
- Apple Watch Series 5 LTE
- Apple Watch Series 4 LTE
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 LTE
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 LTE
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 LTE
- Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE
- AngelSense Watch with Assistive Technology
- Huawei Watch 3 Connected
Which Android smartwatch has fall detection?
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 series is an Android-compatible smartwatch with an accurate fall detection and alerting system. It also has advanced sensors, such as BAI sensors, for improved health monitoring, making it suitable for seniors.
