How wearable technology can support senior living

Staying safe, active, and connected is important at every stage of life. Whether you're heading out for a walk or relaxing at home, knowing your wellbeing is supported and help is within reach brings real peace of mind. That’s where wearable technology can make a difference and even enhance your quality of life. From tracking your steps to accessing help in an emergency, wearable devices offer reassurance, security and freedom.

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What is wearable technology?

Wearable technology includes smart devices that can detect and collect data about your health and wellbeing. Such devices include smartwatches, pendants and fitness bands and the information they collect can include:

• Heart rate
• Blood pressure
• Steps taken
• Exercise and physical activity
• Sleep quality
• Stress monitoring

With regular use, these devices can help you (and your healthcare team) notice changes over time — making it easier to spot trends and prevent issues before they become serious.

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Why wearable technology is worth considering

Many older Australians are already using wearables to stay motivated with fitness goals, keep family or carers informed of their wellbeing and feel more confident when managing their daily routines. You don’t need to be tech-savvy to benefit from the technology — most devices are designed with simplicity in mind and support is available to help you get started.

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Providing support and safety for seniors

Some wearable devices go beyond fitness and wellness tracking to offer personal safety features that are particularly important for seniors:

• Automatic hard fall detection
• Access to 24/7 emergency response
• GPS location in case help is needed away from home

These features can be especially helpful for people living alone, managing a chronic condition, or wanting the reassurance of a quick response if something goes wrong, either at home or on-the-go.

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What type of devices are available?

Here are a few types of wearable devices available in Australia today:

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The MePACS Solo Connect watch is a dedicated personal alarm designed to support both safety and wellbeing. It features automatic falls detection, GPS functionality and built-in health and wellness apps to help you stay on top of your goals. But its standout benefit? The peace of mind that comes from knowing our 24/7 emergency response team is just a button press away.

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Is wearable technology safe?

Yes, wearable technology devices are designed with safety, comfort and privacy in mind. In fact, many people find they feel more secure knowing they can monitor their health or call for help easily. It’s a small step that can make a big difference to your confidence, independence and sense of control.

Personal alarm devices with automatic falls detection are particularly important for people at risk of falls, as they can reduce the time that it takes to get help, avoiding the dangers of lying on the ground for an extended amount of time.

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Supporting your medical care

While wearable technology can’t replace regular check-ups or advice from your GP and other health professionals, it can be a useful tool for staying proactive. Maintaining overall health and wellbeing can be made easier with the use of health monitoring devices and many people share the information gathered from their devices with their GP to support conversations around their health and lifestyle.

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