If you are a senior or have a loved one creeping into senior digits, it would be handy to know the 9 easiest fitness trackers to use without phone for seniors. As we grow older, we should be more in tune with our body and health. Fitness should not be reserved for the younger generation since seniors are known and proven to have certain fitness issues that should always be watched for and tracked.
Scientific American defines a fitness tracker as a gadget that “allow[s] us, mere untrained mortals, to gauge what only doctors used to measure.” All types and brands of fitness trackers count steps, including the Health app on your iPhone, but now there are so many options for the different things fitness trackers can manage.
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Unsurprisingly, the more expensive trackers tend to have more functions and durability. For example, there are trackers that can monitor heart rate, perspiration, body mass, sleep quality, and even blood oxygen levels. The more functions they offer, the higher the price generally is.
For me, I live and breathe by my Apple Watch. Obviously, it doesn’t make this list because it requires the use of a phone, but I think it’s one of the best fitness trackers on the market if you like all your information synced into iCloud. I also have an obligation to own one because I feel as though brand consistency is important and I love Apple products. That being said, though, the Apple Watch does track all the things I find important and the newer models include a GPS if you’re a runner. What I love is the activity rings, because apparently people love to complete circles. I can attest to this, as I’m frustrated by the end of the day if I didn’t finish an activity goal.
Seniors who aren’t as tech-savvy need fitness trackers, too, though. While younger people have to watch out for health and fitness to prevent problems as they age, there is a greater need for seniors to pay attention to their health. As people age, certain health conditions arise, leading to a need for health maintenance medicines — like for high blood pressure, cholesterol and sugar levels, heart conditions, and even obesity. To make sure seniors are on their best levels of health, they can use a fitness tracker.
The key to knowing the 9 easiest fitness trackers to use without phone for seniors is to take a look at the ease of use and practical functionality. It’s best for anyone who’s a little afraid of technology to be given just the right amount of simple features, larger screen, and uncomplicated navigation.
If you want to know more about health and fitness, check out our list of the 15 Healthiest Countries In The World. For now, keep reading about fitness trackers for seniors.
9. UA Band
Functions: Sleep quality, heart rate, fitness tracking
We are starting our list of easiest fitness trackers to use without phone for seniors with fitness tracker made as a collaboration of HTC and Under Armour. It’s far from the shiny, expensive Apple and Samsung watches, but it does a lot for less. For seniors with heart rate and/or sleep concerns, this is a winner. It has an adjustable band and a user-friendly interface. To begin using it, you just input your height and weight and you’re good to go.
8. Garmin Forerunner 235
Functions: GPS for distance measurement when running, optical heart rate sensor, steps tracking, calorie tracking
This has a heftier price tag, but you can be sure it’s packed with great fitness functions. The Garmin Forerunner 225 was popular in 2015, and this sequel is even better. The band is more comfortable and it has a sleeker design. It’s also water resistant, which is great for washing your hands or getting caught in the rain.
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7. Microsoft Brand 2
Functions: step counter, heart rate, calorie burn tracking, sleep tracking, great companion in any sport (e.g. golf, gym, cycling, running)
With 11 sensors to track all your fitness goals, both seniors and millennials (and everyone in between) are bound to find this a treasure. According to Tech Radar, this has “a barometer to measure altitude and track stairs and hills climbed, plus an accurate optical heart rate sensor, 3-axis accelerometer, gyroscope, GPS, ambient light sensor, skin temperature sensor, UV sensor, capacitive sensor, microphone and a galvanic skin response sensor.” Definitely deserves a place on our list of easiest fitness trackers to use without phone for seniors, right? The battery lasts for two days, perfect for anyone who might forget to charge it occasionally, and the interface is user-friendly. If you want an all-around fitness tracker, this is definitely one to check out.
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6. Garmin Vivofit 2 with Heart Rate Monitor
Functions: sensor compatibility, calorie burn tracker, heart rate monitor, distance tracking
This is one of the best bets when it comes to fitness trackers, as it comes with a simple, easy-to-navigate interface and a clear display that works well for anyone with vision problems. It’s also waterproof, so you can use it in the shower or during an occasional swim. It’s relatively inexpensive and looks great.
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5. Garmin VivoActive HR
Functions: all day heart rate monitor, built in sports apps, smartwatch features
You can do all sports and stay on top of your fitness game with this tracker. It made it to the list of 9 easiest fitness trackers to use without phone for seniors simply because it has a bright display, tons of features that don’t complicate the navigation, and all-day activity tracking for calories, steps, sleep, and heart rate.
4. Fitbit Blaze
Functions: heart rate monitor, steps count, stair climbing, sleep quality tracker
A crossover between a fitness tracker and a smartwatch, the Fitbit Blaze is one of the best fitness trackers on the market today. Fitbit is one of the most popular brands of fitness trackers, and this one has a large screen with a display bright enough for seniors. While working out, it’s easy to stop and start with a tap on these green. It can also give you fitness stats mid-workout, like heart rates and calories burned.
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3. Fitbit Charge 2
Functions: always-on heart rate tracker, step count, stair climbing, sleep quality tracker, multi-sport apps, cardio fitness level, SmartTrack
Arguably the most popular choice for seniors, and even younger people, is the Fitbit Charge 2. The standout features make it incredible, but also it’s sleek and fashionable. It has a large display that can be read easily. It also has a great feature on the screen that allows you to see the time, your heart rate, and the number of steps you’ve taken all at the same time.
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2. SC2 Pedometer
Another reasonably priced item that does the job but doesn’t make you look like one of those fitness crazies with the tracker on their wrist. It fits snugly in the palm of your hand so you can clip it places that doesn’t get much eye traffic – dog Leash, pocket, backpack, etc. Coming in at around $17, its funky blue takes you back to the eighties. It’s fun but not stupid. It has a 15-step delay before it starts counting making it well suited for outdoor use. Apart that, not much different from #1 – big display, easy to use, functional and affordable.
Courtesy of OZO Fitness
1. SC 3D Pedometer
The reason you haven’t heard of SC Pedometers is that the company doesn’t spend on advertising – and that’s by design. Coming in at less than $20, this device does the work and yet you won’t be crying if you lose it hiking. Face it, you’ll want a new one in a year or so anyway. Don’t be fooled by the low price point, it’s incredibly simple to use yet has all the features you’re looking for. Plus, it only has an 8-step delay which makes it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. Two features worth noting is that the memory log captures information by date and that it keeps a tally of all the steps / miles you have traveled since you activated the device. The setup is simple and the buttons on the side make every button pressed intentional, thereby eliminating accidental use. It has a large display with an inverted orientation. Basically, you can read it no matter what your position is. Yes, it also tells time. Available in black, blue and pink.
Courtesy of OZO Fitness
There are other alternatives to these listed above if you want to do some more research, but these are the 9 easiest fitness trackers to use without phone for seniors. Hopefully, our list can be used as a guide for your shopping endeavors!
Update: This article was originally published in January 2017 and updated on May 1, 2018.
