3 Best Fitbits for Seniors (and 5 Alternatives) – 2023

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Fitbits for Seniors? You bet. Movement Counts!

Exercise is medicine, particularly so with seniors. Regular exercise improves one’s quality of life and leads to less joint pain, greater levels of strength, better balance, better cardiac output with less heart rhythm irregularities, improved stress management, and a host of other benefits.

Simply stated, exercise is vital for seniors. We’ve written extensively about the importance of exercise for seniors in the past, including sharing the best exercise equipment for seniors, as well as ways to tone up a saggy butt!

Given the importance of regular exercise on stress levels, heart health, and overall health, are there ways to increase the level of exercise that one participates in daily? Are there ways to incentivize ourselves to engage in greater levels of activity? Absolutely.

The answer? Wearing a simple fitness and health tracker such as a Fitbit.

Why Fitbits for Seniors?

There are a few reasons why a senior may be interested in wearing a Fitbit, but the primary one is this: a Fitbit helps motivate one to get as much exercise as possible throughout the day.

Seniors tend to know the importance of exercise, or at least they should. A regular workout routine only causes somebody to realize how beneficial exercise is once they quit. Joints aren’t as happy anymore, muscles seize up, and one just doesn’t feel as strong after taking a break from exercise.

This is particularly the case with seniors. Typically, the more movement we’re getting throughout the day, the better we feel and the less pain we experience.

The problem is that most people lack the motivation necessary to establish a regular exercise routine. While everybody knows exercise is good for them, exercise takes work, and humans are inherently lazy. We often need external motivation to push us from this laziness into our workouts.

Motivation is where a Fitbit can help.

Many people enjoy checking off boxes from their list, and a Fitbit is a constant reminder that the box hasn’t been checked yet. Until one reaches their necessary step count and minutes of activity for the day, one’s Fitbit doesn’t count the day as having been “completed” and the user is notified of this.

Within the gym setting, I’ve had multiple people tell me that it was their Fitbit that caused them to take an extra walk after dinner to ensure that they get their necessary steps throughout the day.

Accountability is another huge factor in holding people to their workout and daily step counts, and this is another benefit of a Fitbit. These devices allow you to challenge your friends who also have Fitbits and you can see the number of steps that all the friends in your network have hit throughout the course of the day. Competition is a powerful motivator – it feels good to win – and it’s fun to end out the day seeing that Fred down the street was 500 steps behind you.

This is yet another thing I’ve regularly seen as a trainer in a gym environment, as many people have shared it was their Fitbit that encouraged them to get more activity in throughout the course of the day so that they could beat X in the daily step competition.

The Benefits of Fitbits for Those with Heart Conditions

Cardiac conditions are common among seniors. Atrial fibrillation, otherwise known as AFIB, is common as well. This is a condition where the atrium of the heart is fluttering rather than beating properly. Many times, people can feel if they are experiencing an AFIB episode, but not every time, and due to continuous heart rate monitoring, a Fitbit can help to tell people if they are currently in AFIB so they can respond accordingly.

The same benefit exists for those with other heart conditions that require them to monitor their heart rate regularly. Somebody who has had a past heart attack or other heart event that needs to keep track of their heart rate as they exercise will also benefit from a simple fitness tracker such as a Fitbit.

Best Fitbits for Seniors

1) Fitbit Inspire 3

When we initially wrote this article, the Fitbit Inspire 2 was our top recommended Fitbit option for seniors, as it’s pared down to only the most basic of activity tracking features. A step counter, heart rate monitor, activity tracker, and clock – that’s what you get for about $60 for the Inspire 2.

While this is an excellent fitness tracker due to its intuitive and simplistic design, the newer version – the Fitbit Inspire 3 – is a much more comprehensive tracking device with additional smartwatch features that make it a fantastic option for seniors at a still reasonable price of around $100.

About this item

• Move more: Daily Readiness Score, Active Zone Minutes, all-day activity tracking and 24/7 heart rate, 20+ exercise modes, automatic exercise tracking and reminders to move
• Stress less: always-on wellness tracking, daily Stress Management Score, mindfulness sessions, relax breathing sessions, irregular heart rhythm notifications, SpO2, resting heart rate and high/low heart rate notifications
• Sleep better:  automatic sleep tracking, personalized Sleep Profile, daily detailed Sleep Score, smart wake vibrating alarm, sleep mode
• Comfortably connected day and night: calls, texts & smartphone app notifications, color touchscreen with customizable clock faces

Other perks: Three color choices are available, this fitness tracker can be worn while swimming without fear of it being damaged, its super lightweight, and the battery life is excellent as it only needs to be recharged every ten days.

2) Fitbit Versa 3

One of the top advantages of this Fitbit is its large screen. For those who have trouble reading books due to the small font size, this Fitbit Versa 3 model with its larger screen will likely be appreciated, however the larger screen makes it a bulkier option than some of the others on the market.

• Run, bike, hike and more phone-free—and see your real-time pace & distance—with built-in GPS. Then check out your workout intensity map in the Fitbit app
• Active Zone Minutes uses your resting heart rate to gauge exercise effort and gives you a buzz when you step up the intensity so you can make the most of your workouts. Fitbit Versa 3 is water resistant to 50 meters
• Better track heart rate 24/7 with PurePulse 2.0, Fitbit’s enhanced heart rate technology
• Get 6+ days of battery on a full charge plus one day of battery in just 12 minutes with fast charging
• Track your time in light, deep and REM sleep, then receive your Sleep Score to better understand your sleep quality each night

This device is loaded with smart features, runs around $150, and comes in a few different color options to choose from.

3) Fitbit Sense 2

On the pricier end of the spectrum is this feature-rich Fitbit Sense 2 design. It costs roughly $300, but this design not only gives you the standard stock of fitness tracking features, but you also receive irregular heartbeat notifications, all day body response tracking, blood oxygen tracking, the ability to easily send irregular heart rate notifications to your doctor, the ability to measure your blood oxygen levels, and stress management technology.

This is the epitome of a smart device and is loaded with advanced features as it also boasts built-in GPS, Alexa, Fitbit Pay, Google Maps, Google Wallet, and Find my Phone technology. Lastly, it allows for call, text and app notifications as well as on-wrist Bluetooth calls, and is compatible with both iOS and Android devices.

• EDA Scan app detects electrodermal activity which may indicate your body’s response to stress and a built-in skin temperature sensor logs yours each night so you can see when it varies.
• Assess your heart for atrial fibrillation –a heart rhythm irregularity- and easily share results with your doctor.

For those who have underlying heart conditions or other medical conditions that are exacerbated by stress, this may prove to be a beneficial resource as it will let you know when you need to step away from a particular situation due to an elevated or unusual stress response.

5 Alternatives to a Fitbit

If you’re unimpressed with the Fitbit technology or are looking for additional features Fitbits don’t provide, there are several other alternatives to the Fitbit brand worth considering that do essentially the same thing, and in some cases do it better.

1) Eurans Fitness Tracker

The Eurans is one of the most economical fitness trackers on the market, coming in around $25. It’s actually designed for kids, which means it’s easy to use, simple, and not too valuable should you lose it. Seven color options are available, along with an impressive battery life that reaches up to seven days. The basics of a fitness tracker are present here – heart rate, time spent working out, steps tracked, calories burned – and the device can connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth as well to alert you when you receive a notification on your phone.

• All-Day Activity Tracking: The fitness tracker automatically tracks your steps, distance, and calories consumed. It supports 14 activity modes: running, walking, cycling, playing basketball, etc. and has the ability to set a target number of steps for the day.
• Heart Rate & Sleep Monitoring: This fitness tracker can automatically monitor daily real-time heart rate and track sleep quality at night; allowing you to learn more about your health and sleep habits.

Rated to IP67, this device can be worn while hiking in the rain without having to worry about it getting damaged. It can’t be worn in a shower or while swimming, but for day-to-day activities and outdoor workouts, this device is sufficiently protected.

2) Garmin Vivosmart 5

The Garmin Vivosmart 5 is an excellent fitness tracker with many advanced features including health features, fitness features, activity tracking, sleep tracking, blood oxygen levels via a pulse oximeter, and, impressively, a long battery life that can last up to seven days.

• Easy-to-use, comfortable smart fitness tracker, once setup through the Garmin Connect app, has a touchscreen and button interface plus a brighter, bigger display than vívosmart 4 for larger text.
• Understand your body by monitoring your sleep and respiration, Pulse Ox, Body Battery energy levels, women’s health, hydration, stress and heart rate

Wrist-based heart rate, stress tracking, Body Battery™ energy monitoring and more help you stay informed while smart notifications from your paired smartphone keep you connected. Stay active with built-in sports apps that include profiles for walking, running, yoga, cardio and more. Plus, when connected to your smartphone, incident detection (during select outdoor activities) and Assistance features send a message with your live location to emergency contacts for greater peace of mind (Requires setup and your smartphone to be in an area with network coverage where data connectivity is available). With up to 7 days of battery life, The Garmin vívosmart 5 gives you an uninterrupted picture of your health and can go wherever your busy schedule takes you.

That’s a lot of features in a little band.

3) Samsung Galaxy Watch 5

For those with an Android phone looking for a seamless integration with a fitness tracker, the Samsung Glaxy Watch 5 is a good, albeit slightly expensive, option. This watch comes with a ton of smart features, and also comes in numerous color options and styles that range in price, but the all black, classic version runs about $250.

• BODY COMPOSITION ANALYSIS (BIA): Galaxy Watch5 provides body composition data right on your wrist; On your own schedule, you can now get readings on body fat, skeletal muscle, body water, basal metabolic rate and Body Mass Index (BMI)
• IMPROVED SENSOR ACCURACY: Stay up to date on your wellness; Get an accurate heart rate thanks to an improved, curved Samsung BioActive Sensor that gets closer to your skin
• AUTO WORKOUT TRACKING: Make the most of every adventure with Auto Workout Tracking — from running to rowing to swimming — automatically in just minutes, and manually tracking more than 90 exercises, including complex activities like HIIT

4) Apple Watch Series 7

This is likely the most feature-rich alternative to a Fitbit out there. Tracking advanced health metrics such as heart rate, sleep, blood oxygen, and activity monitoring are all present as would be expected. However, the apple watch is equipped with other features that the rest of the fitness trackers out there don’t have.

• WHY APPLE WATCH SERIES 7 — The most advanced Apple Watch features powerful health innovations like sensors and apps to measure your blood oxygen and take an ECG. The larger, Always-On Retina display makes it easier to use and read. The most durable Apple Watch. Charges faster so you can get going quicker.
• EASILY CUSTOMIZABLE — Available in various sizes and materials, with dozens of bands to choose from. Change your look by switching your band or customizing your watch face in millions of ways.

This option comes with a very crack-resistant screen, and the device is rated at WR50, meaning this device could be worn while swimming without any problem. Those with heart conditions may appreciate this fitness tracker as notifications are sent if an irregular heartbeat is detected by the watch, and fall detection is present as well. This is a valuable feature, as this tracker knows if you’ve fallen to the ground and can assist in contacting others for help, should that happen.

An ECG can be created by this watch as well. If you’re looking for all the features wrapped up into one device, this is it. This all comes at a cost, of course, with this fitness tracker running on the pricier side, often coming in over $500.

While there is a newer version of this watch available (Apple Watch Series 8), the only noteworthy updates to the new Series 8 version are the inclusion of the body temperature sensor, and the crash detection technology. We do not mean to discount these features as they can be incredibly helpful, however we’re still comfortable recommending the Series 7 for those looking for a high quality health and fitness tracker that comes with a wide range of features.

5) Apple Watch SE

A less expensive Apple alternative to the Series 7 or their even newer options would be the SE. Many of the same features are available including ECG readings, blood oxygen level measurements, irregular heart rate notifications, and crash detection. This device is great for those that spend time outdoors, as it is swim suitable and comes equipped with a built-in compass.

• WHY APPLE WATCH SE — It has essential features to keep you connected, active, and healthy, and safety features like fall detection and Emergency SOS to get you help when you need it.
• EASILY CUSTOMIZABLE — Available in various sizes and colors, with dozens of bands to choose from. Easy to change up your look by switching the band or by customizing the watch face.

In addition to tracking one’s activity, this tracker also has cellular connectivity, meaning it can be used for phone calls or text messages. Fall detection, a regular feature of Apple wearables, is present as well, giving one the ability to call for help should an emergency arise.

The combination of these smart features help to make this a very attractive alternative to even the best Fitbit trackers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right Fitbit or other smart tracking device for seniors requires careful consideration of ones unique needs and preferences. In this comprehensive review, we have explored the top three Fitbit options specifically designed to cater to the elderly population, offering features that promote fitness, health monitoring, and ease of use.

The Fitbit Inspire 3 stands out as the ideal choice for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive health tracking capabilities, making it the perfect companion for seniors looking to stay active and healthy. Alternatively, the Fitbit Versa and Fitbit Sense also offer excellent options with their impressive features and functionalities. However, it’s essential to recognize that some individuals may prefer alternative options beyond the Fitbit brand. The five alternatives presented in this guide demonstrate that there are a wide range of fitness trackers available on the market, each with its unique strengths tailored to senior users.

Ultimately, the best Fitbit or alternative health and fitness tracker for seniors will be the one that aligns best with their lifestyle, activity levels, and health requirements, empowering them to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives in the years to come.

What do you think of the idea of a fitness tracker? Are you aware of other benefits to owning a fitness tracker for seniors? Are there other fitness trackers you recommend? Let us know in the comments below.

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Zac Martin, Fitness Expert and Contributing Writer

Zac Martin is an exercise physiologist who has spent years helping older clients work through various physical and health conditions. He is familiar with the physical issues older adults face as they age and enjoys working on and writing about strength training, successful recovery techniques, and healthy aging.

Jon Fernandez, Editor

Jon is a prolific writer, clinical author, and expert on topics related to health technology, aging, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and skincare. He earned a Graduate Certificate in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from the University of Florida College of Pharmacy along with post graduate studies at the University of Colorado Healthcare Administration program.