At first glance, the Apple Watch and Lifeline’s On the Go Smartwatch may seem very similar. Both are worn on your wrist, have a screen that displays various graphics and are aimed at improving your productivity and health. The big difference between the two products lies in their primary purpose. The Apple Watch is a multipurpose smartwatch designed for general fitness, communication, and entertainment. It provides a wide range of features, like step tracking, heart rate monitoring, texting, and app integrations. While some Apple Watch models include fall detection and emergency SOS features, these are secondary functions.

On the other hand…no pun intended, Lifeline’s On the Go Smartwatch is specifically designed as a senior medical alert system first. Its primary purpose is to help older adults and vulnerable individuals age in place by providing seniors and their caregivers with peace of mind knowing if anything happens, help will be available. This device focuses on essential safety features, such as a built-in medical alert button, GPS tracking when activated by a fall or button push, and an easy-to-use interface tailored for older adults. Unlike the Apple Watch, it’s not overloaded with apps or complex settings, making it ideal for seniors who might have difficulties navigating a high-tech device like many of the smartwatches on the market today.

Who is a Smartwatch for?

People from all walks of life love smartwatches, with the most popular being the Apple Watch. Tech enthusiasts, fitness buffs, professionals, and even your average Joe love the versatility of a smartwatch. The Apple Watch appeals to tech-savvy individuals who value a wide range of features. It’s perfect for individuals who want to monitor their fitness goals, stay connected via notifications, or control smart home devices. Most smartwatches offer features such as step counting, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and some smartphone integrations (example: receiving notifications and the ability to reply). However, their complexity can be overwhelming for those less comfortable with technology.

What Does the On the Go Smartwatch Offer?

The On the Go Smartwatch is purpose-built to serve as a medical alert system that can get the user help quickly should a fall, medical, mental health, or safety crisis occur. Its emergency button connects users directly to a trained response center associate with the push of a button or when the sensors detect a fall, even if they’re away from home. This reliability makes it a better option for seniors who may not want or need a paired smartphone. Additionally, the simplicity of its design helps older adults use it with ease, minimizing confusion in emergencies. While the Apple Watch is a jack-of-all-trades, the On the Go Smartwatch’s specialization makes it a master of providing safety and security for seniors.

Even though the On the Go Smartwatch is simpler in its design and has some great features that can add immense benefits to the lives of many older adults: 

• Water-Resistant Design: The watch is designed to withstand everyday activities, including showering.

• Heart Rate Monitoring: The watch provides basic health insights by tracking the user’s heart rate throughout the day.

• Step Counting: Users can track their steps to maintain an active lifestyle, promoting overall health and wellness.

• GPS Tracking: The Lifeline response Centre can quickly locate their loved ones whenever a fall is detected or the help button is pressed.

• 24/7 Emergency Response: With the press of a button, users are connected to a trained response center associate who can send help to your location immediately.

• Simple Interface: Unlike the Apple Watch, which can be cluttered with apps and notifications, the On the Go Smartwatch keeps things straightforward and easy to read.

Is the Apple Watch as Good as a Dedicated Medical Alert System?

While the Apple Watch includes some medical alert-like features, it isn’t a dedicated medical alert system. Its fall detection and emergency SOS functionalities are impressive but limited in scope compared to traditional medical alert systems and the On the Go Smartwatch. For instance, the Apple Watch’s emergency features rely on connectivity to a paired smartphone and require the user to navigate through menus, which can be challenging in stressful situations. Additionally, when a help call is placed, it does not go to a trained response associate who will make sure you are connected to a loved one, caregiver, or can call emergency services and send them to your location using GPS Locating Technology if needed.

Do They Both Need to be Connected to a Smartphone?

The need for a smartphone connection is another important difference between the two devices. Without a dedicated data plan or a Wi-Fi connection, the Apple Watch requires pairing with a smartphone to unlock its full functionality, including emergency features. This dependency can be inconvenient for seniors who may not own a smartphone. Unlike most smartwatches, including the Apple Watch, the On the Go Smartwatch operates independently. It comes equipped with built-in cellular connectivity, letting it function seamlessly without needing a paired smartphone. This makes it an ideal choice for seniors who prefer a straightforward device that doesn’t rely on any additional technology.  The On the Go Smartwatch’s autonomy ensures it’s always ready to assist, regardless of whether a smartphone is nearby.

Bottom Line: Which Smartwatch is Best for Seniors?

While the Apple Watch offers an impressive range of features, its complexity can be a drawback for people unfamiliar or who struggle with modern technology. Navigating multiple apps, notifications, and settings can become overwhelming and take away from the device’s usability. The On the Go Smartwatch’s intuitive design ensures that even older adults with limited tech experience can operate it without frustration. The large touchscreen is helpful for those who have difficulties seeing small text. The single-touch medical alert button connects users directly to help without navigating menus, while independence from smartphones makes it more accessible. By focusing on essential features tailored for seniors, the watch eliminates unnecessary distractions. Additionally, GPS tracking and 24/7 emergency response provide peace of mind for caregivers, ensuring their loved ones are safe. By prioritizing safety, simplicity, and functionality, the On the Go Smartwatch outshines the Apple Watch as the ideal choice for older adults and their caregivers. It’s more than just a smartwatch. It’s a reliable companion for aging independently and confidently.

Blog by: Maor Tsitrin

*This article is meant to be informational in nature and should not replace the advice of a trained healthcare professional or financial professional. What works for some individuals, might be harmful to others. Consult a professional before making any significant changes. Certain limitations are subject to third-party cellular provider availability and coverage. The signal range may vary. Fall detection does not detect 100% of falls. If able, you should always press the button that you wear. Lifeline wireless communicators & On the Go Buttons (including the Smartwatch & Wandering) connect to the Lifeline Response Centre using the third-party cellular provider.