Note (September 2026): An earlier version said fall detection alerts emergency services within seconds. Devices differ: Apple Watch calls only after about a minute of no movement, and many medical alerts contact a monitoring center or family first.
The three most useful tech devices for retirement are fall detection devices (medical alert pendants, smartwatches and some hearing aids), fitness trackers that help older adults reach the CDC goal of 150 minutes of moderate activity a week, and smart home devices such as smart thermostats and security cameras that make living independently safer and easier.
Key Takeaways
- According to the CDC, more than one out of four older people falls each year, which makes fall detection the most important safety technology for retirees who live alone.
- Apple Watch fall detection turns on automatically for users aged 55 and over and calls emergency services if the wearer is immobile for about a minute after a hard fall.
- The CDC recommends that adults 65 and older get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week, plus muscle strengthening on 2 days and regular balance exercises; a fitness tracker can count progress toward that goal.
- ENERGY STAR says heating and cooling make up almost half of the average American household energy bill, so a smart thermostat with remote control and schedules is a practical upgrade.
- No device detects every fall, so test alerts, keep contacts up to date and combine technology with fall prevention.
Many people focus on saving up enough money for retirement and that’s as far as the planning goes. They might also think about which vacations they’ll be taking.
There is less planning regarding the things you’ll need to age gracefully during your retirement. Health, safety and day-to-day comfort deserve the same planning as money, because they decide how long a retiree can keep living independently.
One thing many people overlook is how much everyday technology can help older adults. Many devices and software will help retirees take better care of themselves so they can continue to live independently for as long as possible.
This guide covers the three device categories that do the most for retirees: fall detection, fitness trackers and smart home technology, with how each one works and what to check before buying.
Fall detection
A fall is one of the most common events that ends an older person’s independence. According to the CDC, falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries in older adults, and falling once doubles the chance of falling again.
The best thing to be done is preventing falls in the elderly from happening. If a fall does happen, getting help quickly matters, because the longer a person waits for treatment, the greater the risk of further problems.
Fall detection is a feature that uses motion sensors to recognize a sudden hard fall. It is built into many types of devices, from medical alert pendants and smartwatches to some hearing aids and fitness trackers.
If you live alone then having a medical alert system that includes fall detection will ensure that you get help quickly even if you aren’t able to use the voice activation or press a button. Depending on the system, a detected fall triggers a call to a monitoring center, to a list of personal contacts or to the local emergency number; Apple Watch, for example, places the emergency call automatically if the wearer has been immobile for about a minute. These devices provide a medical care alert for elderly, offering a safety net to improve the life and independence of seniors. By using such technology, elderly individuals can maintain their autonomy while having the assurance that assistance is easily available.
If you are an active person and like to ride a bike or go on hikes then using a fitness tracker can help you avoid a dire situation in an emergency in case you fall and are incapacitated. It allows you the freedom to explore without being anxious about emergencies should they arise.
Fitness trackers
Regular activity is important for older adults, and the CDC sets clear weekly targets for people 65 and older. A fitness tracker helps by counting steps and active minutes so progress toward those targets is easy to see.
Many fitness trackers and their companion apps let users set activity goals that suit their own ability, which helps seniors stay active at a sensible pace. They will also give reminders to get moving when they detect that the user has been inactive for too long.
Some of these trackers will also record and report on health metrics such as heartbeat rate and how much sleep the user is getting.
A report can be viewed over time so the user can understand if the routine they are using is helping them and their health. They can use the data to make adjustments to their lifestyle and habits.
Smart home
The Internet of Things has solved a lot of problems that seniors have when it comes to managing their homes. It has made it possible to retrofit an old home into a modern smart home. Devices are now able to communicate with each other and make for a seamless experience that allows you to have a lot of upgrades without spending a fortune.
For instance, smart thermostats will help the homeowner control their heating and air conditioning with minimal intervention. ENERGY STAR notes that heating and cooling make up almost half of the average American household energy bill, and that certain certified smart thermostats can learn the household’s preferences and set an energy-saving schedule for when people are asleep or away.
Many smart thermostats can also tell when the household has left (ENERGY STAR calls this geofencing) and reduce heating or cooling until people return, so energy is not wasted on an empty home.
Smart security systems will keep the seniors protected since they allow you to see what is happening outside the house. Cameras are activated by motion detection with an alert being sent to the user. Then you can see on your smartphone what is happening around the house.
A smart toilet with a bidet combo does not need an internet connection to be useful, and it can help people with mobility issues. They give seniors the ability to maintain their hygiene without ever needing to use their hands. They clean themselves with a jet of warm water and then dry off with a warm air blower attached to their toilet.
How Does Fall Detection Work on Different Devices?
Fall detection devices use motion sensors to recognize the pattern of a hard fall, then raise an alert. What happens next depends on the device. The table below compares common options as described by their makers, as of September 2026.
| Device type | What happens after a hard fall | Who is contacted |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch (SE, Series 4 or later, Ultra) | Taps the wrist, sounds an alarm and shows an alert; if the wearer is immobile for about a minute, a 30-second countdown starts and the call is placed | Emergency services, then a message with location to emergency contacts |
| Google Pixel Watch (supported models) | Waits about 30 seconds, then vibrates, rings and asks whether to call; if there is no response, it calls after 60 seconds | Emergency services, with an automated voice message that can share location |
| Starkey hearing aids with fall alert | Sends an automatic alert, or the wearer can tap the hearing aid to send one manually | Contacts chosen by the wearer, by text message with GPS location |
| Medical alert system (PERS) | Pendant, wristband or wall button sends a call; some models add automatic fall detection | A monitoring center, a list of contacts or the emergency number, depending on the provider |
Apple says fall detection turns on automatically for Apple Watch users aged 55 and over who entered their age during setup, and the feature is only available to people 18 or older. Google says Pixel Watch fall detection is only available to adults and needs location permission to share a location with emergency services.
What are the limits of fall detection?
Fall detection is a safety net, not a guarantee. Apple states plainly that Apple Watch cannot detect all falls and that high-impact activity can be mistaken for a fall, and Google gives the same warning for Pixel Watch. A wrist-worn device also has to be charged and worn, so a watch left on the nightstand during a nighttime bathroom trip cannot help. For extra protection at night, see our guide to bed alarms for elderly fall protection.
Why Is Fall Safety So Important for Retirees?
Falls are the biggest single reason fall detection belongs at the top of this list. According to the CDC’s older adult falls data:
- More than one out of four older people falls each year.
- Older adult falls lead to about 4.5 million emergency department visits each year, including 1.4 million hospitalizations.
- Nearly 319,000 older people are hospitalized for hip fractures each year, and 83% of hip fracture deaths are caused by falls.
- Falling once doubles the chance of falling again.
How Much Activity Should Seniors Track?
The CDC’s physical activity guidelines give older adults a concrete target that a fitness tracker can measure. Adults 65 and older should aim for:
- Aerobic activity: at least 150 minutes a week at moderate intensity (for example, 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week), or 75 minutes at vigorous intensity.
- Muscle strengthening: at least 2 days a week, working all major muscle groups.
- Balance: regular activities such as walking heel-to-toe or standing up from a sitting position.
A tracker that records active minutes makes the 150-minute weekly goal easy to follow. Calorie figures are less reliable, as our article on whether fitness trackers accurately count calories explains, and a tracker worn every day needs regular care; see how to wear and clean your fitness tracker.
What About Hearing Aids?
Hearing aids are now easier to buy than they were a few years ago. According to the US Food and Drug Administration, the rule creating over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids took effect on October 17, 2022. OTC hearing aids are for adults 18 and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss and can be bought in stores or online without a prescription, exam or professional fitting. People with more severe hearing loss should see a hearing professional.
How to Choose Tech Devices for Retirement
- Start with safety. If the person lives alone, choose a fall detection device first and decide who should be contacted: a monitoring center, family members or emergency services.
- Check compatibility. Smartwatch fall detection depends on the setup: Google says a Wi-Fi Pixel Watch needs its paired phone nearby over Bluetooth to call for help, while an LTE model needs an active cellular connection.
- Turn the features on and test them. Confirm fall detection is enabled, emergency contacts are entered and everyone involved knows what an alert looks like.
- Set realistic activity goals. Use the CDC targets above as the guide and build up gradually.
- Add smart home devices one at a time. A smart thermostat or motion-activated security cameras can each be learned separately; our guides to smart home devices worth investing in and smart home automation features cover the options.
- Check the ongoing costs. Monitored medical alert services and cellular smartwatch plans can carry recurring fees, and prices vary by provider, so compare the full cost before signing up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most useful tech device for seniors living alone?
A fall detection device is the most useful tech device for seniors living alone, because the CDC reports that more than one out of four older people falls each year. A medical alert pendant or a smartwatch with fall detection can summon help even when the person cannot reach a phone.
Does Apple Watch call emergency services automatically if you fall?
Yes, Apple Watch can call emergency services automatically after a hard fall. According to Apple, if the watch detects that the wearer has been immobile for about a minute, it starts a 30-second countdown and then places the call, and afterwards sends a message with the location to emergency contacts.
Is fall detection turned on by default?
On Apple Watch, fall detection turns on automatically for users aged 55 and over who entered their age during setup; other adults can switch it on in settings. Google’s Pixel Watch help pages describe setting up fall detection through the watch’s safety features.
Can fall detection miss a fall?
Yes. Both Apple and Google state that their watches cannot detect all falls, and high-impact activities can trigger false alerts. Wearers should still be able to call for help manually and should keep the device charged and worn.
How much exercise should seniors get each week?
The CDC recommends that adults 65 and older get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week, muscle-strengthening activities on at least 2 days, and regular balance activities. A fitness tracker can count active minutes toward that goal.
Do you need a prescription for hearing aids?
Not for over-the-counter hearing aids. The FDA says OTC hearing aids, available since October 17, 2022, can be bought without a prescription by adults 18 and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.
