Author: Maria Alfano
I know what you’re thinking…these gadgets have been around for a while, but what are the pros and cons of smartwatches for folks in midlife and beyond?
If you’re anything like me, it took me a while to warm up to the idea that a watch can tell me what to do or how to do it!
Are smartwatches really smart? They can be…but they can also be annoying and distracting. You decide whether they are a fit for you.
The pros and cons of smartwatches for people over 50 are quite interesting and important.
Pros And Cons of Smartwatches – Should You Wear One
So what is a “smart” watch anyways? Great question. This little device not only tells time, but it allows you to keep connected even from your wrist.
The main purpose of a smartwatch is to give you technology at your fingertips. Their touch screens operate much like a smartphone and will give you access to specific apps with a single swipe or tap.
Advantages and disadvantages of a Smartwatch
Let’s get the negative out of the way first so we can focus on what’s good about wearing one of these cool gadgets after 50.
Disadvantages of Smartwatches
Not everyone will agree that these are disadvantages for them but in midlife, perhaps one would think twice about buying one so these reasons resonate with you. These could be the reasons why you should not wear a “smart” watch.
- Costly – a smartwatch can really hurt the pocketbook. To get a good one that is compatible with your smartphone, you will need to think of spending upwards of $250 and as high as $650 or more
- Screen – if you’re not bothered by a 2″ x 2″ sized screen and, frankly, if your eyesight is good, then the screen size is not an issue for you. For many that size is fine for telling time but not necessarily for reading other data.
- Technology – like any other computer, these watches can become outdated rather quickly. Some feel inclined to “keep up” with the newest most dazzling versions and buy a new watch every couple of years (adding to the costly disadvantage)
- Battery life – with such a small device, as you can imagine, the battery is also small. The watch will need to be charged daily. I found with my watch, that because it is connected to my phone if I use apps on my phone, it will also translate to my watch, thus wearing down the battery life faster.
advantages of Smartwatches
Let’s get into the benefits of wearing a smartwatch as we get older in life.
Health Pros
- Health tracker – the reality is as we age our bits and pieces, especially our hearts, don’t quite work like the “Rolex” they were designed to be. In fact, they require extra special attention. A smartwatch is an excellent way to monitor your heart and track your progress for your doctor or cardiologist. For me personally, this is the #1 reason we should consider a smartwatch at 50 and beyond.
- Tracker – how many times have you misplaced your phone. You set it down for just a second and walked away. Hours later you can’t find where you left it.
Or, a family member is on a long journey and requested that you keep an eye on their travels…in case of emergencies. The tracker will allow you to find your phone or your friend with a simple push of the crown on your smartwatch.
This comes in handy if you have aging parents living with you who tend to wander and get lost.
Technology Pros
- Notifications – found at the base of your wrist. No More phone distractions. You can see exactly who is calling or texting from your watch. You can decide if it’s an important call to take or if it can wait till later.
- Voice commands – respond to text messages (yes, even while driving) with voice-activated commands right from your wrist – all hands-free!
- Electronic wallet – don’t feel like carrying a purse or wallet, no problem! You can pay at participating retailers using your smartwatch.
- Maps – connect to Google maps or other map systems from your watch. You no longer need a GPS system in your car. Use your watch.
- Communication – when your phone battery dies you are not stranded because your watch can be used to make calls, send texts, and review your notifications.
Entertainment Pros
- Watch changes – for those who love to change their watch daily to match their outfits or their mood rest assured you can do this with one smartwatch. Change the watch face or the strap with one simple click or flick.
- Entertainment – if you can stand using the 2″ x 2″ screen, some watches allow you to search YouTube for your favorite videos or play music.
Can a Smartwatch Work Without a Phone
The latest and greatest versions of smartwatches including Apple (version 3 or better) and Samsung Galaxy (version 4) have cellular capability.
It is important to note that you will need to purchase a plan from your mobile carrier in order for the watch to work as a cellphone as well as a timekeeper.
When connected to your phone, it uses the data associated with that phone and does not need any wifi to work.
Which is the Best Smartwatch
This is subjective and based on preference and needs. In our house, we are divided. My husband loves his Samsung while I love my Apple.
Depending on what your pocket can afford, these are some of the best smartwatches on the market today:
- Fitbit Sense (approx $250 USD) – best for fitness & well-being, a great watch for the price. Not only tells time it tracks your health progress.
- Amazfit GTR 3 Pro (approx $230 USD) – leave it to Amazon to create a decent smartwatch at an affordable price. Connect to Alexa and get all the voice features on your watch. Works with both android and iOs systems.
- Garmin Venu 2 Plus (approx $450 USD) – when GPS went the way of the dodo bird because of the amazing new technology, Garmin came up with their own watch. It includes voice activation and all the trackers you want to stay on top of your health.
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 (prices start at $360 USD) – those who love Android gush over this watch. When connected to their watch it does almost everything a Samsung phone can do.
- Apple Watch Series 7 (prices start at $540 USD) – like its android cousin, the Apple watch does just about everything your phone can do.
In Summary – Pros and Cons of Smartwatches
So, is it worth buying a smartwatch? There is a lot to be said about wearable gadgets. The pros and cons of smartwatches clearly outline the key benefits and a few disadvantages of wearing a smartwatch.
In midlife and beyond, these could be the difference between life and death. The tracking and monitoring could alert your doctor to medical issues before they get really bad.
What’s your favorite smartwatch? Why do you wear one? Let us know!
Other Posts You Might Enjoy: