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Seniors and Wearable Data

Seniors and Wearable Data

In an effort to live healthier lives, many people, including 17% of Americans over 65, use wearable data trackers to keep count of steps taken each day. Some trackers even go a step further and detail heart rate, physical activity, and sleep patterns. A study was conducted by CDW Healthcare in partnership with Big Cloud Analytics to discover how wearable data could be used to benefit the health of adults, especially those living in senior care facilities. The discoveries of CDW and BCA could change the way seniors approach healthy living.

The study included a pilot program at four senior care communities and tracked daily physical activities in addition to monitoring heart rate and sleep patterns for their residents. The tracker’s findings were used in comparison with daily activities. For example, if data showed increased heart rate, it could be tracked back to what the senior had scheduled at that moment- perhaps aerobics or swimming. The findings showed that an adult who participated in physical activity was more likely to have a deep bio-restorative rest at night than compared to someone who didn’t participate in any activities.

The study’s data was cross-compared with different scenarios and resulted in findings that could help your senior live a longer, happier, and healthier life. Some of the discoveries included results that showed adults who took sleep aids would sleep deeply but without restoration for the next day. In addition, seniors who wore the trackers were able to get personalized care that met their exact needs and preferences.

Wearable data comes in many different forms so that you or your senior can choose a style that fits them the best. Here are some different varieties to choose from:

  • Withings Pulse Ox is worn on the wrist and allows seniors to track their activity status, heart rate, blood oxygen levels and quality of sleep. Checking the data daily will allow seniors to look out for their own health and well-being.
  • The Fitbit Zip acts as a fitness tracker and is worn like a clip, so you don’t have to worry about it coming lose when walking or exercising. This clip tracks distance traveled, steps, and calories burned.
  • The Misfit Flash looks like a watch, which is great for everyday use. Affordable and waterproof this fitness tracker monitors your daily exercise, calories burned and sleep patterns.

At Carespring of Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and Dayton, we are always looking for ways to help our seniors thrive by living healthy and happy lives in our nursing home and rehabilitation centers. Fitness trackers are a great way to keep physically fit while paying attention to your body and its needs. Let us know what kind of fitness tracker works best for you!