Aging is like a rollercoaster—you're never quite sure what's going to happen next, and you're pretty sure there are going to be a few surprises along the way. While aging is an inevitable part of life, with the help of technology, you can improve your overall health, safety, and cognitive function to age gracefully.

It's possible to use wearables, EKG monitors, hearables, and other smart devices to promote healthy aging and cognitive function. With the help of these gadgets, you can monitor vital signs, track physical activity, and even improve hearing. Take a closer look at the top gadgets that are revolutionizing the approach to healthy aging.

1. Using Wearables to Assist in Emergency Situations

Wearable devices such as the Samsung Galaxy Watch and Fitbit fitness trackers have taken the world by storm, and it's no surprise that they are also making a significant impact on the way people approach healthy aging.

One of the most popular options in this category is the Apple Watch. The Apple Watch has a variety of features that could save your life. For example, it supports a healthy mind and body as you age. It also comes equipped with a fantastic workout app and a medications app that you can use to maintain healthy muscles and bones and stave off cognitive decline.

What's more, some Apple Watches include fall detection technology that can alert emergency services if you take a hard fall and are unable to get up. This feature can be especially beneficial if you're older or at a higher risk of falling and injuring yourself.

Additionally, the Apple Watch has an emergency SOS function that can be activated with just a press of a button, allowing you to quickly get help in case of an emergency.

2. Monitoring Heart Health With ECG Monitors

Electrocardiogram (EKG) monitors are useful tools for monitoring heart health and detecting potential problems in individuals of all ages. EKG monitors are used to record the electrical activity of the heart and can provide valuable information about heart rate, rhythm, and the overall health of the cardiovascular system.

In healthy aging, an EKG monitor can be used as a routine screening tool to assess heart health and identify any potential issues that may arise as the body ages. This can be particularly important for older adults who may be at a higher risk for heart disease or other cardiovascular conditions.

If you already own an Apple Watch, you're in luck. The latest versions are equipped with the ability to take ECG readings. If you don't, there are plenty of standalone devices on the market.

For example, the KardiaMobile personal EKG is a portable device that allows you to monitor your heart health wherever you are. It records a medical-grade EKG in just 30 seconds, providing detailed information about heart rate, rhythm, and other important metrics.

The device is also able to detect atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common heart condition that can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. It's FDA-cleared, ensuring that it meets high standards for safety and effectiveness. Using an ECG monitor is just one of the ways technology can help older loved ones stay healthy.

3. Staying Connected and Active With Hearables

Hearables are a type of wearable technology designed to enhance hearing and communication abilities. They are small, discreet, and can be worn in or around the ear.

While these have traditionally been thought of as merely hearing aids, hearables such as the Sound World Solutions hearing amplifier are Bluetooth-enabled, allowing you to connect them to your Apple or Android smartphone, or any other Bluetooth-enabled multimedia equipment.

Hearables can provide benefits such as improved hearing, personalized sound, noise reduction, and voice assistance. They can help you stay connected, engaged, and active as you age by enhancing your hearing and communication abilities.

4. Preventing Heart Attacks and Stroke With Blood Pressure Monitors

Blood pressure monitors are helpful as people age because systolic blood pressure tends to increase with age. High blood pressure can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health complications. This is one area where smartwatches and fitness trackers cannot help, which is why a separate dedicated device will be necessary.

For example, the Omron Healthcare monitor can alert you if your blood pressure gets out of normal range, particularly in the morning when there is a higher risk of stroke or heart attack. Meanwhile, the Checkme can connect via Bluetooth to your smartphone to record and store your data, which you can later share with your doctor.

While this might not make the list of the best tech gifts for grandma, it is something she should probably have in her home!

5. Using Smart Home Devices to Stay Connected and Informed

The Amazon Echo Show 8 and Google Nest are both smart devices with integrated displays that can be useful for older adults. They offer video conferencing capabilities, entertainment, reminders, and alarms, home automation, and information services.

These devices can help older adults stay connected, manage their homes, and stay informed and engaged, enhancing their quality of life as they age. They can also be used to remind older adults to take their medicine or attend medical appointments.

It is important to note that like all technology in this list, individual users—especially older adults—may have varying levels of comfort and familiarity with technology, so some people may require support to set up and use these devices effectively.

Embracing Wearable Health Technology for Active and Healthy Aging

Technology is advancing the way people monitor and manage their health, especially as they age. Smartwatches, ECG monitors, hearables, and blood pressure monitors are just a few examples of devices that can provide valuable insights into your cardiovascular health, hearing abilities, and blood pressure levels.

As you age, these devices will become increasingly important, helping you maintain good health, detect potential issues early on, and reduce your risk of developing serious health complications. By embracing wearable health technology, you can take a proactive approach to your health, staying connected, engaged, and active as you age.