The term "smartwatch" translates roughly to "smart watch" in German. This is due to the many functions it combines. With the right device, seniors can significantly simplify their daily lives. A smartwatch allows you to remain reachable even as an older person, contact others yourself, and make emergency calls in critical situations. How well-suited these devices are for seniors depends primarily on their ease of use and, of course, the type of integrated functions. Find out here what a smartwatch actually is, how it can bring more convenience to your life, and what you should consider when buying one.

Smartwatch or classic watch – what's the difference?

Wristwatches have existed since the 19th century. Since then, they have been used as timekeepers. Many seniors will have worn models with analog dials as children. Later, digital watches were added, and now there are even smartwatches. But what actually distinguishes a smartwatch from a regular wristwatch with a digital display?

Many older people struggle to grasp the concept and therefore believe they don't need this gadget. However, smartwatches can significantly simplify daily life for seniors, providing greater comfort and safety. The prerequisite, though, is that they offer ease of use and the right features. The One Button Phone , for example, is a senior-friendly smartwatch with an emergency call function, fall detection, and many other useful extras!

Any watch can tell time!

Both classic wristwatches and smartwatches for seniors tell the time. This way, you always know what time it is and can better manage your day. However, traditional watches don't offer much beyond that. Some models have a stopwatch function, and others display the date. A smartwatch, however, can do much more. For example, you can set an alarm, count your daily steps , measure your vital signs, and even make phone calls. Essentially, this small device on your wrist contains a tiny computer that can do almost everything a smartphone can, only it's much more compact.

Making phone calls – that's what makes smartwatches interesting for seniors

Unlike a traditional wristwatch, smartwatches have a phone function. Many models, such as the One Button Phone, can even be equipped with their own SIM card. With these devices, you can make calls even without a smartphone. The devices automatically connect to the mobile network, providing excellent service on the go. The phone function of a smartwatch is particularly interesting for seniors for two reasons:

1. Emergency call

Many elderly people suffer from health problems or have difficulty walking, which can easily lead to falls. Some of them feel so unsafe in their own homes that they would like an emergency call button that they can always carry with them.

With a smartwatch for seniors, you can specify 112 as your emergency contact or choose a person from your personal network. The latter is a good idea if you frequently need help, but don't always want an ambulance dispatched.

Many smartwatches offer an emergency call function, but not all are equipped with a dedicated SOS button. Some models require you to press a combination of buttons or navigate through a menu. This wastes valuable time and can be overwhelming in a stressful situation. That's why we love the One Button Phone – simply press the large emergency call button!

2. Social contacts

Of course, you can also make regular phone calls with a smartwatch that has an emergency call function. Since seniors often suffer from loneliness, this is a godsend!

With this small device on your wrist, you can stay in touch with friends and family. Do you suddenly feel like chatting with your old friend, who unfortunately now lives in another city, while taking a walk in the park? Then simply make yourself comfortable on a park bench and use your smartwatch to call her. The One Button Phone makes phone calls particularly convenient thanks to its hands-free function.

Furthermore, your friends and family can also reach you via the smartwatch. This makes it easier to stay in touch with the important people in your life! You can also use it to schedule important appointments and take care of other things.

Overview of other typical functions

The features offered by a smartwatch can vary greatly from model to model. Some smartwatches are practically overloaded with features and, thanks to their many capabilities, are true multifunctional tools. However, not all of these features are relevant for seniors. There are certainly many you can do without.

• Displaying messages: Smartwatches can often be connected to a compatible smartphone and can then display incoming messages on the smartphone screen. However, the display is small, so this function is not necessarily useful for seniors.
• Health features: Many smartwatches are equipped with health features such as vital sign monitoring and pedometers. This is especially useful for seniors, who often need to take extra care of themselves. That's why the One Button Phone also offers these features.
• Navigation: Some people even use their smartwatch as a navigation device. However, we find this approach rather unsuitable for seniors. After all, there's hardly any room for a map on the tiny screen. GPS tracking via the smartwatch is more practical. The One Button Phone determines your location and sends this information to your emergency contact in case of an emergency call. Additionally, your family members can see your current location on a map using the family app.
• Contactless payment: Some smartwatches allow contactless payment at the checkout. Whether this is truly necessary and helpful in everyday life is debatable.
• Music control: Smartwatches can also be used to control music. However, many of these devices require a smartphone as a playback device. The small watch then serves more as a remote control. If you don't own a smartphone and don't want one, this function will probably be of little interest to you.
• Appointment reminder: Do you want to be reminded of an upcoming doctor's appointment or to take your daily medication? With a smartwatch, that's no problem. The One Button Phone even has a built-in alarm function for this purpose.
• SOS functions: We've already discussed the emergency call function. In addition, modern smartwatches can offer further SOS functions such as fall detection or GPS tracking.

A regular watch can't do all that. If only a few of these functions are of interest to you, you could benefit from purchasing a smartwatch. Models whose functions meet the everyday needs of seniors and which also offer simple, age-appropriate operation are particularly well-suited. Here, we would like to specifically mention the One Button Phone again!

This one-button smartwatch is a real boon, as it's very accessible for older people. Its simple operation makes it easy to get used to. Furthermore, unnecessary features have been omitted. Instead, the focus has been placed on what seniors truly need. This includes an emergency call function, a pedometer, GPS tracking, blood pressure and pulse measurement, fall detection, and an alarm clock.

What are the arguments against smartwatches for senior citizens?

While smartwatches are available in various price categories, even the more affordable models represent an initial investment. Understandably, many seniors are skeptical, primarily from a financial perspective. In fact, besides the price, there are several other reasons why a smartwatch might not be the right choice for seniors.

Small display and small icons

If a smartphone screen already seems tiny to you, you'll probably find a smartwatch display even less manageable. It's so small that some people have to get out their reading glasses to see what's on it. This is especially problematic with standard smartwatches that have a large number of functions and a complicated menu system.

The One Button Phone is significantly more senior-friendly. It offers only basic functions. Furthermore, all essential information, such as the time, is displayed large and clearly on the screen. In addition, tiny buttons have been omitted. The large button in the lower center is the main control element. It is easy to locate, thanks in part to its contrasting color.

Complicated setup

Many smartwatches are so complicated and confusing to set up that seniors without experience with smart devices often give up. The One Button Phone, however, is incredibly easy thanks to its accompanying family app. It guides you through the setup process. If you still encounter difficulties, you can watch the tutorial videos on YouTube or ask a family member for help. For tech-savvy grandchildren, setting it up with the app will be a breeze! The app is available for download on Apple, Android, and Huawei devices.

Complex control

Of course, it always depends a bit on which smartwatch you choose. The controls can vary greatly depending on the model. These are typical operating methods:

• Buttons: There are small buttons on the edge of the smartwatch. These are difficult to see with slightly impaired eyesight and can only be felt at best.
• Gestures: Some smartwatches respond to gestures. This may be intuitive for some, but it can also be quite confusing.
• Touchscreen: Some models also allow control by touching the screen. However, considering how small the display is, this can be quite fiddly.

Make it easy on yourself and choose the One Button Phone instead! This special smartphone for seniors features a single-button control. You won't have to fumble for tiny buttons on the side of the device, practice various gestures, or swipe wildly across the screen. Instead, simply press the distinctive blue button to access all essential functions. You can even make an emergency call with this button – just hold it down for a little longer.

Which smartwatch is best suited for seniors?

As you can see from our explanations, smartwatches can certainly be a good choice for seniors. However, the device should be specifically designed for older people; otherwise, it can quickly become overwhelming. If you want to enjoy the benefits of a smartwatch, you should look for a device with intuitive operation, an emergency button, and functions adapted to seniors. A comparison will help you find your personal winner among smartwatches for seniors. We believe the One Button Phone is ideally suited for seniors – and here's why:

• The one-button operation is easy to understand and requires no lengthy familiarization period.
• The price is fair and covers all costs except for mobile phone charges. You don't need to take out any additional tariffs for specific services with us.
• Thanks to its fall detection feature, the One Button Phone also protects you if you fall and become unconscious. An emergency call is then automatically activated. Conveniently, you can adjust the sensitivity of the fall sensors.
• In an emergency call, a call cascade is initiated. Up to three contacts can be called in succession.
• Vital signs monitoring allows you to monitor your blood pressure and pulse. Deviations are quickly noticed.
• The integrated pedometer motivates you to move more and allows you to track your activity. You'll know exactly how much you've moved each day!
• The One Button Phone offers a long battery life of up to four days. The charger, which connects to the watch via a magnetic contact, is also very convenient. This means you don't have to awkwardly fumble with a cable and plug it into a tiny USB port.
• Extensive accessories are available for the base unit. Chargers can be purchased separately. Wristbands and screen protectors are also available.
• You can test the One Button Phone for 30 days and receive a full refund of the purchase price if you return it within this period.
• If you experience any problems with the device, you can contact customer service. They can be reached by phone or email. In addition, there is a chat support service available 24/7 to assist you.

Currently, you can purchase the One Button Phone in two versions. The 2022 model is the older version and therefore a bit cheaper, but we also offer the 2024 model at a fair price. If the device is too expensive for you, be sure to check out our pre-owned devices. There you'll regularly find more affordable devices, for example, those returned by other customers. Test devices and refurbished units can also be purchased here at a real bargain price. If you need to watch every penny, you can save money and still get a high-quality smartwatch for seniors!