Will Physicians soon be prescribing a “Smart Watch” to aging Americans?

Seniors may soon have a Smart Watch strapped to their wrist – all in an effort to keep themselves healthier. For example, Apple has taken aim at the health market with its new Series 4 Apple Watch. It includes alerts to let you know if your heart is falling to dangerously low levels. The Watch is also equipped with technology to run an ECG. This is claimed to be a doctor-level benefit that may save wearers or their insurers hundreds of dollars by allowing the wearer to avoid an office or hospital visit. And the new Apple Watch can detect falls and offers the ability to call for outside help automatically. Falls are one of the most common causes of injuries among the elderly. Other manufacturers may have watches with similar or even more advanced features. Consumers should weigh their options when shopping.

A Smart Watch may be able to provide health benefits to its wearers. The extent of the benefits remains unclear. But, time will tell.