As you age everyone tells you that your metabolism will start to slow, you’ll lose muscle and the aches and pains will increase. But this isn’t the only way! I have firsthand experience of my parents becoming younger as they tried out a variety of Fitbits. In fact, after trying several of them, I am confident that they have found the best Fitbit for seniors. The Charge 2 offers an excellent package of features combined with an attractive price. The fact that this fitness bracelet is extremely easy to use is simply a bonus.
In fact the Fitbit Charge 2 emphasizes why it is so important to have the right equipment for the job. It won’t match the best fitness watch for tri-athletes or even give your children the best kids Fitbit; but, it does provide a fantastically easy way for older people to become more active; that’s why the Fitbit Flex 2 came in a very close 2nd on the best fitness tracker for seniors.
Best Fitbit for seniors
Best Fitbit For Seniors: Fitbit Charge 2 – Best Value For Money
This is the upgraded version of the Charge HR and is a definite improvement. One of the best features that make it the best Fitbit for Seniors, is the larger display. It makes it much easier to see what you’re doing even when you’re on the move.
Wrist-based heart tracker
Call, text or see calendar
App Connectivity & Sync
Weighs just 1.12 ounces
Advantages
Screen Size
The latest version of the Charge 2 has a monochrome OLED screen which is larger than the previous model. This makes it much easier to read but the thickness is just .51 inches. That makes it small enough to keep on all the time which drastically increases the chances of you wearing it when you need it.
Multiple Tracking
The Charge 2 is a very capable device. It can track your steps, distance, calories burned, active minutes, and even how many stairs you’ve climbed.
You can opt to set your heart rate zones for fat burning, cardio, and peak rate. This will help to ensure you get the most out of every workout.
More impressive is the fact that it will recognize the difference between walking, running, lifting weights, or yoga. You really can see exactly what you’ve been doing all day.
Good Range Of Features
If the ability to monitor different activities isn’t enough you’ll be pleased to note that the Charge 2 will automatically track your sleep patterns and report for you. You can even set it to wake you up with a silent alarm.
Alongside this the Charge 2 allows you to track your food, log your workouts, and set goals; which you can watch yourself achieve.
Ease of Use
The battery on this Fitbit is rechargeable. It should last 5 days on one charge which will help you to ensure that it is always ready when you need it.
The controls are generally self-explanatory and you don’t actually need to do anything to it for it to monitor your every move. The auto synch puts the data into your chosen app; allowing you to review and set new targets according to how you’re progressing.
It’s all effortless!
Auto Sync
You can automatically sync with in excess of 200 apps on iOS, Windows, and Android; you’re certain to have the right software to hand to evaluate your progress and improve your fitness.
It can operate at altitudes up to 30,000 feet and in temperatures ranging from 14°F to 113°F.
Disadvantages
Limit Phone Use
It is important to note that the Charge 2 is designed for ease of use and fitness tracking. As such there are watches and trackers that will give you better connectivity to your phone. This will only allow you to see calls, messages, and get calendar alerts.
It may feel a little limited but for most seniors, this is more than they need.
No GPS
Surprisingly the Charge 2 has yet to be given a GPS. This would be beneficial in providing accurate results as the terrain could also be monitored and mapped.
As a senior using it you may even find the GS useful to track your way back to where you started from.
Straps Expensive To replace
It is possible to change the stylish straps on the Charge 2.This means you can customize it according to your mood or the venue you’re attending.
However, purchasing extra straps is on the expensive side; before you get carried away picking half a dozen you’ll need to consider how much they cost.
Fitbit Flex 2 – Easiest To Use
This is a sleeker design than the Charge 2 but doesn’t offer as wide a range of features. That’s not to say the Flex 2 isn’t a good fitness tracker by itself! This is the easiest to use best Fitbit for Seniors.
There are a number of great features:
High Quality LED Screen
Removable Tracker
50m Waterproof
Auto Recognition of Workouts
Advantages
Tracker Can Be Moved Between Units
The small unit inset into the watch band can actually be removed very easily. The theory behind this is that you’ll be able to take it out hidden in a bracelet or even your pocket. You can then continue to track your activity without others knowing.
Auto Tracking
A Flex 2 is capable of knowing when you fall to sleep and monitoring your sleep cycle; ready to disclose to you in the morning.
But that’s not all! It will also automatically start monitoring as soon as you start walking or skipping down the road.
Replaceable Bands
The main unit if the Flex 2 is really easy to pop out. You can then slide it into a different band or almost anything else; giving others the effect that you’ve changed your watch again.
There are a huge number of colors and combinations on offer as well as those not made by Fitbit.
Tracking abilities
If you’re looking to monitor your walking ability, distance traveled, calories burned and how long you’ve spent active then this is the fitness tracker for you.
You can choose between a small and a large band according to your wrist size.
App Connectivity
Just like the Charge 2 this Flex 2 can connect to in excess of 200 apps on Android, Windows and iOS systems. Once you’ve set the system up it will download the information effortlessly whenever you’re in range of your home network.
Disadvantages
Call & Text Notifications Only
Just like the Charge 2 the Flex 2 doesn’t offer much in the way of connectivity with your social life. You can monitor phone calls and text messages but very little else.
In many ways this is a good thing for seniors that don’t want the confusing extras; simply a fitness watch that does what it’s supposed to.
No GPS
Disappointingly a GPS unit is not included. While not essential it would make the watch more useable and may help seniors to find their way home!
Lack of Clock
There is nothing on this display to tell you the time or other useful information. That means you either need to rely on your cell phone or wear a watch alongside your fitness tracker; not an option that appeals to everyone.
Colored Lights Only
This watch actually just consists of colored lights that tell you how close you are to reaching your daily goal.
There is no other information accessible on the watch although all the stats are transferred to the computer
Fitbit Zip – Best For Those On A Budget
This is definitely the most affordable option on the list but still has a good number of features to offer. It’s great if you have a limited budget or are looking to use a fitness tracker without using a wrist band. The Zip is the most budget-friendly best Fitbit for Seniors.
Clips On
Stylish design in multiple colors
Tap the display to see stats
Battery lasts 6 months
Advantages
Basic Features For Fitness
The Fitbit Zip does not offer a huge range of features. It will track your steps, distance traveled, active minutes, and calories burned.
This is enough to start your basic fitness program and improve your overall health. In fact, it is a great way for seniors to start moving again!
Cost
This is not just one of the cheapest Fitbit’s on the market it is also one of the cheapest fitness trackers.
Considering you’re purchasing a quality product from one of the top fitness tracker providers this is a great investment!
Share & Compete
Even when you’re out and about it is possible to share your results with your friends and compete against them.
This is a simple feature but a great way of getting people to push themselves harder. A little competition is a good thing!
Auto Sync
Just like the other Fitbits on this list the Zip will automatically connect to your iOS, Android or Windows app and download the info it has collected.
This gives you the convenience of being able to look at all your activity in an easy to read format on the computer.
Disadvantages
Doesn’t track stairs
The Zip is unable to distinguish between stairs and walking. It simply can’t tell you how many stairs you traveled up each day.
This is a shame as stairs can make a big difference to the total exercise you’ve performed.
No Heart Rate Monitor
In order to get the most out of any exercise, you need to be able to tell whether you’re in the fat-burning range, cardio, or at your peak. Without a heart rate monitor, this is not possible leaving you guessing regarding how much harder you can push during the day.
Limited Impact On Healthy Habits
Because there are no healthy tips available with this Fitbit you won’t be able to use it to improve your exercising or even eating habits. Other Fitbits do offer tips; helping you to know your progress and reset your goals.
Summing Up The Best Fitbit For Seniors
If you’re new to exercise then the Zip is the best Fitbit for seniors. But, if you want to get a good level of information and encouragement to keep going you won’t do better than the Fitbit Charge 2. I know my parents both love it!
