Smart tech tools that help you avoid dangerous falls

Falls are the number one cause of injury among adults 65 and older. But the truth is, your risk doesn’t suddenly appear the day you turn 65. It increases gradually over time, especially if you’re dealing with weak muscles, balance issues, side effects from medication, or even just forgetting a pill. Experts recommend that everyone get screened for fall risk at age 65. But you don’t have to wait for a doctor’s visit to take action. A new wave of technology is giving older adults the power to track, prevent, and respond to fall risks, all from home. Here are ten smart tools that can help.

1) Gait sensors track how your balance changes over time

Your walking pattern can reveal subtle issues that increase your risk of falling. If you use an iPhone with iOS 15 or newer, the built-in walking steadiness feature in the Health app can rate your balance as OK, low, or very low over time. Android users can use wearable fitness trackers like Fitbit, or Samsung Galaxy Watch to gather similar data. These tools track stride, stability, and pressure patterns that help identify balance changes before you feel unsteady.

What to check: On iPhone, open the Health app and review your walking steadiness trends. Android users can check their wearable app dashboards, like Samsung Health or Fitbit, to view step symmetry, cadence, and gait-related data. Look for any changes over weeks or months and take advantage of in-app exercise suggestions to improve balance and strength.

2) Smart pill dispensers prevent risky mistakes

Forgetting to take medication or taking too much can cause grogginess or dizziness that increases fall risk. A smart pill dispenser helps make sure you take the right dose at the right time.

`What to look for: Look for dispensers with reminders, dose tracking, and alerts for missed meds.

3) Fitness trackers keep you motivated to move

Building strength, especially in your legs and core, is one of the best ways to prevent falls. Whether you use an Apple Watch, Fitbit, or another device, fitness trackers can nudge you toward daily movement goals.

What to check: Track your cardio fitness levels, not just step counts. It’s a good indicator of your overall strength and endurance.

4) Vital-sign monitors help detect lightheaded spells

Dips in blood pressure or oxygen levels can make you feel woozy, which increases your fall risk. Smartwatches and fingertip pulse oximeters help you monitor these changes in real time.

What to check: If you’re not using a wearable, jot down your daily readings with a standard cuff or oximeter to spot any unusual trends.

5) Motion-activated lighting lights the way

Getting up in the middle of the night without enough light is a common recipe for a fall. Motion-activated lights can illuminate your path without you needing to touch a switch.

What to look for: Try plug-in nightlights that turn on when they sense motion, or during a power outage. Some even double as portable flashlights.

6) Leak sensors help prevent unexpected slips

A small water leak can create a slick floor long before it’s visible. Leak sensors alert you to changes in humidity or water buildup near appliances and pipes.

What to look for: Choose ones that send alerts to your phone. You’ll avoid a fall and possibly a pricey repair bill.

7) Doorbell cameras keep you from rushing

One overlooked fall trigger is rushing to answer the door. A doorbell camera lets you see who’s there and speak to them, so you can take your time or decide not to answer at all.

What to look for: A model with two-way audio gives you the freedom to communicate from wherever you are in your home.

While we’re on the topic of security cameras, be sure to check out my 5 Best outdoor security camera recommendations.

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8) Fall-detection devices can call for help

Even the most independent older adults face higher fall risks, and family members who live far away may worry more than they let on. If a fall happens and you’re alone, getting help quickly is essential. Wearables like the Apple Watch can detect a hard fall and automatically alert emergency services or your emergency contacts. If you don’t use an Apple Watch, there are other great options. Many Android-compatible smartwatches now offer fall detection, including select Samsung Galaxy Watch models. There are also dedicated medical alert wearables that can help bridge that distance with a single button press. These tools are simple, discreet, and offer life-saving support, especially when no one else is around.

Here are some of the top-rated personal safety tools to consider:

1) Vivint Emergency Pendant

This tiny device can be worn around the neck, wrist, or belt. Pressing the button connects users to Vivint’s 24/7 emergency monitoring team. The device works throughout the home, even in the shower, thanks to a 300-foot range and water-resistant design.

SPECIAL OFFER: Get a FREE Emergency Pendant and FREE Professional Installation* | Click here or call 888-225-0189 and mention code FREEPENDANT

2) Vivint Motion Sensors

These sensors are always on and notify you when motion is detected. Through the app, family members can track movements inside the home-even if they’re miles away. The system also stores up to 30 days of motion history.

3) LifeFone VIP flex with GPS

This lightweight medical alert device works nationwide where Verizon or AT&T service is available. It can be worn as a necklace, wristband, or belt clip. It includes 24/7 monitoring and optional fall detection for just $5/month.

4) Smart Caregiver Wireless Pager

Perfect for homes with multiple floors or caregivers, this system includes two call buttons and a wireless pager. One button can be placed in the shower or bedroom, while the caregiver wears the pager to respond quickly.

5) Apple Watch Fall Detection

If you’re wearing an Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Series 4 or later, or Apple Watch Ultra or later, and a hard fall is detected, the watch vibrates, sounds an alarm, and gives the option to call emergency services. You will get two choices: 1) contact emergency services or 2) dismiss the alert by pressing the Digital Crown, tapping Close, or tapping “I’m OK.

“To turn it on manually:

• • Open the Watch app on your iPhone
  • Tap My Watch in the bottom left
  • Scroll down and click Emergency SOS
  • Toggle on Fall Detection and choose Always On

These tools are especially helpful for caregivers or adult children managing safety from afar. For more on each of these devices click here. 

What to check: Whether you use a smartwatch or a medical alert device, make sure fall detection is turned on, your contacts are updated, and you test the feature once in a while for peace of mind.

9) Smart speakers make it easier to call for help

Voice assistants like Alexa or Google Nest can help you call someone, turn on a light, or get a reminder, without having to move.

What to look for: Set up voice shortcuts and routines for common tasks. If you’re unsteady, saying “Call my daughter” is a lot safer than walking to your phone.

10) Balance-training apps keep your brain and body in sync

Apps like Nymbl for iPhone or Android, or KOKU for iPhone and Android, offer fun daily balance and cognitive exercises that take just a few minutes. The goal? Keep your body strong and your reflexes sharp.

What to check: Use an app that tracks progress and gives feedback. Some are backed by health researchers or physical therapists.

What this means for you

Falls aren’t only about tripping on a rug or losing your footing. They often involve deeper issues like poor sleep, medication interactions, or delayed reflexes. By using smart tech, you can spot early warning signs, make smarter choices, and stay in control of your health, on your own terms.

Related Links:

• More Americans are turning to AI for health advice
• 5 Tech terms to know for your mental health
• Your health data is being sold without your consent

Kurt’s key takeaways

Getting older doesn’t mean giving up your independence. In fact, the right technology can help extend it. Whether it’s a smartwatch that alerts family during a fall or a simple nightlight that turns on automatically, every tool you use can add peace of mind. You don’t have to wait until a fall to start protecting yourself.

Smart tech is more advanced than ever, but do you feel confident relying on it for your safety? Or do you prefer human care and face-to-face checkups? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

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*Standard Disclaimer: *Qualifying system purchase requires minimum $599.99 equipment purchase, professional installation and applicable services agreement. DIY system purchases and reactivations of previously-installed systems not eligible for offer. Offer not available in all states or provinces. Equipment purchase may be financed separately subject to an agreement with one of Vivint’s third-party financing partners. Monthly $1.48 cellular network maintenance fee applies. Taxes and local permit fees may apply. New Vivint Customers only. Financing eligibility and terms subject to credit approval by one of Vivint’s third-party financing partners. Qualified customers may finance equipment purchase at 0% APR for up to 60 months. Month-to-month service agreement available when equipment is purchased upfront. Without a Vivint services plan, product and system functionality is limited (including loss of remote connectivity). See comprehensive Vivint license numbers on Vivint.com. Use promo code: CYBERGUY.

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