Wearable Smart Tech

July 19, 2024 / Wellness / 5-minute read

Monitoring our health in real time!

What is wearable technology?

Wearable technology, or wearables, are usually small electronic devices worn somewhere on the body such as watches, wristbands, and more.

Wearables are considered “Internet of Things” (IoT) devices because they fit into the description of physical objects that are embedded with sensors, software and other technologies that connect and exchange data with other devices and systems over the internet or other communications networks.

Wearable technology has been around for longer than you might have thought. Back in the 1970s the first calculator wrist watch was developed, and in 1979 Sony introduced the first portable cassette player – known as the Walkman. Ever since, the wearable technology trend has shown no sign of slowing down.

Wearables collect, transmit and process data from the wearer using microprocessors and sensors to exchange data with other devices. They’re used to track helpful information on a real time basis.

What are some different types of wearables?

Smartwatches – Worn on the wrist like a traditional watch, a smartwatch is an extension of your smart phone. It features a touchscreen that enables you to do many of the same things you can do on your phone.

Fitness trackers – Usually worn on the wrist, these can vary widely in their functionality from basic step counters to measuring distance travelled, to counting calories and monitoring heart rate.

Head mounted displays – These include goggles and glasses that help you see things in your peripheral vision, or enable swimmers to see their heart rate without interrupting their swimming.

Health specific – These are a variety of trackers designed for specific health needs such as sleep monitoring and fertility tracking.

Smart jewelry and clothing – These include necklaces, bracelets, rings and even socks that track heart rate and steps, and yoga pants that help improve your body positioning!

What are some of the benefits of wearable technology?

It supports healthcare – Regardless of your age or gender, wearable tech can help you monitor your health more easily. In addition to common health-related features that come standard on most wearables, you can also get technology that monitors specific health concerns in order to help your healthcare provider manage your treatment and care.

Pacemakers and cardioverter defibrillators are forms of implantable wearable technology devices that monitor and help control heart rate, and can even help restart your heart if it stops working properly.

Providers have found that patients who use wearable technology feel empowered by their ability to take a more active role in their own care.

It encourages positive lifestyle changes – Using wearables often brings about beneficial behavioral changes such as getting more exercise and being more conscientious about the foods we eat. It can also increase our productivity by enabling us to use voice commands to set reminders, dictate notes or make lists without using our hands.

It’s great for older people – People who live alone, especially older people who have a greater risk of falls, accidents and failing health, can utilize wearable technology to give them added independence while reassuring loved ones that they can get help quickly if they need it. Smart technology can also give them important medication reminders.

It’s easy to use – Today’s devices are lighter, more comfortable to wear, and easier to set up and integrate than ever before, and they will get even more user-friendly as technology advances!

Did you know?

According to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), Wearable Smart Technology is the #1 Fitness Trend of 2024.

Considering the impact technology continues to make on the world, it’s no surprise that wearable technology hasn’t left the TOP 3 in fitness trends since 2016!

2024’s TOP 3 Fitness Trends are:

Wearable Smart Technology: Fitness trackers, smartwatches, heart rate monitors and GPS devices that track calories, blood oxygen levels, sitting time, sleep patterns and more

Worksite Health Promotion: Work-related perks and programs that increase employee wellness

Fitness Programs for Older Adults: Interventions focused on the unique needs of the aging population

Most users of wearables in the US are between ages 18 and 44 – but the fastest-growing audience is older:
- By 2026, nearly one-third of smart wearable users will be over 55
- Every age group will see higher usage rates by 2026
- Almost 43% of 25 – 34-year-olds will own a smart technology wearable by 2026