Best Medical Alert Systems for Active Seniors
Medical Guardian offers several on-the-go systems for active seniors with the latest technology, earning them the top spot on our list.
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- Wide array of customizable systems
- No long-term contracts required
- At-home and on-the-go systems
- Prices starting at $24.95 per month
- Mobile app for caregivers and family
- Small, lightweight design
- Combines mobile phone with a medical alert system
- Jitterbug phones are compatible with hearing aid
- Simple Urgent Response button for immediate connection with an operator
- Easy-to-use systems
- Lifetime warranty
- Seasonal promotions
Contents
If you’re always on the move, you need a medical alert system that can keep up with you. Whether you enjoy golfing, taking long walks, exercising, or traveling, there are plenty of systems that can help you keep your independence without getting in the way.
Our senior tech experts spent over 100 hours researching and testing the best medical alert systems. We narrowed down the list to our top picks for active seniors by evaluating important factors like price, reliability, and ease-of-use on the go.
Our Top 5 Medical Alert Systems for Active Seniors
Our Methodology: How We Chose the Best Medical Alert Systems for Active Seniors
There are many medical alert systems out there, but not all cater to an active lifestyle. Our team tested these systems on walks, while running errands, and while working out to evaluate their usefulness for an active lifestyle. We took notes on our experience, noting comfort and if the systems got in the way of our activities. To earn a spot, providers had to offer systems that were:
- Affordable: We focused on providers that offered affordable monthly rates compared to competitors. We also included systems that were pricier, but offered excellent value.
- Reliable: When you’re on the go, you don’t want to worry about your system malfunctioning, running out of battery, or having spotty coverage. All of the systems on this list are built with durable equipment and reliable service you can trust.
- Mobile: The most important thing about a medical alert system for active seniors is that it’s mobile. Tossing your system in a purse, placing it around your neck, clipping it to your belt, or strapping it to your wrist is ideal when you’re busy and active. During testing, we took notes on how easy each system was to use on the go.
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1. Medical Guardian - Best Variety of Mobile Systems
What we like most
- Wide array of customizable systems
- No long-term contracts required
- At-home and on-the-go systems
Medical GuardianOverview:Overview
Medical Guardian has multiple innovative medical alert systems for active seniors, with three on-the-go options to choose from. You can wear the MGMini Lite or the MGMini around your wrist or neck, respectively. The most advanced mobile system, the MGMove, is a smartwatch. It can update you on the weather, track your steps, and facilitate communication with your Care Circle. We’re also big fans of Medical Guardian’s customer service and urgent response agents, who are always friendly and efficient.
» Pricing Guide: Medical Guardian prices and deals
Pros & Cons:Pros About Medical Guardian
- Three mobile systems to choose from
- No activation fees
- No long-term contracts
- Monthly, quarterly, and annual payment options
- Advanced smartwatch option
- U.S.-based monitoring
Cons About Medical Guardian
- No trial period
- High equipment fees
Summary:Plans and pricing
System Starting price Equipment fee Activation fee Installation fee Designated purpose MGMini $39.95 per month $149.95 No No On-the-go help button MGMini Lite $44.95 per month $149.95 No No On-the-go help button MGMove $39.95 per month $199.95 No No On-the-go use, smartwatch style Our Experience With Medical Guardian’s Mobile Devices
After testing all three mobile systems, the MGMove was our favorite choice for active seniors. This streamlined device isn’t as advanced as the smartwatches we’ve tested from Apple or Samsung, but it’s designed to be simple and straightforward. Plus, it looks like any other smartwatch, so it’s discreet.
We could see the time and date, keep track of our steps, check the weather, chat with our Care Circle, and — most importantly — tap the SOS icon in the event of an emergency. The watch uses AT&T’s cellular network, and the connection was included with our plan.
You can watch the video below to learn more about this senior-friendly smartwatch.
If a smartwatch isn’t your cup of tea, the MGMini and MGMini Lite are also great options. The MGMini, worn like a pendant, is lightweight and can easily be worn on the go. The MGMini Lite, worn on the wrist, is even lighter and won’t move around during exercise. However, these devices don’t have as many extra features as the MGMove, like messaging or checking the weather before you leave the house.
Medical Guardian is among the fastest medical alert systems we’ve tested. After pressing
the SOS icon on the MGMove or the physical button on the MGMini or MGMini Lite, we were connected with an emergency response agent in 10 seconds on average. The industry standard is anywhere between 15 and 45 seconds, so Medical Guardian is fast.
» Our Full Review: Medical Guardian review 2024
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2. Bay Alarm Medical - Best Smartwatch System
What we like most
- Prices starting at $24.95 per month
- Mobile app for caregivers and family
- Small, lightweight design
Bay Alarm MedicalOverview:Overview
Bay Alarm Medical’s systems are affordable, reliable, and easy to use. The SOS Smartwatch is a solid option for seniors who want something more subtle than a large pendant hanging on a lanyard. You can track your steps and set daily goals, perfect for those who want to stay on top of their daily activity. This system is streamlined and easy to use, which is why it’s our favorite smartwatch-style system. If a smartwatch isn’t right for you, Bay Alarm Medical also has the lightweight SOS Mobile or SOS All-in-One, which are both worn around the neck
» Our Full Review: Bay Alarm Medical alert system review 2024
Pros & Cons:Pros About Bay Alarm Medical
- Goal-setting feature on smartwatch
- 30-day risk-free trial
- No long-term contracts
- Low prices
- Language support
- U.S.-based manufacturing and monitoring
Cons About Bay Alarm Medical
- Small product catalog
- Equipment fees on mobile systems
Summary:Plans and Pricing
System Starting price Equipment fee Activation fee Installation fee Designated purpose SOS Mobile $34.95 per month $99 No No On-the-go help button SOS Smartwatch $34.95 per month $159 No No On-the-go help for active users SOS All-in-One $39.95 per month $170 No No In-home and on-the-go use Our Experience With Bay Alarm Medical’s Mobile Devices
The SOS Smartwatch is very similar to the MGMove in its capabilities, including step tracking, daily activity goals, weather reports, and more. However, it has lower monthly rates and equipment fees, so it offers more bang for your buck than the MGMove.
FYI: Want to know how Bay Alarm Medical stacks up against the competition? Check out our analysis of Bay Alarm Medical vs. Medical Guardian.
We called for help several times by pressing the physical emergency button on the side of the watch or tapping the SOS icon on the touch screen. We recorded average response times of 20 seconds. While this was a bit slower than Lively and Medical Guardian, it’s still very fast.
Check out our video below to learn more about our experience with the SOS Smartwatch.
If a smartwatch isn’t your speed, the SOS Mobile is another great option. It’s a small unit worn around the neck. It was lightweight and we could tuck it under our shirt while running errands for more discretion. Both devices are easy to use and designed to ensure that you have greater peace of mind wherever you go (or stay).
» Pricing Guide: Bay Alarm Medical alert system cost and pricing
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3. Lively - Most Affordable System for Active Seniors
What we like most
- Combines mobile phone with a medical alert system
- Jitterbug phones are compatible with hearing aid
- Simple Urgent Response button for immediate connection with an operator
LivelyOverview:Overview
Lively is best known for creating cell phones specifically for seniors, like the Jitterbug Flip2. The company has since added a senior-friendly smartphone to the mix (the Jitterbug Smart4), and both phones offer medical alert features. If you want to stay protected but don’t want to wear a device everywhere, Lively is a great option. The company also offers the Lively Mobile2, a traditional medical alert device, for those who don’t want a phone.
Even better, Lively’s monthly costs are very reasonable. Lively’s Basic medical alert package for the Lively Mobile2 is just $24.99 per month, while plans for the Jitterbug phones start at $19.99 per month. All of Lively’s systems offer on-the-go protection, perfect for active seniors.
» Pricing Guide: Lively medical alert system cost and pricing
Pros & Cons:Pros About Lively
- Affordable monthly monitoring
- Customizable packages
- No long-term contracts
- Senior-friendly devices
- Optional fall detection
- AARP member discount
Cons About Lively
- Equipment and activation fees
- Only one dedicated medical alert device
Summary:Plans and Pricing
System Starting price Equipment fee Activation fee Installation fee Designated purpose Lively Mobile2 $24.99 per month $79.99 $35 No On-the-go protection with a wearable help button Jitterbug Smart4 $19.99 per month $149.99 $35 No Medical alert features coupled with smartphone functions Jitterbug Flip2 $19.99 per month $99.99 $35 No A flip phone with medical alert features Lively on Apple Watch, iPhone, or Alexa-enabled device $24.99 per month N/A No No Safety features on your own device Our Experience With Lively’s Mobile Devices
You can use either Jitterbug phone with a Lively plan that includes medical alert services, essentially bundling your phone and medical alert system into one device. Lively may not have a smartwatch system like Bay Alarm Medical or Medical Guardian, but its phones offer a unique way to stay protected. We’ve tested both phones and found that they’re easy to use and feature large emergency response buttons. Plus, top-tier packages include unique features like on-call nurses and care advocates, which we haven’t seen with other companies.
If you don’t want a new phone, the Lively Mobile2 is a pendant-style medical alert device. This system sticks to the basics, with a help button and two-way speaker. It also offers fall detection, which the Jitterbug phones don’t have. Lastly, you can use a Lively medical alert plan with an iPhone, Apple Watch, or Alexa-enabled device. This is great for those who already have a device they love.
We tested out Lively’s emergency response features on the Jitterbug Flip2, Jitterbug Smart4, and Lively Mobile2. Across all of these devices, we recorded average response times of 10 seconds. This was only slightly slower than Medical Guardian, but twice as fast as Bay Alarm Medical.
» Our Full Review: Lively medical alert system review
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4. LifeFone - Best Bundled System for Active Seniors
What we like most
- Easy-to-use systems
- Lifetime warranty
- Seasonal promotions
LifeFoneOverview:Overview
LifeFone offers several mobile systems for active seniors, including a smartwatch, a wrist-worn help button, and two pendant-style systems. Many of these systems have long-lasting batteries (up to 10 days with the VIPx), which is excellent for on-the-go users. You can also add fall detection to any system for $5 per month. We were impressed with this affordable fall detection, as most providers like Medical Guardian and Lively charge $10 per month. We highly recommend automatic fall detection, as it adds another layer of protection. With this feature, your system will automatically call for help if it senses a fall, even if you can’t press your help button.
» Pricing Guide: LifeFone medical alert system cost and pricing
Pros & Cons:Pros About LifeFone
- No equipment or activation fees
- Lifetime warranty
- Monthly, quarterly, and annual payment options
- Price-lock guarantee
- No long-term contracts
- Free spouse monitoring
- 30-day risk-free trial
- Smartwatch option
Cons About LifeFone
- Weaker reception outside AT&T service area
- Limited system options
Summary:Plans and Pricing
System Starting price Equipment fee Activation fee Installation fee Designated purpose At-Home & On-the-Go, VIP Flex™ $45.95 per month ($41.95 with annual billing) No No No In-home and on-the-go use At-Home & On-the-Go, VIP Active® $43.95 per month ($39.95 with annual billing) No No No On-the-go help button At-Home & On-the-Go, VIPx® $45.95 per month ($41.95 with annual billing) No No No Small on-the-go help button At-Home & On-the-Go Safe Watch Active® $49.95 per month ($45.95 with annual billing) No No No Smartwatch Our Experience with LifeFone’s Mobile Devices
LifeFone’s smartwatch, the At-Home & On-the-Go Safe Watch Active is perfect for those who workout often. It features daily weather notification and step tracking, and you can even monitor your heart rate. The heart rate monitoring is unique; it’s something we haven’t seen with other medical alert watches.
» Helpful Resource: Best medical alert systems with fall detection for seniors
We also tested the At-Home & On-the-Go, VIP Flex system, which is nearly identical to Medical Guardian’s MGMini Lite system. This wrist-worn help button is incredibly lightweight. We forgot we were wearing it most of the time! It won’t get in the way during any activities, whether you’re golfing, going for a run, or playing tennis.
After initiating multiple test emergencies, we recorded average response times of 25 seconds. This was slower than the other companies on our list, but still falls within the industry average.
» Our Full Review: LifeFone medical alert system review 2024
Best Types of Medical Alert Systems for Active Seniors
Mobile medical alert systems offer freedom and flexibility for active seniors. There are several types, catering to different budgets and activity levels.
Two-Piece Systems
Two-piece systems come in, you guessed it, two pieces! The base station can be clipped to your waist, thrown in a purse, or hidden in a pocket. The wearable help button is worn around the neck or wrist. These buttons are small and can easily be hidden under a sleeve or shirt.
When the help button is pressed, the base station calls the emergency monitoring center. This only works if you’re within range. For example, you can’t go on a hike wearing your help button and leave the base station in your car; you’ll need to bring both pieces with you. Seniors who don’t want to wear a bulky system and would like a lightweight help button may prefer a two-piece system.
All-in-One Systems
Convenience is a big selling point for all-in-one systems. The unit has a two-way speaker, GPS location technology, and a help button — all built into one device that you wear on your belt or around your neck. The drawback? With all of those features packed in, these devices can be a bit bulky and heavy. We’d recommend an all-in-one system for seniors who like to travel, go on long walks, or garden.
Smartwatch
Similar to an all-in-one system, a smartwatch medical alert system features a speaker, GPS technology, and a help button. About 17 percent of Americans over the age of 50 wear a smartwatch or fitness tracker, so it makes sense for medical alert systems to follow suit. If you’re a fitness enthusiast who would enjoy tracking your activity and heart rate, a smartwatch system is a great option. Even if you’re not fitness-obsessed, it is a discreet way to stay protected.
Tips for Choosing a Medical Alert System for Your Lifestyle
Still not sure which type of on-the-go system is right for you? Check out our recommendations based on your favorite activities.
- The jogger: A smartwatch system might be best when you’re on a run or brisk walk, as it won’t get in the way and can track your steps and heart rate. If walking is more your style, an all-in-one pendant may be comfortable, too.
- The golfer: If you’re out on the golf course most of the day, you don’t want anything interfering with your swing! A smartwatch system or wrist-worn help button would be ideal. Plus, if you skip the golf cart, you can get some cardio in and use the smartwatch to track your steps on the course.
- The yogi: A neck pendant simply won’t work for older adults who get on their mat for downward-facing dog pose. For yoga, try a two-piece system with the base station near your mat and the help button on your wrist, or a smartwatch system.
- The artist: Whether you paint, sculpt, draw, or play music, a two-piece or all-in-one system with a neck pendant may work well to ensure nothing is on your wrist while you’re creating with your hands.
Fall Detection for Active Seniors
When purchasing a medical alert system, you’ll need to decide if you want automatic fall detection. If you have experienced a fall in the past, have noticed a decline in your cognition, or have experienced hearing loss, you may be at higher risk of falling. This feature automatically detects the motion of a fall and contacts the urgent response center, even if you can’t press your help button. If you can afford the extra $5 to $10 per month, fall detection is worth the extra protection in our book. Keep in mind that fall detection is generally more accurate with pendants worn around the neck than with help buttons or smartwatches worn on the wrist.
Pew Research Center. (2020). About one-in-five Americans use a smart watch or fitness tracker.
.National Institute on Aging. (2022). Falls and Fractures in Older Adults: Causes and Prevention.
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