Lively Medical Alert System

Lively at a Glance

• Mobile/cellular options only (no landline option)
• Cellular coverage through Verizon network
• Every device has a built-in GPS
• U.S.-based monitoring centers
• Suite of health and safety services available for a monthly fee
• Waterproof, wearable pendants
• No long-term contracts
• Activation fees
• Seasonal promotions and discounts
• Smartphone apps to help seniors stay safe and caregivers connected
• Phones with preloaded brain games
• One-year equipment warranty

The Fast Facts: Lively’s Equipment and Pricing

Lively's pricing and subscription options can be a bit overwhelming, but we've simplified things for you below. Keep in mind that selecting a health and safety package is required for Lively's medical alert devices: Mobile Plus and Lively Wearable2. When it comes to Lively's phones, Lively Smart and Lively Flip, you can choose to forgo a health and safety package and select a cell phone plan to fit your talk, text, and data needs if you don't want medical alert protection.

A Closer Look at Lively’s Systems and Value

Lively Smart: An Affordable, Simplified Smartphone

With an upfront cost of $149.99, this smartphone is Lively's premier option. It's more affordable than many other smartphones on the market. For instance, one of Apple's least expensive models, the iPhone SE, starts at around $400, which is more than twice the price of the Lively Smart. Talk, text, and data plans start at $17.48 per month, which is inexpensive compared to big-name cell phone carriers. Just keep in mind: If you decide to add a health and safety package for medical alert features, you'll be tacking $19.99 to $34.99 onto your monthly bill, depending on your chosen package.

Lively Smart

With a large screen, intuitive menu, loud speaker, and voice typing, the Lively Smart offers smartphone technology that caters to older adults. We love that the phone has a 22-hour battery life and dual rear cameras (13MP/5MP) – perfect for taking all those pictures of grandbabies and your latest vacation! If you choose to activate the Urgent Response button, you'll have access to an emergency operator who can send help during an emergency.

Lively Flip: A Basic Flip Phone for Budget-Conscious Seniors

With an equipment fee of $99 and talk and text plans beginning at $14.99 per month, the Lively Flip cell phone is an excellent option for older adults who want a no-frills device with affordable monthly rates. We will say the Lively Flip is pricier than the upfront cost of other basic flip phones, like Consumer Cellular’s prices for the Link II, which is $35. However, the Lively Flip can access top-of-the-line health and safety features and reliable service that you won't find with other flip phones, which is why we think it is worth the extra cost.

Lively Flip

The Lively Flip features a bright screen, loud speaker, large textured buttons, simplified menu, and hearing aid compatibility – all designed specifically for older adults. This flip phone can be turned into a medical alert device with a health and safety package. Plus, it's the perfect size to slide into a pocket or purse for on-the-go protection.

Lively Mobile Plus: An All-in-One Medical Alert System

This mobile medical alert device is perfect for older adults who want a simple way to stay protected on the go. In addition to a one-time $49.99 device fee and $35 activation fee, all Lively Mobile Plus users must sign up for a health and safety package, starting at $24.99 per month. This is $5 to $10 less expensive than Medical Guardian’s monthly costs for similar mobile systems, so it offers good value.

Lively Mobile Plus

This system features GPS technology, 24/7 monitoring, and 80 hours of battery life to keep you safe, whether you're at the grocery store or out in the garden. Weighing in at under 2 ounces, the small waterproof product is perfect for active seniors who still drive, travel, or who don't want to be hindered while they're wearing a medical device! During an emergency, you can press the device's button to connect to help straight away. If you have a history of falling, it may be worthwhile to add automatic fall detection to the system, which is available with the Ultimate Health & Safety Package.

Lively Wearable2: An Inexpensive Watch-Style System

The Lively Wearable2 is a good substitute for the Lively Mobile Plus if you want a watch-style option. It's the same price as Lively Mobile, with a device fee of $49.99, a $35 activation fee, and monthly monitoring starting at $24.99. This minimalist, discreet device connects to most smartphones and has health-conscious features like a step tracker and health tips to keep you active, which is ever so important as we age!

Lively Wearable 2

The system can be worn as a watch or a necklace, and you can add automatic fall detection with the Ultimate Health & Safety Package. In this year's Lively review, we were impressed with the system's four-month battery life; that's longer than we've seen with most mobile systems. You won't have to remember to charge yet another device, which adds to Lively Wearable2's value.

Add-On Accessories: Pricing and Features

Once you select a Lively phone or medical alert device, you'll want to choose a health and safety Package that suits your budget and protection needs. Lively offers three package options: Basic, Preferred, or Ultimate. The features and monthly prices are dependent on whether you purchase a phone or medical alert device. Below is a breakdown of the packages and the value of the features they include.

Health and Safety Packages for Lively Mobile Plus and Lively Wearable2

Health and Safety Packages for Lively Smart and Lively Flip

Urgent Response

Urgent Response gives you 24/7 access to trained emergency agents who are familiar with your personal health information. All Lively agents are certified by The National Academy of Emergency Dispatch (IAED),2 the same company that certifies 911 operators, which gets a big thumbs up from us.

Urgent Care

Have you ever wanted the advice of a medical professional but didn’t want to hassle with an appointment to ask a simple question? Urgent Care gives seniors 24/7 access to board-certified doctors and registered nurses, so you can use your Lively device to access non-emergency medical care from the comfort of your home. Doctor's visits can be expensive, so this feature offers excellent value and accessibility to care.

Lively Link

Using the Lively Link app, caregivers can stay in the loop on their loved one's status. Users receive instant, detailed medical alerts, GPS location, and daily activity updates on their loved one.

Personal Operator

With this concierge-like feature, seniors can access the personal operator to schedule a Lyft ride, search for phone numbers, make a call, or get driving directions. Talk about convenience!

Fall Detection

This feature automatically detects a fall and tracks your location. When a fall is detected, an Urgent Response Agent is alerted and can provide you with immediate assistance.

How to Get the Best Deal With Lively

Here are our top tips for getting the best deal on a Lively phone or device.

1. Ask customer service about any seasonal promotions Lively is running at the time of purchase. There is usually a deal that can save you up to 25 percent on the one-time product fee. As you know, we love a good deal!
2. If you're an AARP member, you can save up to $60 every year on select health and safety packages, so make sure to let a representative know you're a member when you sign up.
3. Take advantage of Lively's free shipping and 30-day return policy. Lively makes it easy to try out one of their products without much risk. If you don't like the product, you have up to 30 days to return it and move on. Keep in mind – you will have to pay $10 restocking.

Is Lively Right for Me?

If you're looking for a device that keeps you connected and offers 24/7 protection, we'd recommend Lively. Their devices are small and sleek, so you won't feel like you're carrying around a bulky medical alert device. Compared to other flip phones and smartphones, Lively's device fees are affordable, and we love that they're designed specifically for older adults. The health and safety features are as simple or robust as you want and can be adjusted as your health needs change. The flexibility and personalization offered by Lively devices make them a great option for any seniors needing a mobile phone, medical alert device, or both.

Final Thoughts on Pricing and Value for Lively

Lively has more than 900,000 subscribers, which shows just how popular and trusted the brand is.3 Sure, you could spend a little bit less per month by purchasing an in-home Bay Alarm Medical system or a Consumer Cellular phone. But if you want mobile protection and the most bang for the buck, Lively has advanced mobile features and reliable systems, making it a solid choice.

Check out our video review of Lively's medical alert systems for a closer look at this provider.