Apple Watch Tips for Seniors: Is the Apple Watch Right For You?

[@patricia64]

I took a very hard fall. While still laying on the sidewalk, catching my breath and without any thought or action from me, Apple watch vibrated. SOS appeared indicating Apple Watch thinks you fell and do you want an ambulance? (Glasses broken but Good Samaritan read aloud for me.) I said "click yes" Then, did I want my emergency contacts (son and daughter) notified? “Yes”. Apple sent message and map of my location to my emergency contacts! The ambulance arrived before I got up! Then Apple Watch sent my kids a new message and map of my changed location...hospital. So the watch worked quickly and perfectly. It correctly identified a fall, notified my emergency contacts of my location and then my location change. My family, friends and I were very impressed with how the Apple watch took over. It works!

[@heidikactro7998]

hope you are doing well now.

[@denniss1211]

Most important reason to have an Apple watch ... might want to look into the WIFI version in case your phone is not in range. You also need this watch if you are an active outdoor person

[@Justice4All6-14]

Thank you, very informative. Senior with new Apple Watch…PS: I’m 75 years young…

[@sandradorr3497]

I am a relatively computer savvy person, but I appreciate your videos. You go slow enough that I can follow along with you on my device and make changes as needed. Watching from King,NC

[@RichBowlin]

Hi Sandra! Thanks for the kind words. I've been through King, NC many times. I take Hwy 52 north to visit my parents in Ohio. Thanks so much for watching!

[@kimelze]

I turn 57 today. I was searching to find info about the Apple Watch for seniors and found your video. Perfect. Thank you so much for this info.

[@TubeYouTakashi]

Thanks, Wearing Apple Watch is my routine everyday, I think those kind of devices are necesary items for senior. Activity monitor, Health care is the most important too.

[@eileenmccartneycirelli3098]

While I’m the computer ( for work) all day - I learn at least one new thing every time I watch one of your great videos.

[@craigwalsh2970]

Your tutorials are excellent! When you do more videos about the Apple Watch, could you please spend some time showing the range of functions that Siri can do? I’m thinking how useful this could be for seniors who have trouble learning or remembering new things or those who are intimidated by technology.

[@RichBowlin]

Great idea! In fact, probably a short video on using common Siri functions with the watch would be really helpful. Thanks so much for the tip.

[@lindahealey6992]

I am eagerly awaiting delivery of my new apple watch tomorrow-can’t wait! Just wanted to mention that i’m using my Medicare Advantage Plan’s “wellness wallet” benefit to pay for the apple watch. Well worth checking out for other seniors.

[@angelwings7930]

This is for seniors but you didn’t mention the fall detection / emergency help aspects ?

[@charlenewhite4365]

Thank you! For sharing by the way what year is yours if I may ask ?And will it work with an iPad and an apple8 plus😊

[@jogalloway2790]

Thank you Rich, so helpful ❤

[@RichBowlin]

You're so welcome!

[@IsabellaImpkin]

This video was just what I needed! I’ve been debating getting an Apple Watch for some time and I had no idea just how useful it could be. Like you, whenever I see my kids talking into their watch, I think of Dick Tracy!

[@RichBowlin]

Yes! Thanks so much for watching. I'm thinking about getting the fancy, new expensive apple Watch Ultra. The watch in this video is a few years old. But it still works like new!

[@cindymfraser1518]

@@RichBowlin i got the Ultra last December for the features that the others don’t have. i went with the Alpine loop in orange.

[@MaryEllenAfter60]

I don't like the looks of my Apple Watch, but I love the features. The fall detection works, I know first hand. It is only $10 a month for me to add this to my cellular plan. Thank you for sharing this information.

[@Teresa-K]

Hi MaryEllen! Nice seeing you here! One of the main reasons my husband wants me to get the Apple Watch is for the fall detection feature. I remember you saying you fell in the closet and your watch went off. Hope you and Jim are enjoying the pre fall weather. Love and kindness always, Teresa

[@MaryEllenAfter60]

@@Teresa-K Thank you Teresa. Our weather is getting a tad bit cooler. Jim has finally agreed when his FitBit quits he will get an Apple Watch. Blessings, and happiness to you, and yours..MaryEllen

[@lilliebarnes6353]

11:05 😢😮😮😮

[@lilliebarnes6353]

We 😅

[@NolaTheAlamoChiliQueen]

Hi MaryEllen! I’m finally going to bite the bullet & but an Apple Watch. The comments you’ve made in your vids finally convinced me.

[@sandrasmith4658]

I’m 44 and this was great! Thanks!

[@RichBowlin]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Teresa-K]

Hi Rich, Thank you for posting this video. I don’t currently have an Apple Watch, but am going to get one soon. My husband wants me to have one mainly for the fall detection feature. Your introduction to the Apple Watch apps and features is much appreciated. Kindness, Teresa

[@jangolden2756]

Another great video! One question about the difference in cellular how it works and the cost difference

[@RichBowlin]

The cellular version currently costs about $100 more. They both work the same except you don't need your iPhone with you to make calls or download podcasts or music when you're on the go.

[@lindaeischen5740]

Are most of these features available on the SE2?

[@arthurengelbert788]

I don’t use much of the health an fitness parts, but I love the Flashlight Feature. I also use Siri a lot too👍🏻

[@RichBowlin]

Since I walk with my dog a lot I use the fitness app. But I've started using the flashlight too. It's really handy. I use Siri all the time. Thanks so much for watching!

[@asd67lkj]

I bought the Apple watch mainly because of the simple analogue faces I can use. I did not know you could use the wheel to scroll.. Thanks....

[@RichBowlin]

Glad the video helped!

[@susanlev9697]

Is this the only video on setting up the Apple Watch. I’ve done a search but this is the only one that comes up?

[@RichBowlin]

It is. I plan on doing a series on the Apple watch soon. I bought the Apple Watch Ultra and am putting it through the paces before any filming. Thanks for watching!

[@susanlev9697]

@@RichBowlin Thank you so much, I use to love technology, now it gives me a headache. Your putting the love back in for me❣️

[@warriorws]

Great Video !!!

[@RichBowlin]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@cindymfraser1518]

I have the Ultra. Very handy device the Apple Watches

[@RichBowlin]

Yes. I've got the Ultra too. A great device. Thanks for watching!

[@stevennovakovich2525]

Is that the 'old' Apple Watch SE, Rich? I think it looks great! I want one for the health features as I'm now 60 and not getting any younger. This series of Apple Watch videos will be *very* helpful for me as I'm thinking of getting one soon, most likely the new SE or Series 8.

[@Michael-tr7uq]

Great video of all the features ! For my 90 year old aunt, it's way too complicated. She has no iphone, does the cell version need one, once it's set up? She only needs maybe 4 features total - fall detection, call 911, call 4 contacts, check weather maybe, Get text notifications. That's it. Will the cell version do just this? Can other features be turned off to make the display options simpler ?

[@tjtexas5130]

Michael - I believe once a cellular version of the watch is set up an iPhone it can operate without the iPhone being near. Be aware though the iPhone would be needed occasionally for any updates, to set up new features and also add new contacts. Calling 911 and contacts can be done using the “Hey Siri” feature. Siri can also read new text to your Aunt and tell her what the weather will be like for the day. Please be aware that the watch would need to be taken off to be charged - likely every other day since I would expect usage to be limited. I would suggest being sure to only set up ONE watch face on the watch. This would avoid accidentally switching to an unfamiliar watch face (had to do this on the hubby’s watch). And be sure the watch band is snug on her wrist. Loose watch bands can give false fall alerts.

[@Michael-tr7uq]

@@tjtexas5130 , thank you for the info. Can you deactivate features she won't use, to make it less confusing for her?

[@tjtexas5130]

@@Michael-tr7uq - Not sure about disabling features. Like with an iPhone you can delete (some) apps that are not needed/wanted. However there are still allot that cannot be deleted. You might stop by an Apple Store and talk through what customization is possible.

[@Buffaloc]

What Apple Watch version are you using? Mine is a series 3 and I am missing some of your features.

[@RichBowlin]

I'm using the Apple Watch SE (1st version) from a couple of years ago. I replaced my series 3 with it. It's the cheapest version but still packs a punch. Thanks so much for watching. Your comment reminds me to always tell folks my watch version when I begin a video as feather sets do differ - especially with the series 3.

[@underthebus5801]

Hi Rich: Is that a Fitbit you wear on your right wrist and what feature(s) does it provide that the Apple Watch lacks? Thanks.

[@RichBowlin]

Yes! It's not as feature rich as the Apple Watch, but I wear both from time to time. The reason? I often take off my Apple Watch when working in my wood shop or doing a rough chore so as not to damage it. I don't want to lose the step count when I do that so I keep the much cheaper Fitbit on at all times.

[@underthebus5801]

@@RichBowlin Brilliant, Rich. Thanks!

[@GeoffGrant2010]

I assume the SOS call that is part of fall detection is dependent on the cellular version, correct? I’d appreciate it if you elaborate that feature. Thanks, I’ll subscribe. Geoff

[@Hear-MeoutTwo2]

The none cellular version will make the SOS call as well because it make the call through the Iphone.

[@edmargolin1365]

Another excellent helpful video. Thanks Rich. Buying my first one probably today. Health and Safety. It will be nice not to have to grab my phone or find my iPad to look at an incoming message. Hoping an SE is sufficient. Great sale now at $219.

[@cindymfraser1518]

It’ll be sufficient. The Apple Watches that came out last year have both fall and crash detection.

[@denniss1211]

Fall detection is THE most important reason to have an Apple watch. You don't even have to be old ... what if you fall off the bike while on a trail? Many many many more ... Why us the WIFI version .. what if you fall of that bike and you phone goes down the cliff ...well with wifi the watch still completes the help call.

[@angelwings7930]

Yes and that’s why I’m watching the video. Definitely.

[@luislondono2072]

The watch is excellent for “take your medication” reminders.

[@RichardShelton]

Do you have to pay for another phone line if you get the cellular version?

[@stevennovakovich2525]

Yes, but at most carriers the price is nominal, like $10 or $12 per month.

[@aquarius4953]

@@stevennovakovich2525 So $ 120 per year.

[@barbarawalker3620]

👍👍👍👍👍👍❤❤

[@NickDonny-v6t]

❤

[@77space-vt8wi]

8 Nov 24 age 86. Got the Apple watch 10 GPS pared to my iHone 15 pro max. Absolute wicked so much stuff going on between them that it pulls you in to spend and hours hours looking at tutorials onl MacBook that I'll probable never get Alzheimer..

[@denniss1211]

Not a word about Siri .... WHY? Put something on the stove or oven and say "Siri set timer for 35 mins.." No burnt food! You don't have to be old to enjoy an Apple watch ! Ok... I'm 80 !