Every 11 seconds, an older adult visits the ER for a fall (CDC Data). For many of us over 60, the fear of falling can quietly erode our confidence, limiting activities we love. As a certified health and wellness coach, I’ve seen this firsthand with my clients.
But falls aren’t inevitable. While balance exercises and strength training remain essential (as I’ve shared in my Wellgevity Warrior blog), technology offers exciting complimentary tools to keep us steady and independent.
These six innovative technologies complement your balance and strength exercises, delivering data, safety, and confidence to prevent falls. Let’s explore them!
Fear of Falling: A Silent Threat
Do you ever worry about falling? Have you started avoiding walks or gardening because of that nagging fear? You’re not alone. This is exactly what happened when my client Martha took a simple tumble in her garden. Fortunately, she wasn’t hurt badly, but the fall caused her to limit her activities. She became hesitant to play with her grandkids, fearing another fall.
According to data gathered by the Centers for Disease Control, one in four adults over 65 falls each year, and the emotional toll can be as debilitating as physical injuries. But with the right tools, we can reclaim our freedom.
A New Approach to Fall Prevention
Think of these technologies as partners in your journey to age confidently. They provide insights – such as how your gait changes or your balance shifts – that we couldn’t access before. Combined with daily balance and strengthening exercises (linked at the end), they can help us walk taller and live life on our terms.
6 Technologies to Minimize Fall Risk
1. Zibrio SmartBalance Scale: Predicting Falls Before They Happen
- How It Works: This high-tech bathroom scale analyzes tiny movements you make while standing, calculating your fall risk score in 60 seconds. Using AI, it compares your balance patterns to thousands of others to deliver a clear score (a 2023 Frontiers in Aging study showed 85% data accuracy).
- Why It’s Great: Unlike vague advice to “be careful,” Zibrio offers concrete data. Using the data from her Zibrio, my client Susan learned her “weaker” left side was stronger than her right, allowing us to tailor her training accordingly. The app also suggests exercises to improve your score over time.
- Cost & Availability: ~$499. Available at Zibrio.com (US; international shipping available). Requires a smartphone.
- Coverage: Not covered by Medicare; some private insurance wellness programs may offer discounts.
2. Smart Insoles: Your Personal Gait Coach
- How They Work: Sensoria or FeetMe insoles monitor your gait and weight distribution as you walk, alerting you to uneven patterns that may indicate that you’re at risk of falling and thereby allowing you to take corrective measures. Some insoles provide vibrations to alert you about gait problems so you can correct them in real time.
- Why They’re Great: Perfect for active women or those with hip/knee issues. Physical therapists use smart insoles to correct gait problems before they escalate. These insoles can be particularly helpful after knee and hip surgery to assess gait changes that may increase fall risk.
- Cost & Availability: $299–$700. Sensoria available at SensoriaHealth.com; FeetMe through clinics or online (US, Europe).
- Coverage: Medicare covers custom orthotics for specific conditions; private insurance may cover if prescribed.
3. Fall Detection Devices: Peace of Mind
- How They Work: Devices like Apple Watch Series 10, Medical Guardian, or LifeFone use sensors to detect falls. If you don’t respond, they alert emergency services or family.
- Why They’re Great: Fear of falling while alone can limit independence. My client Patricia wanted to continue gardening, but she was afraid of falling. Her Apple Watch gave her the confidence and security to continue her hobby because she knew help would come fast if she needed it.
- Cost & Availability: Apple Watch: $399–$499 (Apple.com, global). Medical Guardian/LifeFone: $30–$50/month (US, Canada). Apple requires an iPhone.
- Coverage: Some Medicare Advantage plans cover alert systems; private long-term care policies may apply.
4. Virtual Reality: Fun Balance Training
- How It Works: Meta Quest 3 headsets run apps like BalanceVR or XRHealth, turning balance exercises into games – think catching virtual butterflies or dancing. A 2023 Archives of Medical Science study found VR superior to traditional exercise programs in improving gait, balance function, limb sensitivity, and body stability.
- Why It’s Great: Ideal for women bored by routine workouts or looking for a change of pace. Some people find VR causes dizziness or is disorienting, so try it before buying.
- Cost & Availability: Meta Quest 3: $299–$499 (Amazon, Meta.com, global). Apps: Free–$20/month. XRHealth may be prescribed.
- Coverage: XRHealth may be covered by Medicare/private insurance for therapy.
5. Exoskeletons: Wearable Support
- How It Works: Devices like Honda Walking Assist or Ottobock C-Brace provide mechanical support for standing or walking, aiding those with muscle loss or arthritis (a 2021 review in the Journal of NeuroEngineering found 30–50% mobility gains).
- Why It’s Great: Still clinic-focused, but home versions are emerging. Powered walkers ($500–$2,000) are a current alternative.
- Cost & Availability: $10,000–$20,000 (clinics; US, Japan, Europe). Home models are expected by 2027.
- Coverage: Medicare covers as durable medical equipment (DME) if medically necessary; private insurance similar.
6. Smart Home Fall Sensors: Non-Wearable Safety
- How They Work: Devices like Walabot HOME use radar to detect falls in your home, alerting caregivers without wearables.
- Why It’s Great: Perfect for women who dislike devices or don’t remember to wear them.
- Cost & Availability: $200–$300 + $20–$30/month (US, Canada, Europe).
- Coverage: Subsidized by UK councils, Canadian ADP, or Australian NDIS; not Medicare-covered.
Global Availability
These technologies are US-focused but available in:
- UK: NHS may subsidize fall detection/insoles; exoskeletons for rehab.
- Canada: ADP funds insoles ($500) and fall detection.
- Australia: NDIS covers fall detection/insoles.
Check local suppliers for shipping costs.
Finding Your Balance
- Build Fundamentals: Try my ankle strength or balance exercises.
- Pick One Tool: Start with fall detection if alone or Zibrio for data-driven training.
- Share Data: Show app insights to your doctor or trainer for personalized plans.
- Boost Confidence: Fear increases fall risk. These tools add security.
Stay Steady, Stay Confident
These technologies are more than gadgets – they’re tools to help you live confidently, whether you’re gardening, chasing grandkids, or walking in the park. By pairing them with simple balance exercises, you can reduce fall risk and embrace aging on your terms. Start small and choose what fits your life. Here’s to moving boldly and staying steady!
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Which tool excites you? Have you tried fall prevention tech? Share in the comments your biggest fall concern and how you tackle it. Your story could inspire another woman to move joyfully.
