The iPhone Health app can be a lifesaver for seniors by tracking important health information and alerting you when something needs attention. While the technology might seem complicated at first, focusing on a few key readings can make a real difference in your health and safety. Here's what matters most and what you should do when you see concerning numbers.
The Top Health Readings Every Senior Should Monitor
Walking Steadiness and Fall Risk
Your iPhone can track how steady you are when walking and warn you if your fall risk increases. The Health app looks at your balance and coordination through your phone's sensors and gives you a score.
What to watch for: If you get a "Low" walking steadiness notification, don't ignore it. This means you might have a higher chance of falling in the next year.
What to do: Schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss balance exercises, check your medications for side effects that cause dizziness, and consider physical therapy to improve your stability.
Heart Rate Monitoring (with Apple Watch)
Your heart rate tells you a lot about your health. The normal range for adults is 60-100 beats per minute when resting.
What to watch for: Heart rate consistently above 100 or below 60 when you're sitting quietly, or irregular rhythm notifications.
What to do: Call your doctor if you get alerts about irregular heartbeats or if your heart rate stays outside the normal range. Don't wait - heart problems need quick attention.
Blood Pressure Readings
Normal blood pressure for seniors should be less than 130/80. High blood pressure often has no symptoms but can cause serious problems.
What to watch for: Readings of 180/120 or higher are dangerous and need immediate attention. Regular readings above 130/80 also need medical care.
What to do: If your blood pressure reads 180/120 or higher and you have chest pain, shortness of breath, or feel confused, call 911 immediately. For consistently high readings without symptoms, see your doctor within a few days.
Medication Tracking
Missing medications can be dangerous, especially for seniors taking multiple prescriptions.
What to watch for: Missed doses, taking medicines at wrong times, or forgetting what you've taken.
What to do: Use the app's medication reminders and log when you take each pill. Share this information with your doctor and family members so they can help keep track.
Medical ID Information
This is your emergency information that first responders can see even when your phone is locked.
What to do: Set this up right away. Include your medical conditions, allergies, emergency contacts, and current medications. Update it whenever something changes.
Other Important Readings to Monitor
Sleep Quality
Poor sleep affects everything from your balance to your thinking.
What to watch for: Consistently getting less than 7 hours of sleep or waking up frequently during the night.
What to do: Talk to your doctor about sleep problems. They might suggest changes to your evening routine or check for sleep disorders.
Blood Oxygen Levels (Apple Watch required)
Normal blood oxygen levels are usually 95% or higher.
What to watch for: Readings consistently below 95% or sudden drops.
What to do: Contact your doctor if you see low readings, especially if you also feel short of breath or tired.
Warning Signs That Mean "Call the Doctor Now"
Some readings or symptoms need immediate medical attention:
Blood pressure 180/120 or higher with symptoms like chest pain or confusion
Heart rate alerts for irregular rhythms
Sudden weakness in arms or legs
Chest pain that doesn't go away
Shortness of breath that's new or getting worse
Bleeding that won't stop after 20 minutes
Severe confusion or memory problems that come on suddenly
Which Phones Get the New Features
Most basic health tracking works on any iPhone that can run iOS 26 (iPhone 12 or newer). But some advanced features need specific devices:
Fall detection and detailed heart monitoring: Requires Apple Watch SE (2nd generation), Series 6 or newer
Blood oxygen readings: Need Apple Watch Series 6 or newer
Advanced health notifications and AI features: Work best on iPhone 16 series or iPhone 15 Pro models
Simple Steps to Get Started
Set up your Medical ID first - This could save your life in an emergency
Add your medications - Let the app remind you when to take them
Share key information with a trusted family member so they can help monitor your health
Visit your doctor at least once a year to review all your health app data
Remember, these readings are tools to help you stay healthy, but they don't replace regular check-ups with your doctor. When in doubt, it's always better to call your healthcare provider and ask questions than to worry alone.
The iPhone Health app puts important health information right at your fingertips. By focusing on these key readings and knowing when to take action, you can stay safer and healthier while maintaining your independence.
