The inclusion of regular physical activity in your daily routine helps to maintain the body in good physical shape and the prevention of many diseases. One of the most common types of such loads is walking. A pedometer for senior citizens is a good helper to solve this problem. It serves as an indispensable device for organizing a healthy lifestyle.
Pedometer classification
Modern manufacturers offer a large number of such devices. The principle of operation of the device is based on the physical principle of counting the number of oscillations of the pendulum inside the device during walking. The main differences are the methods of indicating the results obtained.
All pedometers for the elderly can be classified according to the following criteria:
- a method of indicating the number of steps;
- step counting technology (2D or 3D counting system);
- number of measured parameters;
- indication method;
- weight and size characteristics;
- audience of application;
- appearance;
- manufacturer;
- cost.
Almost all modern devices use liquid crystal displays as indicators. They display a different number of parameters: the number of steps, speed of movement, medical indicators (pulse, pressure).
Devices with either 2D or 3D technology are mainly represented on the market. Their indicators correspond to the number of steps per day. Mass and size characteristics are determined by specific models developed by manufacturers.
All such devices are divided into three types:
- Mechanical. Such devices are quite simple to operate and have a low cost. The main disadvantage is the low accuracy of measuring the number of steps. This is because the element that determines the number of steps is a mechanical pendulum. He hesitates in time with the movement of the owner. Changing the location of the pendulum sets in motion a mechanical counting mechanism. Therefore, the nature of the movement affects the measurement accuracy.
- Electromechanical. Its measuring element is a special sensor. It responds to vibration during movement. The received electrical signal is transmitted to the electronic converter and then to the indicator. The main disadvantage is the need to ensure reliable contact of the device with the human body. Attaching the device to clothing items or carrying it in your pocket reduces the accuracy of the readings. It is more expensive than mechanical, but cheaper than electronic.
- Electronic. These devices are the most accurate of household pedometers. This is due to the use of special algorithms to evaluate the results. In such devices, the principle of recognizing hand movements while walking is used. These vibrations are converted into pulses and after special processing are displayed on the pedometer display.
The electronic devices are based on the accelerometer. They are two axial and three axial. The basis of these devices is an accelerometer, which is connected to a gyroscope. It picks up any vibrations in space. With it, you can determine the type of sports activities: walking (fast and slow), running. The results displayed on the indicator take into account the individual anthropometric data of the owner: weight, height, age.
Pedometers are divided into different audiences of application: amateur athletes, professionals, the elderly, widespread use
Appearance of pedometers
Key Pedometer Features for the Elderly
For older people, it is advisable to choose pedometers that have the following set of basic functions:
1. Counting the number of steps taken.
2. The calculation of the distance traveled (distance) in an understandable number system (for the Russian Federation in meters).
3. Indication of speed on various sections of the path.
4. The final count of calories burned.
5. The presence of memory to remember the latest indicators. This facilitates the process of comparing and determining the dynamics of changes in the basic parameters of the body. The data obtained will allow timely adjustment of the load.
6. Calculation of the percentage of body fat.
7. Continuous heart rate measurement
Pedometer selection procedure for the elderly
For the right choice, you can use the following algorithm:
- Consumer Necessity Assessment. It includes a detailed study of all the proposed functions that the pedometer is equipped with. In this list you can find useless or incomprehensible functions that are not useful, but significantly increase the price of the device. Typically, for the elderly, the following features are sufficient: measuring the number of steps taken, the distance traveled, some medical indicators, for example, heart rate.
- Studying the characteristics of the selected device. They should be given in the attached instructions. All characteristics and functions should be clearly described, their purpose and the order of receipt on the indicator are indicated.
- Carefully consider the existing indicator: the size and number of informative lines, the brightness and contrast of the display, the speed of information change.
- Convenience of use. The selected pedometer should be easy to carry, securely attached and have a highly informative indicator. Numbers and indices should be easy to read and understand.
- Particular attention should be paid to the proposed mounting location of the device. It should be fixed in such a way as not to create inconvenience during movement. Ideally, its presence should not be felt at all.
- Examine the reviews of owners who already use a pedometer of this brand. Consider all positive and negative reviews.
- Suggested price. It is necessary to evaluate the price offers of several sellers of such devices. Choose the most reliable and conscientious seller. He must be present for a long time in this market, have all the permits, provide a warranty period for the purchased pedometer.
Before the final decision is made, an elderly person should read the available reviews, consult a medical specialist in this area. If this is not the case, with your local doctor.
How to use the pedometer for older people
Most pedometers for the elderly are available in a fairly affordable version. They do not require specialized knowledge and skills in the field of medicine and electrical engineering. It is enough to carefully read the proposed instructions. Usually, all use of the pedometer comes down to proper fastening, checking on, taking readings.
The main rules can be considered:
- preliminary testing;
- comparison of the results obtained under the same walking conditions;
- checking the integrity of the body and matrix of the indicator;
- reliability of the mounting system.
Overview of Pedometer Manufacturers for the Elderly
The following models are considered the most popular pedometers for the elderly.
Master whale
The most famous manufacturer of pedometers in the territory of the Russian Federation is the company “Master Kit”. The company produces devices that have universal capabilities for converting the number of steps taken to the distance traveled. They are able to measure the pulse, calculate the percentage of fat in the body, counts the calories spent during walking.A typical example of a line of manufactured devices is a sample called "Steps". The price of this device does not exceed 950 rubles.
Pedometer Steps
And
Chinese pedometers manufactured by AnD are quite popular and of high quality. In them, you can pre-set the time interval for reading data. Individual appliances may account for calories burned. The cost for today ranges from 1950 rubles. up to 2300 rub.
Pedometer "AnD"
NOZOMI
Another Chinese manufacturer, NOZOMI, is in serious competition with the previous manufacturer. He produces fairly simple and reliable devices of this class. They are quite suitable for the elderly, as they do not require special knowledge for operation. The starting price of such devices starts at 1250 rubles.
Pedometer NOZOMI
Omron
A special place in this market is occupied by Japanese companies. One of them is the world famous company OMRON. Extensive experience in the production of medical equipment of various classes has allowed the engineers of this company to develop simple and reliable pedometers. They easily adapt to a change in rhythm during movement. With a large amount of internal memory, they are able to store a large number of results.
Pedometer OMRON HJ-005
Sigma
Today, devices made in the form of a wrist bracelet are very popular. They are called fitness bracelets, put on the arm. Such devices, accelerometers are very convenient in operation and have wide capabilities for measuring medical indicators. One of the well-known manufacturers is the German company SIGMA. Unfortunately, the price of such devices starts at 3,000 rubles. For example, the most affordable price for the Sigma "22913 Activo" pedometer-heart rate monitor is 2899 rubles.
Pedometer pulsometer Sigma "22913 Activo"
The choice of pedometers for seniors is determined by the necessary parameters (the number of steps traveled by the distance), the availability of the ability to measure medical indicators, ease of use, affordable price. The rating of the best models is carried out annually and is considered a rather subjective assessment. Everyone should choose a pedometer based on individual preferences.
