How My Parents Went from Skeptics to Apple Watch Evangelists

Before giving my parents Apple Watches, I thought I knew how they'd react. My mom, 70, was a traditionalist, preferring her delicate analog watch and carefully curated selection of bracelets. My dad, more tech-savvy, thought the Apple Watch was a waste of money. But after a decade of teaching people how to use tech, I knew I had to try. I spent hours teaching them, and it wasn't easy. But the results were worth it. The Apple Watch's health monitoring features, such as heart rate notifications, atrial fibrillation history, and fall detection, were the game-changers. My dad, a proud non-reader of medical reports, started getting low heart rate alerts and willingly put himself through a full heart checkup. My mom, who was initially resistant to the idea, now uses the watch to track her physical activity. The Apple Watch's ability to detect falls and send emergency services notifications, regardless of age, was the most concerning feature for me. My parents may be mobile, but they're still vulnerable. And the watch's sleep apnea detection feature, while not the most obvious benefit, has also been a game-changer.But what really sealed the deal was the competitive spirit of the Apple Watch's activity tracking feature. My dad, a self-proclaimed non-athlete, started competing with me to close his activity rings. And my mom, while not as competitive, uses the watch as a barometer to gauge her physical activity. As a parent, seeing my parents take control of their health and fitness through the Apple Watch has been incredible. And as a tech enthusiast, I'm thrilled to see the impact it's had on their daily lives. But what about my in-laws? They're still on the fence. Maybe I'll need to resort to other persuasion tactics. Or maybe they'll come around on their own. Only time will tell. The Apple Watch's impact on my parents' lives has been undeniable. And as I wait for my in-laws to come around, I'm reminded that sometimes the best technology is the one that connects us to our loved ones, no matter their age or tech-savviness.