So how do we maneuver this maze? With patience. As a Boomer tech messaging consultant, I spend my days reading about new apps and trying them. So in an effort to help others cut through the clutter, I’m offering my list of the:
Top 8 Best Health Digital Resources for Boomers for the Summer of 2013
General Reference
- WebMD–available on computers, tablets, and all smartphones. It’s the Bible of health and wellness information. Although not specifically targeted for Boomers, it provides valuable health information, tools for managing your health, and support for those seeking information. The content is timely and credible.
- Sharecare–is a free web based site that provides expert answers to your health and wellness questions. Unlike WebMD, this site is interactive. Users can ask questions to certified Sharecare experts and receive responses through email. My orthopedic surgeon recommended Sharecare to me as she was recruited to be an expert. Physicians have to complete applications, so there is a screening process. The site was co-founded by Dr. Mehmet Oz.
Medical Treatment
- Urgent Careis a free mobile app offered on iPhone or Android that combines one-touch access to a nurse for advice 24/7. The nurse can escalate to a board-certified physician if required–any time day or night for an introductory fee of $3.99. It’s available in English and Spanish. The app also offers a symptom checker, medical dictionary and prescriptions by phone.
- GoodRX—a free mobile app on iPhone or Android, that helps users find the lowest drug prices at local and online pharmacies. Users enter their zip code and search for meds by name or by medical condition. A list appears with prices of the selected medicine at the pharmacies within 10 miles of the zip codes. Complete store location, hours of operation details, and in-store discount coupons appear on the smartphone.
Fitness & Wellness
- 50plusplusfit.com—a website offering fee based on-line personal trainers. Plans cost under $10 per month. There is a 30-day free trial. The program begins with an online health and fitness evaluation. Every day your personal trainer will guide you through a meal plan and fitness routine designed just for you. The entire site is geared to the 50+ crowd and it includes diet plans, fitness tips and exercise videos.
When Boomers talk about wellness they most often discuss physical fitness and diet. In addition to the fitness site listed above, I also have favorite apps Digifit and LoseIt to help track my food and exercise.
However, just as important, but often left out of the conversation of Boomer fitness– is brain training. As we age, even those of us in good health who do crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and Words with Friends, can benefit from brain games. There are several brain trainers on the market, but I like a newcomer:
- CraniumCrunches.com- is an online brain training site that helps players work on cognitive abilities like attention, memory, and executive functioning. Unlike the others in this space, this company is totally free to the consumer. It also does not claim to have “clinically proven results”. The games use a lot of photos and even have the ability for players to upload their own photos. It’s great for people of all ages.
Caregiving
Pew Research reports that 44% of Baby Boomers are family caregivers. These are unpaid family members caring for, or supervising care for a loved one. Primarily women, they usually have jobs outside of the home and other family obligations. Studies show they have extremely high stress levels, are digitally connected, and look to online communities for assistance. Here are some sites to help ease their tensions.
- Caring.com–is a terrific online site for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved-ones. There are thousands of articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services—including nursing home facilities with member ratings.
- LotsaHelpingHands—is a website and also an iPhone app that connects caregivers and loved ones using online tools and a master calendar. This website allows people to coordinate tasks through a Help Calendar and online community. The site is a wonderful tool for anyone who is managing the care of a loved one. There are so options available to help coordinate caregiving that potential users should examine the website and see firsthand the possibilities.
These are some of my favorites; please share yours with us on Boomer Voice.
(digital health / shutterstock)
