Online Home Health Products Target Boomers

April 1, 2015 – Craig Hood

By Craig Hood

Special to Softball News

Baby Boomers outspend other generations by an estimated $400 billion each year on consumer goods and services and 72 percent of adults age 55-63 shop online.

In addition, an estimated 82 percent of adults over the age of 50o use the Internet to research health and wellness information.

What’s more, studies show that 88 percent of Americans over age 65 want to remain in their homes for as long as possible. This means that home healthcare and products that enhance health, medical care and lifestyle will become an integral part of everyday life for seniors living at home.

To meet this growing need, the Internet has become the go-to resource for products, supplies and equipment designed to make living at home safer and easier. This option also makes it possible for seniors to delay or avoid living in costly long-term care facilities.

While Baby Boomers can browse aging-in-place products online and have them delivered to their door, the array of choices can be overwhelming.

Therefore, they should focus on four key areas: skincare, dietary supplements, wound care and mobility.

It’s especially important for seniors to take care of their skin because it is the body’s natural barrier to acquired conditions such as cuts, skin tears and infections.

To help restore and rejuvenate skin, they should search for products that use only natural premium ingredients, including no-rinse body washes, skin moisturizers and anti-microbial body cleansing spray. Individuals should avoid products that contain benzoyl peroxide, an extremely drying chemical that is difficult for a moisturizer to repair or revitalize the skin.

If it becomes necessary, seniors also should wear protective garments and use baby wipes to maintain good hygiene. Other important health products for seniors include: vitamins B and D, calcium, and iron, wound cleanser, gauze, syringes, bandages, 4-wheel scooters, walkers, canes, power chairs, bath supplies, pillows, massagers and nutritional drinks.

To manage their health at home, individuals can purchase home medical equipment online, such as slip-and-fall monitors, wheel chairs and daily living aids, making it possible for them to avoid expensive hospital visits. When purchasing medical supplies for home use, the cost can be offset by a variety of government programs, health insurance and other financial assistance. Some online catalog companies offer one-stop shopping and premium customer service for a number of products, supplies and equipment, making the aging-in-home experience that much more convenient and sustainable.

Craig Hood, executive vice president of Allegro Medical, has extensive experience working as a caregiver for adults with developmental disabilities and as a rehabilitation specialist caring for individuals recovering from strokes and traumatic brain injury.