En español | As boomers move into their 60s and 70s, products that promote healthy, active aging were among the buzz-worthy innovations unveiled at this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. With age, too, comes added responsibility: Boomers who are caregivers will welcome new, easier-to-use systems that help keep track of older loved ones living on their own.
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Here are a few of our favorite health and fitness trends unveiled in the desert in January:
The Basis fitness watch uses sensors to track your activity, heart rate, sleep patterns, and more. — Photo courtesy Basis
Fit for Your Wrist
Lots of products promise to monitor your physical fitness, but too often they provide limited information or require uncomfortable straps and gear. The Basis fitness watch is different: a lightweight armband that incorporates multiple sensors to track your activity, heart rate, sleep patterns, calories burned and more. A USB connection lets you upload health stats to your computer and to a secure website for tracking. The rechargeable battery lasts up to a week. Available later this year for $199. Find more information at mybasis.com.
The iHealth Smart Glucometer uses an app to calculate your blood glucose level. — Photo courtesy iHealth
An Apple a Day?
More and more health gadgets are being tailored to work with Apple's trendy iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch devices. The new iHealth Smart Glucometer, in conjunction with a downloadable app, uses a test strip that attaches to an Apple docking station to calculate your blood glucose level. Trends are tracked, and all results can be sent digitally to physicians or other caregivers. The iHealth Smart Glucometer is awaiting FDA approval and is expected to ship in the second half of 2012. No price has been announced.
The iBike Powerhouse monitor utilizes an app to provide workouts to cyclists. — Photo courtesy iBike
Bike riders can also expect new Apple-friendly gear to track their progress via the iBike Powerhouse monitor, which partners with an app to provide professionally designed workouts to cyclists. The monitor tracks distance, but also gives credits for energy expended — an uphill climb counts more than the trip back down. The $270 system includes a protective case and universal mounting kit: details are at ibikesports.com.
The Striiv is more than a simple pedometer; it's also a charitable giving device. — Photo courtesy Striiv
A Step in the Right Direction
The $100 Striiv is a pedometer that can easily be worn on a keychain or attached to a belt loop. Sporting a 2-inch color screen, the device doesn't just keep track of how far you've walked, but also offers games and challenges to make your exercise more fun. And as you walk, you can pay it forward: Based on the number of points you earn in your travels, Striiv donates money to various global charities at no additional cost to you. Check it out at striiv.com.
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