Smartphone Apps for 'Aging in Place'

Capzule PHR

One of the highest-rated personal health iPhone apps is Webahn's Capzule PHR (99 cents), simple-to-use software that lets caregivers and patients organize health data in one place. You can input information ranging from blood pressure numbers and glucose or cholesterol levels to medication info, allergies, doctor appointment notifications and calendar alarms. The data can be viewed as text or as graphs (perhaps to share with your physician). The password-protected Capzule PHR lets you create monitoring templates based on specific needs, and transfer files to and from computers or other electronic devices. And you can easily back up the data via email, and print data and graphs.

iBGStar

A roundup of "aging in place" apps wouldn't be complete without a glimpse into the near future. Sanofi-Aventis's iBGStar Blood Glucose Meter will soon be the first blood glucose meter that connects to the bottom of the iPhone, iPod touch or iPad to help manage diabetes. Plug the small reader into the device's 30-pin connector, insert the test strip (no coding required) and within a second or two you can view and analyze your levels — and even send this information to your health care professional with the tap of a button. When the product is available (no word on price yet), you'll also need to download the free iBGStar Diabetes Manager app, which will help you keep track of blood glucose, carbohydrate intake and insulin dose, and more. Those interested in the product can view a number of videos at the company's website.

Do you have a favorite smartphone or tablet app? Please share the information with others in the Comments section.