These programs will help revitalize women during their golden years.
Communication technology aims to connect our lives for the better. But over the years, the telephone has evolved from just a bulky machine connected by cables to a mini personal computer called a smartphone. Instead of being a mere communications device, it is now an ultra-portable personal computer. High-quality smartphones are powerful enough to do the tasks that traditionally a PC can only do using programs called applications, or simply apps.
The apps world
The latest smartphones can avail millions of apps depending on the operating system. As of May 2015, smartphone users can download 1.4 million apps from Google Play (Android), 1.3 million from Apple App Store (iOS), according to Statista. In 2013, around 80% of the apps on Google Play and 60% on the Apple App Store are free. This means smartphones can turn into multifunctional health monitoring devices just by acquiring apps for free or at a very minimal cost.
Apps provide digital assistance to modern living, especially to the younger generation who embrace them rather quickly. But these apps could be a nightmare for Baby Boomers (those born between 1945 and 1964), who are still struggling to make sense of the fast-upgrading apps.
Generation divide
Health and fitness apps swamp the market, targeting to cut down healthcare costs. But while this technology is very helpful for health maintenance of Baby Boomers, this demographic fail to fully comprehend their use. They usually complain of the complicated procedures they have to undergo to check their heart rate or schedule of medications. Unlike teens, most of the people belonging to this demographic live perfectly well even without their smartphones.
Another consideration is their capability to use the apps. Many Baby Boomers are already suffering degenerative diseases that hamper their engagement with apps. They may have lost their ability even to tap the touchscreen.
Apps can significantly ease the burden of Baby Boomers’ costly health maintenance. But this can only be realized if the apps match the needs of and engage with this demographic. Fortunately, health-related app developers and designers are now considering the needs of their matured clients by producing more engaging apps.
Apps for you
As most of women in menopause belong to the late Baby Boom generation, here are the apps that may help you achieve your health and fitness goals:
1. MenoPro—the app for menopause
Healthcare technology companies have created apps for various conditions. But so far, only one focuses on the unique needs of women approaching or already in menopause. The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) has released MenoPro, an app for iOS (Apple) and Android devices. MenoPro allows you to work with your doctor together on personalizing your treatment decisions. It records your medical history and risk factor status.
MenoPro is ideal for cultivating the relationship between physicians and patients. Before installing the app, you have to choose whether you are a physician or a patient.
MenoPro garners positive reviews from iMedicalApps website, with an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. The website lauds MenoPro’s user-friendly interface, a complete databank of menopause symptoms, capability to send handouts via email, and ability to collect information both from physicians and patients. On the other hand, the website criticizes the app’s overemphasis on hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) and complexity of the information within the app.
2. HealthTap
Imagine getting advice from over 68,000 leading U.S. doctors—this unique service (and more) is what HealthTap can offer. This is the app version of a website dedicated to pool top American physicians to give tips on any health concerns; HealthTap is your online Q&A and tips hub for your health-related concerns. With its mission of helping “people live healthier, longer, and happier lives,” the app aims its users to “Smile more, and Feel Good :).” This is available in Android and iOS.
3. MINDBODY Connect
Who says living a healthy and fit lifestyle is a bore? Aside from making you stick to your fitness regimen, MINDBODY Connect tends to give you access to what’s going on in your immediate vicinity—where to shop, dine, relax, or splurge. This app, which is available at iOS and Android, makes your fitness goals connected to what’s new and what’s hot in your surroundings.
4. Charity Miles
What’s your motivation in running or biking? Health? Fitness? Self-satisfaction? How about charity? Bring out the philanthropist in you while running or biking by downloading Charity Miles app (iOS and Android). But don’t worry about the donation, a charity will do it for you. All you have to do is to pick up a charity and start shedding the pounds with your donor in mind. For every mile, you’ll earn 10 cents for biking and 25 cents for walking and running. This time, exercise will make you feel good.
5. ActiveSide
Sharing your successes and changes in your look with a like-minded audience is a great fitness motivator. ActiveSide allows you to keep track of the improvements in your body with your friends. With this app, you can connect with other people having the same fitness goals as yours. This means more encouragement from your online fitness peers without the bashings. This app is only available in iOS, although the developers are already working on an Android version.
6. Sleep Cycle
Most alarm clocks disrupt the sleep cycle, leaving you tired and uneasy upon waking. With Sleep Cycle, the alarm will only sound during the time you’re in your lightest sleep phase. Using this app, you’ll get a refreshing sleep without the feeling. But unlike other apps above, with Sleep Cycle comes with a small cost. You can download it for $1.99 at the Apple App Store and $1.69 at Google Play.
7. ShopWell
We all want a hearty meal. But do these meals help boost our heart and our health in general? By using ShopWell app, you can decide the healthiest ingredients that will make up your meal. It can detect the nutritional value of the ingredients of your food and check if it fits your fitness goals or personal preferences. With this app, budgeting is not confined to the cost of the ingredients, it also makes sure you get your money’s worth in terms of your overall wellness. This app is available for iOS and Android.
8. Sworkit
Who says working out only happens at the gym? You can work out in the comfort of your home by downloading Sworkit (free at iOS and Android). This app makes you sure that you hit your fitness targets even without equipment. Just choose whether you want stretching, cardio, yoga, strength or 20 other pre-built workouts. You can also personalize your workout regimen to have a customized workout.
Ensuring that your fitness needs are well taken care of is a key factor to lessen the symptoms of menopause. Instead of worrying too much on the worse, make this stage of your life a start of your fitness makeover.
