Like many fellow boomers, I've spent a good bit of the weekend shopping for Christmas presents (mostly online, for the record). I've come across some interesting boomer-focused gifts I thought were worth sharing with you:
> Got arthritis, or perhaps you're trying to help a parent who suffers from arthritis in the hands? Now there's a way to safely strengthen your hands to relieve the pain. A medically-supported exercise device called the Xtensor actually trains your hands to perform better and do more. It's probably worth being seen wearing these odd-looking contraptions just to get more motion back in your hands. I'd say that's certainly worth about $40!
> We should all know by now that boomers have embraced the wireless world with gusto. That's one reason I was delighted to see the new Ira Wireless Internet Radio, a way to access over 16,000 internet radio stations around the country in every imaginable format (country, news sports, and so on). There's no monthly subscription fee and you don't even need a computer. It's a steal at $149.99.
> No doubt, readers for e-books will be hot this year. I think I've probably persuaded at least couple dozen folks to get a Kindle 2, ($259) one of my absolute favorite devices. It does have one downside - there's no back lighting, so you can only read in direct light. That's why I loved finding the Periscope Lighted Folio for the Kindle 2 ($49.95). The company offers other book lights too, including ones for people who still actually turn pages. Great stocking stuffer ideas here!
> If you're going through menopause, or know someone who is, check out the book, "Eat to Defeat Menopause," by Karen Giblin and Mache Seibel, MD. I had the good fortune to spend some time with Karen recently and learned a lot about her amazing and fun organization, Red Hot Mamas. So when she offered me the book, I couldn't wait to dig in and learn more about how women can combat the symptoms of menopause through food. Even if menopause is of no concern, buy the book anyway just for the great recipes! ($23.95)
Finally... check out the The Resistance Chair, which has been named "Gear of the Year" by industry professionals and ShapeYou. Used primarily for boomer and senior exercise, it has also been lauded as great for rehab therapy. For about $239, you can get the chair, plus instructional videos. The VQ ActionCare web site offers other products too, including videos and fitness assessories.
I'm feeling very green today, having shopped almost exclusively online, avoiding the malls and sharpened elbows, which are often connected to dull brains. I hope you'll find something here that works for you too! What other suggestions do you have?
