Useful Gadgets for the Aging:
St. Catharine's Standard:
http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/A...llespie%2c+Ian
It's estimated that one in six Boomers suffers from hearing loss. (And it's likely that three of the remaining five Boomers forgot to get their hearing checked, while the other two just don't like what they hear anymore and want to keep it that way.)
Aware that old and uncool Boomers are terrified of looking old and uncool, one manufacturer is marketing the devices as "not your grandfather's hearing aid."
"It's about self-expression," said Tom Powers, a spokesperson with Siemens Hearing Instruments.
Frankly, I think it's about "hearing." But as we all know, "self-expression" was big with Baby Boomers, even if those expressions were largely limited to wearing tacky tie-dye T-shirts and doing bad imitations of Cheech and Chong routines.
As an aging Boomer myself, however, I welcome any chance to remain hip and cool well into my late 50s and 60s. Beyond that, I'll gladly trade "hip and sexy" for "conscious and partially responsive."
But hearing aids are just the tip of the iceberg. I envision an entire line of health products aimed at Boomers who, despite the findings of science and full-length mirrors, still cling to the belief they're cool.
Here, then, is a partial list of hip health products for aging Baby Boomers:
Crutches and Canes: Choose from a large selection of adjustable crutches and canes, including "formal," "casual" and "really stoned." (The "really stoned" models feature hollow handles that are perfect for stashing a few joints or Viagra pills.)
Wi-Fi Walkers: Constructed from sexy carbon-fibre and featuring a
macram‚ seat-cover charting the tangled sexual liaisons of Fleetwood Mac, these rockin' walkers allow you to cruise the sidewalk while surfing the Net. Combining wireless technology with the peace-of-mind that comes from knowing you won't fall down (although curbs can be tricky), the Evolution XX Wi-Fi Walker features an iPod hookup, Bluetooth headset and state-of-the-art GPS so you can find your way home.