What to Consider When Purchasing Health Products for Seniors

Seniors have unique health needs. Many are on medications for chronic health conditions. In some cases, those illnesses may be what prompted the search for new health and wellness products. In order to meet those needs and address concerns specific to older adults, it is important to know the considerations that must be taken when choosing health products for seniors.

Personal Health Goals

One of the greatest things about the health goals of seniors is that they are often actually focused on health and not appearance. Instead of trying to lose a few pounds to fit into skinny jeans, they may be acting under the advice of a health care provider to try and combat heart disease, diabetes or another type of chronic condition. Older adults know that working toward a healthier lifestyle is about more than looking good: It is also about feeling good.

Unfortunately, when many people think of seniors, they don't envision people actively working toward a healthier lifestyle. Yet, many older adults are doing just that. They have health and wellness goals just like anyone else. Those goals must play a role in choosing health-related products to ensure a good match. Don't just assume every product will work well for you, either. Read a Le-Vel Thrive review or two to see if it is a good choice before you buy it.

Ease of Purchasing and Use

For many seniors, remembering to take a medication or use a supplement is the hardest part. That is why it is usually a good choice to choose health products that are easy to use. Single-serve packets or patches may help with adherence since they make it easier for seniors to access medications. Packaging that is easy to open will definitely make products more accessible to seniors who might otherwise struggle with opening them.

Convenience can be a big factor, too. Health products that can be delivered straight to the door are a great choice for seniors with limited access to transportation. Monthly subscription services that automatically reorder products can also be helpful, especially for seniors who might otherwise forget to order a new supply before they run out.

Existing Health Conditions

According to the CDC, more than 80% of Americans over the age of 65 have at least one chronic condition. Some products that address one concern can aggravate others. Because of that, it is imperative to consider interactions between any current medications and other health products. It is always a good idea to discuss any products you are considering with a health care provider who is familiar with your medical history and any conditions you are being treated for.

Overall Value of Each Product

Price isn't everything, however. Seniors need to consider the overall value when looking for health and wellness products. A few questions that can help you compare items before making a decision include:

How often does it need to be taken or used? Multiple applications can mean each container will only last for a short time.

How many servings or uses are in each container, and how long will that last? Some items that seem more expensive at first require only a small amount to be taken or used each time, so the per-use cost may end up being lower than an economy product.

How are the ingredients sourced? Many higher-quality ingredients are more readily absorbed into the body. As a result, you are likely to see better or quicker results.

Are there any discounts or savings available? Coupons, subscription services and other discounts can make a product much more affordable.

Will Insurance pay for any of it? Many senior health insurance policies offer coverage for things like durable medical equipment, wellness supplements and personal care items. In some cases the assistance or discounts won't matter but, since costs can play a large part in an older adult's purchasing decisions, this can make a big difference.

Seniors need to make informed decisions about health products just like anyone else. However, they may have a few additional concerns that need to be addressed during the process. Current medical conditions, ease of use, product value and how well each one advances personal health goals should all be taken into consideration.