The number of people over 65 will double worldwide in the next four decades. In the U.S. alone, 80 million baby boomers will enter their 60s and 70s in the next 20 years. This trend offers a remarkable and historically unique market place. Not surprisingly manufacturers are targeting this aging population with a slew of new products designed to ease the challenges associated with aging. BehindTheBuy.com introduces a sampling of some senior solutions to help those getting ready to enter their golden years.

RCA Personal Sound Amplifier

Symphonix is the perfect hearing device for consumers that want to amplify their hearing in certain situations, such as crowded restaurants, church and movie theaters. Since it doesn’t require a doctor’s prescription, it can be compared to “Readers for your Ears”
It’s convenient to use and a highly affordable hearing solution and provides smooth amplification and background noise reduction. It’s rechargeable and has a compact charging base – so there’s no need to fiddle with tiny batteries that need to be changed. The RCA Symphonix Personal Sound Amplifier will be available in April 2011 at Specialty Retailers with an estimated retail price of $299.00. www.rcasymphonix.com

Presto Printing Mailbox

Presto allows people who don’t use a computer or the Internet to receive email and digital photos. These messages and photos are printed out automatically, in full color on a special dedicated printer that automatically retrieves messages via a regular phone line and prints them out (at times specified during the set-up of the Presto printer). There is nothing the senior needs to do except pick up the printed messages, read and enjoy. There is also nothing new the emailers need to do. As long as they are on the approved senders list (this is how we prevent spam) they send an email to the Presto user just like they would to anyone else.
Additional Presto Features: The Presto DailySmile service lets approved senders tag photos in Facebook or upload from their computer to create a queue (kind of like Netflix). They can caption the photos, and let us know how often they would like one sent to the Presto user, anywhere from once per day to once per week. As long as there are photos in the queue, Presto will deliver them on the correct schedule. We’ve found this is a great way for grandkids to stay in touch with grandparents. Added bonus: it takes just a couple of minutes to set up several months worth of deliveries, so Grandma will think you’re thinking of her often (even if that’s not exactly the case!). The Presto DailySmile service is free with the Presto Mail subscription.

Presto Newsstand – Offers approved senders the ability to send free puzzles, games and articles. Now, there is also a paid Newsstand service that offers a much wider variety of content. Anyone on the approved senders list can buy a subscription to these bite-sized articles, comics, news, etc. These subscriptions make great gifts and open up a whole new world of information and entertainment for the senior.

The Presto Printing Mailbox is currently retailing for $99.99. The Presto Mail service is either $14.99 per month, or $149.99 per year (cancelable at any time) Most Newsstand content is $9.99 for a year of deliveries The DailySmile service is free with a paid Presto Mail service subscription.  www.presto.com

HP’s TouchSmart computer

HP’s TouchSmart computer provides an experience/device that’s easy to access and simple to use, particularly for the 50+ customers:
All-in-one form factor means only one cord to set-up and small footprint – fits into a smaller home and can be moved easily if needs be.
TouchSmart PC breaks down isolation through collaboration (because screen can be shared/touched) – grandparents and grandchildren can use the PC together
TouchSmart Input – keyboard/mouse, touch and voice controls give the older demographic options to use the PC in a way that is best suited to their abilities
Makes TouchSmart a great product for a multi-generational home
The current TouchSmart 610 reclines – a benefit that helps individuals with bi, tri and multi-focal lenses adjust the screen so that they can see it better
Reclining capability also reduces arm strain
TouchSmart PCs feature Windows 7 which has built in ease of access features – on-screen keyboard, magnification, speech to text, adjust color contrast
Special software designed for the TouchSmart for use in a retirement community environment (can get more specific info here)
HP has a call center with people who are trained and focused on helping older users, sensitive to what their needs are: (888) 259-5707 Available in 20″ and 23″ screen versions. Pricing starts at $680 www.hp.com

Pandigital Photo Mail digital frame

Pandigital’s 8-inch digital photo frame has its own dedicated/built-in email address, so that you can give to family and friends and they can send photos directly to the frame–no PC required. Once you receive the photos via email (thanks to a free wireless signal!), you can quickly accept/decline and view them. The frame holds 300 emails and still acts as a traditional digital photo frame and accepts photos from media cards, digital cameras or PCs (it stores a whopping 6400 photos) . Since the frame uses cellular service, there are no WiFi configurations to set up and worry about. There are also no ongoing service fees. $130; www.pandigital.net

Plantronics D613 Loud Answering Machine/Big Button Cordless Phone

The Plantronics Clarity D613 cordless Caller ID telephone, featuring Clarity Power technology, improves conversation by making words not only louder, but also clearer and easier to understand. With up to 30 decibels of amplification, the D613 is well featured and ideal for those with a severe hearing loss or low vision. $61; www.plantronics.com  www.officedepot.com

EZSee Large Print Computer Keyboard by DC

Big Keys Keyboard has been designed specifically for those with conditions that cause visual impairment or low vision, such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts. This large print, big key keyboard is perfect for anyone who has a hard time seeing the existing commands on their keyboards. With a bigger and bolder black typeface on vividly bright yellow keys, the keys are easier to see. Additional keys (hot keys) have been added to the keyboard to allow for easier access to commonly used commands, such as searching and accessing email and the Internet and energy saving commands: wake and sleep, when you need to leave your computer on, but won’t be using it. These big, bold keys will have you using the computer, with more accurate keystrokes for a more enjoyable time. $30; www.amazon.com

Deluxe Plastic Swivel Cushion

Getting in and out of a car or any seat (without arms) has gotten much easier thanks to The Deluxe Plastic Swivel Cushion. This device offers extra support for your hips while allows you to rotate 360 degrees so you can sit with minimal effort. This Orthopedic Chair cushion is comfortable and made with poly foam filling that is very light making it ideal to take with you anywhere or just keep it in your car. The swivel car seat was designed with a strong plastic and incorporates a non-skid base. $25; www.amazon.com

Glow in The Dark Stair Treads Set of 4

Glow in The Dark Stair Treads Set of 4 Helps prevent accidents. Can be used inside or outside. They glow-in-the-dark so you can see the stairs and every step you take for safer, surer footing indoors or outside. The textured, weatherproof, non-skid plastic surface provides traction to help prevent slips and falls. Open-work design allows dirt, snow and rain to drain. Easy to install with a self-adhesive peel-and-stick backing that keeps them securely in place. Features: Set of 4 Glows at night for secure footing indoors and out Non slip treads for added safety Open design allows dirt, snow and rain to drain away They are weather-proof and offer easy installation- just peel and stick. $15.58; www.amazon.com

MyKey Mobile Password Key by TX Systems

The new CHIPDRIVE MyKey was especially developed for notebook users to automatically and easily protect their privacy and sensitive data. Sensitive information like passwords and personal information are stored on a smart card in a plug-in format. Insert the handy CHIPDRIVE MyKey-Stick with the included CHIPDRIVE Masterkey 24k in any USB slot, enter your PIN – and you immediately have access to your data. Remove the stick from the USB slot again – and your sensitive data is promptly protected. $23; www.amazon.com

Philips Norelco Precision Nose, Ear and Eyebrow Trimmer

The Philips Norelco Precision Nose and Ear Trimmer uses a patented precision trimming technology that guarantees no pulling, as well as effortless nose and ear hair trimming. It can also be used on eyebrows. The Tube Shave technology makes nose and ear hair trimming safe, fast, and easy. The ultra sharp, closed cutting system avoids pulling for a more comfortable trimming experience. The guarded system also protects against nicks and cuts. In addition to its unique technology, the NT9110 is compact and ergonomically designed. It’s easily operated with a twist on/off indication. The shaver is battery operated and comes with a single “AA” battery. It is water-resistant for easy clean-up directly under the faucet. It can also be used in or out of the shower. The shaver comes with two eyebrow trimming and shaping attachment combs to trim and style the eyebrows. $15; www.philips.com

Audiovox ECCO Keychain GPS Location Finder

The ECCO from Audiovox is a handy little keychain GPS that easily helps you find your way back to your car or other spots. Store up to three locked locations and you’ll be guided by a simple interface to where you need to be. ECCO, the Personal GPS Locator is simple to use. Push the “lock” button to store your location and be on your way. When you are ready to return, push the “return” button and ECCO will guide you back to your saved location from as far away as 9,999 miles. ECCO can store up to three separate locations at the press of a button. Your stored locations remain in memory until replaced with a new locked position. The ECCO provides about 10 hours of typical use during active tracking, with 16 full days of power on standby. Charging the battery takes about 1.5 hours . $56; www.audiovox.com

Key Finder Whistle Key Ring by Totes

In a hurry and can’t find your keys? Just whistle and listen for the beep which will lead you to them. Along with the beep a LED light located on the Key Finder will blink to help you see your keys. This is great if your keys are in a bag, on the floor, under the bed or in any other dark place! The beeping and blinking continues until you find your keys. When found, just turn it to off to cease the chirping. You can immediately turn it back on so that it remains in “find mode” for next time you misplace your keys. Features one large key ring able to accommodate lots of keys! The ring has been grooved to make putting keys on or taking them off easy to do. It is attached to the key finder by a pivoting link – no chain to get tangled! The LED light also acts as a mini flashlight when needed. Simply press a button and illuminate the light to help you find your way. The on/off feature of this Key Finder is great so that when you’re in a movie theater or anywhere else that you need to keep silent you can switch it to off. This is an item everyone could use! Powered by two button cell batteries. $10; www.amazon.com

e-pill MEDglider Alarm Pill Box Talking Timer – DAILY Medication Manager

EASY to PROGRAM clock & alarms
MULTI-ALARM, up to 4 daily auto-repeating alarms
Unique VOICE ALARM: time to take your pill
CHOOSE reminder: Voice / Sound / Light
Large DISPLAY
Fits easily in Purse or Pocket
$40; ww.epill.com, www.amazon.com