[INFOGRAPHIC] 59% OF Seniors Have Purchased Online in Last 3 Months

Senior e-commerce use is booming. Consider these statistics:

• 59% of online seniors have made an online purchase in the past three months
• Seniors, 50+, spend over $7 billion annually
• Adults 50+ account for 80% of all online luxury travel spending.

But why are seniors using the internet to shop?
Here's what our customers tell us at JRS Medical:

1. It's convenient. I can shop from home, anytime, day or night.
2. The prices are better than in local stores.
3. I get a wider selection of products to choose from.
4. It's shipped to my house quickly and for free.

Silver Surfers: Internet Usage Among Older Generations

The Internet isn’t just for tweens and young socialites. In fact, a large population of Internet users are 50 and older, utilizing the Web for social media, shopping and even education. Let’s take a look at why the stereotype of the not-so-tech-savvy Baby Boomer is more than faulty.

Stats and Facts

Senior Internet use (2000-2012) The number of adults 50+ who use the Internet has grown significantly in the past 12 years.

• Percentage of Twitter users over 50 - Almost 1 in 5
• Percentage of Americans 65+ who use the Internet - 53%
• Of that 53%, 70% use it on a typical day.
• Average amount of time Baby Boomers 47-65 spent on the Internet in 2012 - 27 hours per week
• Percentage of seniors (65+) who own a desktop computer - 48%
• Percentage of adults 50-64 who own a desktop computer - 63%

A Closer Look: Senior Social Media Use

Though the average age of the social media user is fairly young, a large percentage of social media profiles belong to adults 55 and over.

• Adults 55+ who engage in social networking to communicate - 27.4 million
• Online seniors who use social media - 1 in 3 (This is a big difference from 2009, where only 13% of online seniors were using social media.)
• Percentage of online seniors who have a Facebook account - 49%
• Percentage of Twitter users 50 and older - 18%

A Closer Look: Seniors Shopping Online

Maybe it’s because they have the most money of any age group, or maybe it’s because they like the convenience; whatever the reason, adults 50 and older constitute a majority of the online consumer population.

• Percentage of online seniors who have made an online purchase in the past three months - 59%
• Average annual amount spent online by adults aged 50+ - $7 billion
• Adults 50+ account for 80% of all online luxury travel spending.

SOURCE: http://www.accredited-online-college.org/internet-usage/

10 Overlooked Spring Cleaning Projects

Spring Cleaning Ideas

Pull out the broom and mop because its time to do some Spring cleaning. Wash the windows, sweep the floors, clean the carpets, declutter and organize the house from top to bottom. All done! Right?

Often times, its cleaning the small and unseen areas that can make the biggest difference. Forgotten closets, broken items and routine maintenance should be added to your list. We've put together a list of overlooked projects that can help you live in a clean, well organized and safer home.

10 Overlooked Spring Cleaning Projects

Here are some spring cleaning ideas you may have overlooked:

1. Give it away, recycle it or throw it away. The easiest way to clean and organize your home is to get rid of the clutter.
2. Change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
3. Do one room a day until you're done. Spring cleaning is a great opportunity to begin a new cleaning habit.
4. Clean out your medicine cabinet. Throw away any expired medications.
5. Check the inspection dates on your fire extinguishers.
6. Make small repairs to items as you clean.
7. Have the air conditioner checked and cleaned before it get's too hot.
8. Pack up unneeded winter clothes.
9. Clean your window dressings. Wash or dry clean the curtains and clean your blinds and shades.
10. Reward yourself for a job well done!

Share your spring cleaning ideas with us!

We'd love to hear them! Check out our Cleaning and Organizing board on Pinterest for more ideas! Photo by Bob Jagendorf 

Introducing the HealBug Knee Walker

Have you suffered an injury below the knee? It's possible you've had a foot surgery, a below the knee amputation, gout, diabetic ulcers or wounds, a foot sprain, or fracture. Then more than likely, you'll be looking for a knee walker. A knee walker (sometimes called a knee scooter) is a crutch-replacement mobility device to help you safely move around in your house or city. The HealBug Knee Walker is the premier knee walker for your needs.

Features of the HealBug Knee Walker

It's Steerable

The adjustable steering handlebars make it possible to turn tight corners. A small turn radius makes it easy to move around in your home, at the game or at work. The handlebars have a built-in height adjustment option for a perfect fit every time.

It Has Brakes

The brakes are conveniently located on the handlebars for easy stopping. The brake system on the Healbug Knee Walker is like the one found on a bicycle. To brake, simply pull the lever with your fingers toward your body.

It Has A Basket

The black mesh basket on the front of the HealBug Knee Walker is perfect for holding items you need while on the go. Store your phone, keys, drink or other small items as you move safely to your destination.

It Has A Comfortable Knee Pad

The HealBug has a comfortable and durable knee pad for you to rest your leg. Like the handlebars, it's height adjustable for the perfect fit.

It Comes In 2 Colors

The HealBug comes in Sporty Red or Royal Blue.

Price $179 - Free Shipping

All orders placed at JRSMedical.com come with free shipping. That means the price you see on the screen is the price you'll pay. No hidden fees or charges. That's what JRS Medical stands for - Just Real Simple Medical.

Parkinson's Disease: 5 Ways To Prevent Falls

One of the major challenges facing Parkinson's and elderly patients is falls. Broken hips, or sometimes more serious injuries, happen that could be stopped. But how do you prevent falls from happening to Parkinson's and elderly patients? Prevention begins with diligence and prior planning. Use this list to make your home or office a safer place.

5 Ways To Prevent Falls in Your Home

You can prevent falls and make your home a safer place:

1. Remove trip hazards to prevent falls in your home
   • Reroute power cords, phone cords and oxygen supply tubes
   • Remove small throw rugs and mats
   • Remove clutter and items that are laying on the floor or stairs
2. Use bed rails
   • Bed rails can keep you from falling out of bed
   • Bed rails can help you to gain your balance while getting up
3. Keep items within reach
   • Store heavy, sharp or glass items on waist high shelves, drawers and countertops
   • Reachers make retrieving hard to reach objects possible
4. Use a walker or rollator for balance
   • Use a walker or rollator (rolling walker with a seat) while walking
   • You can use a walker or rollator to steady yourself as you sit or stand
5. Use grab bars in the bathroom
   • The bathroom can be one of the most dangerous places in the home
   • Use grab bars when getting in and out of tub or shower
   • Utilize grab bars near toilets for balance
   • Have grab bars professionally installed

Fall Prevention Products

Visit the JRS Medical Aids To Daily Living website for the products listed in this article.

What Do You Think?

We want to know what you think. What products do you use to make your home safer? What would you add to this list? Leave us a comment or share your thoughts on Facebook, Twitter, or Google+. You can also find more home safety tips on the JRS Medical Home Safety Pinterest board.

Photo by kdinuraj