Is it smart to get a smartwatch?

I'm not sure. One article foresees problems with smart watch sales. The focus seems to be on smartwatches using Google's Android software. Another article suggests we aren't ready for such tech.

Points:

• "The category will morph into something else, but it will ultimately fail to live up to the promise of being a new kind of computing platform that frees us from the smartphone."
• "…49% of smartwatches sold in 2016 were made by Apple, followed by Fitbit at 17% and Samsung at 15%. None of Google's Android Wear partners even made the list; they were lumped into the "other" category."
• "People don't want smartwatches. They want an Apple Watch or a basic fitness tracker like a Fitbit."

The most positive statement about the Google product: "The only glimmers of hope I found were in the fitness app's ability to track reps while you lift weights or perform other strength exercises like sit-ups. I haven't seen a fitness tracker do that yet, and it could turn into a killer feature for the category."

Really? Tracking reps is a killer feature? Tracking reps is something people need? I get the potential for automating workout tracking. I like the idea of some watches counting swimming laps because I lose track easily if my mind wanders. However, I'm having a hard time justifying the expense of those kinds of watches. Here are some thoughts:

• A smartwatch can track swimming laps. However, I have a workaround to keep from losing track. I stack my warmup clothes at the edge of the pool, and when I finish a sequence of laps, I move one item to the side. That makes it a lot easier to keep track of laps.
• A smartwatch can keep track of heart rate. However, I can spot check my heart rate by pressing my fingers against my neck and counting heartbeats.
• A smartwatch can keep track of steps during the day. However, I supervise people in different buildings, so if I walk to the different buildings, that seems to take care of my steps.
• A smartwatch can track different sports, but do I really need to that. Isn't the important thing that I get out and do those sports? For weightlifting, I've printed the exercises out, and I tick off the sets and reps on the paper.

What do you think? Does a sophisticated smart watch provide a significant improvement over what I'm doing? I'd love to get one, but haven't been able to fully justify it.

How to deal with junk food temptation

You're the iquana, and you're at the grocery store.

You turned the corner without paying attention, and suddenly you're in the...snack food aisle.

Shelves full of junk food on one side. Refrigerator units full of soda pops. 

Keep walking and don't stop.

Psst! Some Kit Kats here.

Hey! Come get us Pringles.

Oy. You need us Lay's chips.

Yeah! That's it. Put us Chips Ahoy in your cart. Gotcha! No, don't put us back on the shelf!

Come grab one of us Coke cans! Only 40 grams of sugar!

Wait! You're getting to close to the end of the aisle! Turn around. Come check us Tostitos out!

Whew! You made it through the snack food aisle.

So how do you deal with junk food temptation? Run, baby, run!

Boomers at risk?

For employers, wellness is holistic concept, including areas like personal finances that can create health-threatening stress. An article about Baby Boomers' retirements at risk provokes thought and concern because "Baby Boomers—born between the years 1946 and 1964—are the wealthiest generation and yet the least prepared for retirement."

Points:

• "…retirement is no longer a destination; it’s an entire journey—often 20 to 30 years long."
• "Boomers, their employers and the country as a whole are completely and utterly unprepared to pay for their retirement."
• "Grossly unprepared for retirement, many Boomers are starting to think of the future with growing concern about health care expenses."
• "60 percent of Baby Boomers will experience more than one chronic health condition."

How are employers trying to help?

• "…employers are turning to defined-contribution health plans as a way of helping employees navigate the health care system."
• "…health care spending accounts (HSAs) offer consumers a more flexible way to help ease the increasing burden of paying for health care, and offer both short-term and long-term tax advantages."

What can Baby Boomers themselves do to prepare for retirement? Here are some random thoughts to kick around:

• Redefine contentment. What do we really need to be content and happy in life?
• Aggressively manage consumer debt. That can be a struggle, especially those with grandchildren and family living some distance away. Giving and travel can make a dent in anyone's financial resolutions.
• Pull together. Make close friendships, share information, and help each other. Social networks can make a difference. Senior groups in churches and lifelong learning groups have saved more than one life.
• Exercise regularly and with others. Exercise has numerous benefits which I periodically blog about.