AARP's Baby: Health IT for Seniors

AARP launched an online tool this month for managing personal health information and selectively sharing the data with health care providers and others.

AARP Health Record is free to AARP members. Users can use the security-enhanced services to record information such as blood type and drug allergies, personal and family health history and provider contact information, the organization for people older than 50 said in a news release.

The AARP Health Record connects to Microsoft HealthVault, a privacy- and security-enhanced online platform. AARP users will be able to import prescription history from a Health Vault-connected pharmacy, including CVS Caremark and Walgreens, into their AARP Health Record, AARP said.

The health record is part of a “broader vision” to develop online tools and services to help older Americans manage their health and “navigate the health system,” AARP said.

“This is the future of health care,” said Nicole Duritz, AARP vice president. “Our members need information that is current and convenient, so they can ask smart questions and communicate effectively with the health care system, whether they are in their doctor's office or halfway around the world on vacation.”

The AARP application was developed by Get Real Consulting of Rockville, Md.