Seniors are embracing technology and are becoming more and more tech-savvy. Although it may seem as though the majority of apps are geared toward a younger generation, there are also many apps that would suit any retired adult. From useful and practical to fun and enjoyable, here is a list of apps that are perfect for senior citizens to simplify and enhance daily life.
Vision Assistance
You never know when you may need to read tiny print or find a small object that you dropped. For times like these and countless other tasks around the house, you’ll have a digital magnifying glass right at your fingertips. Squint no more at those impossibly small directions on medication bottles or fine print in an ad! It’s basically like having a set of reader glasses on you at all times. Here are two options:
- Magnifying Glass Flashlight (android)
- Magnifying Glass With Light (ios)
Music/Radio
Take the music with you wherever you go! The days of having to adjust your radio to find the best reception possible are over. Gone also are the days of having to sit through a song you don’t like. Here are just a few picks:
- Pandora is great in that you can listen to any genre of music from oldies to hip hop, classical to reggae. You can also create a station by selecting an artist that you like, and Pandora will play songs you may like based on your taste. All stations can be fine tuned to your liking. Pandora makes it easy to create stations that are perfect for anytime, mood, place, or activity.
- Tune In Radio is android & ios compatible, and you can choose from over 100,000 live radio stations or listen to a podcast, audiobook, sports game, or concert!
- OTR Streamer dedicates itself to vintage Old Time Radio shows; when people used to listen to their “stories”. They have over 13000 shows for you to enjoy, and they are constantly adding more. Sit back and listen to the glory of the Golden Age of Radio. This app is ios compatible only.
- Old Time Radio Player also offers old time radio shows. With over 14,000 shows and counting, you’re sure to find something you like! You’ll love the sounds of yesteryear. This app is Android compatible only.
Medical
- Heart Rate Monitor apps like Instant Heart Rate: Heart Rate & Pulse Monitor allow you to check your heart rate whenever and wherever you go. How is it done? You place your finger gently on the camera lens of your phone, and this app analyzes the color changes in blood blow from the tip of your finger.
- Fall Detector apps like FallSafetyPro will detect a sudden downward movement. The app monitors your stability and will send an automated call or message to contacts of your choosing if you fall over. But don’t worry about unnecessary calls; the app gives you a certain amount of time to click a button indicating that you’re okay before calling your contacts
- If you’re ever in a medical or safety emergency, a panic button app could be your best friend. For example, the Red Panic Button app. When and if you should encounter trouble, you simply press the button and the app will immediately send a text and email containing your location to your emergency contacts. What a life saver!
Medication Management
It’s important to take your medication, and preferably at the same times every day. The trouble is that it is so easy to forget, especially if you have more than one medication you need to take and/or each medication has its own schedule. Luckily, there are apps like the one below to help you with that.
- Medisafe is a great app. You can add each different medication you take, what days and times you need to take them, and you can even select what the medication looks like. The app then reminds you when it is time to take them. With more features and a clean design, it’s definitely worth the download.
Social Media
Social apps like Facebook are great for many reasons. Just to name a few:
- You can keep in touch with friends, long lost pals, old co-workers, family & more. This is especially handy if they are out of town/state/country.
- It is entertainment. Through Facebook, you can discover photos, videos, blogs, games, and more that are of interest to you.
- You can find great deals. Companies often offer coupons and deals on their Facebook page.
- It is informative. Facebook offers news feeds for you to easily keep up to date on trending issues.
Games & Memory
Playing brain games help you stay mentally active and can improve memory and reduce or slow the onset of Alzheimer’s. The games/apps below aren’t exclusively for seniors; they are they are used and loved by a range of ages, which is great.
- Lumosity– This app is fun and beneficial to your cognitive abilities. It includes daily training sessions and games designed to enhance memory, attention and problem-solving. Therefore, it is basically like a gym for your brain! It is available for both android and ios devices.
- Crossword Puzzles- Crosswords are one game that is said to slow the onset of dementia and now you can enjoy them digitally! Try Crossword Puzzle Free on your Android phone or Crossword: World’s Biggest Crosswords Game on your iphone or ipad.
- Words With Friends– is basically a digital Scrabble board, only better. Play against strangers or friends!