Modern technology is for everyone. It’s not just for millennials who have already familiarized themselves with modern gadgets since they were young – senior citizens can also use today’s technology comfortably. Research showed that at least 42% of all senior citizens in the US are using smartphones.
While it’s true that senior citizens aren’t the primary target demographic of high-tech products, there are still apps specifically designed to meet the needs of us older adults. Some of these apps are useful to provide entertainment, security, or connectivity for seniors’ everyday life.
1. Find My
Available for iOS for Free
If you’ve ever lost your smartphone, you know that you’re probably more attached to the little device than you’d like to admit – sometimes losing it causes a panic! “Find My” is a great application to find your missing iPhone, iPad, or any other Apple device. The most useful feature of this app is that you can locate your lost device even if it is not connected to the internet.
“Find My” also has sensitive data protection systems to safeguard your personal information in case your phone is stolen.
2. Magnifying Glass With Light
Available for iOS for Free
Don’t have the perfect eyesight? Fret not; this simple app lets you zoom in on text on books, magazines, or restaurant menus. If you are looking to add some lighting to your reading material, there’s an option to turn on the flashlight.
3. Skype
Available for iOS and Android for Free
There’s no better way to spend leisure time than to say hi to your loved ones. With Skype, you can easily chat with your far-from-home children and grandchildren, free of charge. You can also see their face through the screen, which is a plus!
4. Medisafe Pill Reminder
Available for iOS and Android for Free
Having to constantly remember when to take medications is a hassle. It even worse if you have to take different medications for certain days.
Pillboxie allows you to organize which medications to take by color and what time to take them. Therefore, you don’t need to worry about forgetting them.
5. FallSafety
Available for iOS and Android for Free
Being old means you have to stay prepared in case anything happens. FallSafety is an app that lets you notify emergency contacts to come into rescue when the phone detects that its user fell and there’s no sign of movement for a period of time.
6. Goodreads
Available for iOS and Android for Free
If reading books is your hobby and you want to share your thoughts about them with other people, you can try to download the Goodreads app. Goodreads allows its users to discover and give opinions about books of their choices.
You can also view other’s people reading history and what kind of book genre they like. Who knows, you might find an online reading buddy that has the same taste as yours.
7. WordBrain
Available for iOS and Android for Free
Doing activities that stimulate the brain is good for your health. Some studies clarify that brain-activity-inducing games such as puzzles help delay the onset of dementia (brain diseases).
Be entertained and keep your brain busy with WordBrain, a word puzzle app. Starts off easy, then challenge yourself by increasing the difficulty one step at a time.
8. Netflix
Available for iOS and Android for a minimum $8.99 a month
Watch your favorite movies or TV shows online with the paid monthly subscription of the Netflix app. If you found yourself with nothing to do, this app is the perfect choice to provide hours of entertainment.
9. Weather
Available for iOS and Android for Free
You’re all set to go out for a walk, and it starts raining… if only there was a way to predict the weather! Well, we all know how accurate the forecasts can be, but regardless, it is disappointing to find out at the last minute that the weather isn’t right for your planned activity. With the Weather app, you can get constant updates on current weather and what to expect in the future.
10. Senior Discounts & Coupons (NOT!)
Available for iOS and Android for Free
Since this app was the only one for iphone that is specifically made for Seniors, we thought we’d recommend it… until we read the reviews. We decided to leave it on the list only as an example of technology that you might think you need but shouldn’t need at all. After all, most businesses offer Senior Discounts – if you’re unsure, you can call ahead – but you definitely don’t need an app on your phone to find one!