Yeah, there’s an app for that! Make your cell phone work for you when you need it. There are plenty of apps for seasoned folks that will make life easier. Here are a few practical and entertaining apps that you are sure to use over and over again.
- Magnifying Glass—A free app for those who have difficulty reading small print on things like restaurant menus. Once downloaded, the app uses the phone’s camera to zoom in on whatever type you need enlarged.
2. GoodRx—GoodRx is a free mobile app and website that helps Americans save millions of dollars every month by finding them the lowest prescription prices in their neighborhood. Use their price comparison resource on your mobile app or visit goodrx.com to save up to 80% on virtually all FDA-approved drugs—brand-name and generic. Note: Paying with a GoodRx coupon is considered an “out-of-network” purchase, and it’s up to the insurance company to decide if they’ll pay you back — or whether they’ll count it toward your deductible.
3. LastPass—LastPass is an award-winning app that stores all of your passwords securely in one place, so that you do not have to rely on your memory which can sometimes let you down. Save a password once, and it’s instantly available on a single device type for free. With the premium option (prices start at $3 per month), LastPass goes everywhere you do, across all your devices.
4. Lumosity—This is a brain developer app that has both free and paid versions for iOS and Android. The Lumosity program is specifically designed to strengthen brain and memory function through a host of memory games, as well as activities that boost attention, language, problem solving, and more. Lumosity is free to download on Android and iOS, though upgrading to a premium subscription costs $11.99 per month or $59.99 for 1 year.
5. Find my iPhone—Never lose your expensive cell again with one of the best free iPhone apps for seniors: Find My iPhone. If you leave your phone somewhere or it gets stolen, this app will help you find it. You can ping your iPhone to find it, or remotely lock the phone and display a message to help someone return it. The phone can even be erased of all data if stolen. Android also has a similar free feature called Find My Device that enables you to find lost tablets and phones.
6. Life360—Life360 is a free app that can help caregivers track their senior loved ones to ensure safe travels. Instead of frequent phone calls to check if someone has arrived at their destination, the app has notifications that do the job even better: It uses GPS tracking, letting caregivers see exactly where their loved one is and even includes data like their speed limit and total travel time. Location sharing can go both ways, so a senior also knows where to reach their caregiver.
7. SmartBP—Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This free blood pressure app helps you track your blood pressure measurements and track your progress. It can be synced with Apple’s Health app or the Google Fit app, and it even shows charts and breakdowns, helping you stay proactive about your blood pressure. Using this app along with blood pressure monitors and smart watches can help you easily track your heart health.
8. Pacer—Similar to a Fitbit watch, Pacer tracks your steps with your phone. Seniors can use the free app to discover new walking routes, track their friends’ steps, and participate in challenges. The app can even be paired with a smartwatch to track more accurately. Plus, the app gives you options to track your calories and exercises to help support your overall fitness. There are a few features that are not free.
9. ShopWell—The free Shopwell app simplifies nutrition labels and helps you discover new foods that fit your lifestyle. Shopwell provides personalized nutrition scores when you create a Food Profile with your dietary goals, health concerns, allergies and dislikes. Simply scan any item to see quick nutritional information and learn how it matches with your needs — not an average. Discover products that are a better match for you. Create lists of your favorite finds and share them with family and friends. It’s that easy.
10. Live!y—The free Live!y app is an urgent-response app. With one tap, the app connects you to an agent who can assist you when you feel unsafe, have fallen, or are experiencing a medical emergency. Through GPS tracking and information provided by you on the app, the agent then can contact local authorities, medical professionals, or your loved ones. The app can also sync with your smartwatch or Live!y medical alert device.