As a follow up to the Previous “Seniors & Smartphones: A Love Story,” we will now look at some of the best apps for your smartphone as a part two add-on. Whether you are a senior citizen just getting started in the smartphone world, or you are an old hand, these apps are worth considering:
- AARP: This app is available for both Android and iPhone users and is associated with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) app. It provides you with an up-to-date calendar of local events, as well as providing you easy access to discounts you earn through your AARP membership. It also gives you the ability to utilize a mobile AARP card. You can even join or update your AARP membership through the app once downloaded if you desire. The cost of app is free, which is another bonus.
- Be My Eyes: The Be My Eyes app is currently only available for iPhone users at the present and is a free download. This app is extremely helpful for people of all ages, who struggle to read small print. This app actually works to help you in a few ways. First of all, if your eyesight is still decent, but you just need a little help seeing in certain situations/environments, it will help by illuminating and magnifying restaurant menus, labels, newspaper print, magazine articles, etc. However, if you are legally blind or significantly visually impaired, this app can also help you with sighted volunteers who can make life with impaired vision easier.
- Find My Phone: This app, which you can download for free on either your iPhone or Android device will help you locate your phone when it’s been misplaced. This, of course, spares you the hassle of looking for it for hours.
- Blood Pressure Monitoring: As we age, blood pressure levels tend to become more of a health concern. Thankfully, with this free Blood Pressure Monitoring app, you can download on your iPhone, you can keep track of these vitally important stats. With this helpful app, you can keep track not only of your blood pressure, but other important vitals like weight. It also allows you to share this information with your doctor.
- Old Time Radio 24: This isn’t so much a practical app, as it is a fun one that will take you back to the good old days of music. Download this free Old Time Radio 24 app on your iPhone and instantly gain access to popular music from the 1920s to 1950s. The radio station doesn’t only broadcast retro music but also allows you to enjoy popular TV shows from that era.
- Tapestry: If your family has been asking you to join Facebook in order to share photos and keep in touch but your hesitant, you might want to try this free app called Tapestry. With this app, which you can download on either your Android or iPhone device, you can share videos, photos, and messages with your family on a safe, ad-free online social media type environment.
- WordBrain: If you have always been a fan of puzzles, especially those involving words, you will love the app WordBrain. Word puzzles have been successfully shown to delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, making them a valuable way to keep the brain young. This app features a wide range of word puzzles you can enjoy by downloading the app on either your iPhone or Android device.
Technology, specifically smart phones, can be intimidating for seniors. However, todays apps are designed to be intuitive and navigable like the ones mentioned above. Check them out and see how helpful your smartphone can be.
Sources:
https://www.seniorliving.org/leisure/senior-citizen-apps/
https://www.aarp.org/about-aarp/mobile/
