2019's Best Apps for Seniors and the Elderly
These days just about everyone has a smartphone. We use them daily to communicate, socialize, and organize our lives. But despite how engrained technology is into our society, not everyone is as open to adopting it as the younger generations are.
We often forget how new technology is and how recently our society shifted into the digital age. Younger generations grew up with computers in their classrooms and technology all around them, but older generations had to teach themselves or seek help as needed. Because of this, many seniors have even written off technology altogether, opting to stick to what they know. For seniors especially, embracing technology can be a scary and confusing process.
But what many seniors may not know is that the advancements we're seeing to technology are actually beneficial to their day-to-day lives as well. With new smartphone apps popping up every day, there are thousands of apps seniors can use to their advantage.
Many apps are designed specifically with seniors in mind and others may just be a great way to simplify an outdated process. So for seniors with smartphones — or those whose families may want them to have one — these are the essential apps that all seniors should keep in mind.
#1: AARP Now
A news and events app tailored specifically for seniors and the goings-on in their own communities.
Downloadable through the Apple Store and Google Play.
Price: FREE
#2: Lumosity
A brain-training app aimed at improving cognitive functions.
Downloadable through the Apple Store and Google Play.
Price: FREE (with in-app purchases available for access to additional content)
#3: Skype
A video calling app to help keep in touch with friends and family.
Downloadable through the Apple Store and Google Play.
Price: FREE
#4: Pillbox
An app for tracking and recording your medications.
Downloadable through the Apple Store and Google Play.
Price: FREE
#5: Magnifying Glass + Flashlight
An app that can be used to magnify and brighten text that may be too small to read.
Downloadable through the Apple Store and Google Play.
Price: FREE
#6: Mint
A personalized budget app that links to your bank to provide real-time spending reports.
Downloadable through the Apple Store and Google Play.
Price: FREE
#7: Quardio Heart Health
An app to track and monitor your blood pressure.
Downloadable through the Apple Store and Google Play.
Price: FREE
#8: Tapestry
An app that provides seniors with a simpler alternative to social media to stay in touch with friends and family.
Downloadable through the Apple Store and Google Play.
Price: FREE
#9: Be My Eyes
An app that connects visually impaired users with a sighted volunteer to help them navigate or locate a missing item.
Downloadable through the Apple Store and Google Play.
Price: FREE
#10: Good RX
An app that lets you track your subscriptions and advises you of the best prices and discounts at pharmacies in your area.
Downloadable through the Apple Store.
Price: FREE
#11: Red Panic Button
A GPS-based app that sends your location to your chosen emergency contacts at the press of a button.
Downloadable through the Apple Store and Google Play.
Price: FREE (with in-app purchases available for access to additional features)
#12: The Weather Network
An app that lets you check the weather and receive notifications on how it changes throughout the day
Downloadable through the Apple Store and Google Play.
Price: FREE
#13: Senior Savings
A one-stop-shop for all of the places offering seniors discounts in your area.
Downloadable through the Apple Store and Google Play.
Price: FREE
#14: Life360
A location-sharing app aimed at keeping your friends and family in the loop of where you are. Additional features include a crash detection service when driving.
Downloadable through the Apple Store and Google Play.
Price: FREE 7-day trial, then $2.99/month for Life360 Plus or $7.99/month for Life360 Driver__Protect