When it comes to technology, older generations traditionally lag behind their kids and grandkids, set in the ways they did things back “in the good old days.” This is not the case when it comes to cellphones. The majority of seniors recognize that cellphones are an important tool to help them to stay connected to their friends and families.
According to the Pew Research Center, 91 percent of Americans ages 65 and older own a cellphone, and slightly more than half of them (53 percent) are smartphones. But although calling, messaging, and sending pictures to their kids and grandchildren is fun, it’s only a small portion of what smartphones can do. In fact, many seniors may not realize all that their phones can do if they have the right apps. And many of those apps won’t cost them a dime.
Here’s a look at 10 free apps that every senior should have on their cellphone or device.
1. Life360
This app uses GPS information to share your location with a small circle of family and friends. It gives them the peace of mind of knowing that you’re safe, and you don’t have to worry about checking in. It also lets them know when your phone battery is running low.
2. Find My Car (for iPhones) and Parkify — Where is my car? (for Androids)
Who hasn’t wandered around a parking lot trying to find their car? These apps remember where you park so that you don’t have to. They use location services to automatically drop a pin on your map, and when you are ready, the app provides directions back to your car.
3. Lyft
Having the Lyft app is like having a car service at your disposal. Use the app and a driver will pick you up and take you wherever you need to go. The app stores your credit card information, so you don’t have to worry about reentering it.
4. Medisafe
This medication management app was created by two brothers after their father took an extra dose of insulin and almost died. Medisafe sets up personalized reminders for each medicine a user takes and also alerts them to drug interaction warnings. The app reminds you when your medications are running low, giving you plenty of time to refill your prescriptions.
5. Magnifying Glass and Flashlight for iPhone and Android
If you’ve ever had trouble reading the restaurant menu because you forgot your reading glasses at home, this app is for you. Images provided by your camera are enlarged so that you can read them clearly. Simply turn on the magnifier and it will focus on the text, giving you the option of zooming in even further.
6. Evernote
Evernote helps you remember things and stay organized. You can type or speak reminders to yourself. You can take screenshots of things you see on the web and save them here. You can scan receipts and other paperwork you need to save, helping you avoid clutter.
7. AARP Now
This app puts all of your AARP membership benefits in the palm of your hand. Plus, you can search for senior discounts in your area, and access news stories that are relevant to seniors.
8. Sciddy
Sciddy alerts you to senior discounts in your hometown, as well as when you are traveling. Seniors ages 50 and over can get discounts on restaurant meals, entertainment, home services, and travel in cities around the country.
9. Lumosity
If you enjoy brain games, you’ll like Lumosity. This app offers different types of games designed to stimulate your memory and keep your mind active. The basic level is free, but if you want to upgrade, it will cost you.
10. Skype
Skype connects you with faraway friends and relatives for free via video calls. You can chat with them one on one, or have a group conversation.
Seniors who live in North Georgia don’t need an app to find out about the senior living options available in their area.
Communities that provide independent living, assisted living, and dementia care like Arbor Terrace Hamilton Mill in Dacula are available online so that seniors can use their phone’s internet browser to visit the Arbor Terrace website. Then, seniors can call them at 770-999-0421 to arrange a tour.
