Guest post by Matthew Zdun
Wish you had left the air conditioner on at a higher temperature? Want to track your daily steps? Need to see who is at the front door? There are apps for all of these and more. Your children are probably the ones who will give you the information about these and other apps, but what about apps for your parents. It’s up to you to assist them with apps that can make their lives easier while allowing them to keep their independence.
There’s a common misperception out there that seniors don’t use technology. In reality, according to the Pew Research Center, 42% of seniors own smartphones. According to another common misperception, seniors have something against technology. But the research actually shows that 58% of seniors believe technology has a “mostly positive” impact on society.
Perhaps not surprisingly, there are a number of apps that are specifically tailored toward seniors. For example, the MyTherapy app (available in both the App Store and the Google Play Store) can send you regular pill reminders and allow you to track your weight and other health metrics in the app. There’s even a report that you can print out and take with you to your next doctor’s appointment.
Or, maybe you or someone you know needs help reading small text or figuring out how to reboot your cable. The Be My Eyes app (also available in both the App Store and the Google Play Store) can connect you with a network of more than 3 million volunteers who can assist you via video chat for free.
For the times you need a little fresh air, you might try the free Flip50 app (available in the App Store and the Google Play Store), which features guided healthy lifestyle programs especially for those 50 and older.
The team at Wikibuy rounded up 45 smartphone apps to help seniors with everything from organization and communication to budgeting, fitness, and fun. Check out the infographic with summaries of their favorite 14 apps, as well as average user ratings.
Remember “thisisyourbestyear”. Finding helpful apps for seniors helps everyone.
*Matthew Zdun writes about technology, finance, politics, and all things interesting! When not writing, he plays the piano and guitar, sings, and enjoys the great outdoors in Austin, Texas.
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