Photo by Joseph Chan on Unsplash As we all know, technology is an integral part of our lives now. From personal computers to mobile phones, everything nowadays is mostly digital. And, on top of that, it’s so important to be able to stay in the loop with friends and family.
Applications are a great way to help you in your everyday tasksThere are countless applications in the Google Play Store that are easy to download and operateYour life can be more vibrant and full if you are willing to learn new things.
Some of us may have a bit of a hard time adjusting to new ways of doing things. Elderly people especially can sometimes get overwhelmed when learning new technologies. And that’s understandable! After all, the world has changed so much 一 and keeps on changing. I do believe though, that even in this ever-changing world, the elderly are keeping up–learning what they need to know to manage details in everyday life. There are so many different types of applications available in the Google Play Store, and older adults are putting many of them to good use. Now, many seniors see their phones as just a way of keeping in touch with their loved ones through calls or texts. And those are great features. But there is more to those phones than just making calls. In fact, phone calls just scratch the surface of mobile technology. Older adults can do a lot more with their phones and I’m here to show you just that. Today’s technology has solutions catered to different needs. Ever heard of Android phones for people with dementia? Well, they actually exist. In this article, I’ll walk you through the apps seniors can leverage to make their lives easier and better. But before I reveal the best apps for the elderly, let me first show you how to install the applications on the Google Play Store. The steps are very easy to follow, so don’t worry. Here is a quick guide: Step 1: Go to the Google Play Store Step 2: On the search bar, type in the name of the application you would like to download: Step 3: Click on the name of the application: Step 4: Click on the Install button and wait for the application to be installed. It will look like this once it is done. Step 5: Now just click on the open button and you will be directed to the application that you have downloaded: You can now enjoy your application! Its very easy and fun to do! What do you think? Now I’ll list the 5 best apps for senior citizens you can install from the Google Play Store right away. So, without any further ado, let’s get started.
1. Magnifying Glass with Flashlight
Features
– High Contrast Mode available– Magnify ability from 1.0X to 5.0X– Save captured pictures in the gallery Among the best apps for seniors, this app is the most talked-about. As you get older, it can be difficult to read the small print because your eyes just aren’t what they used to be. Glasses can help, and many of us rely on them, but sometimes you need a little more help. What if I tell you your phone can also help you with that? This application can help you read the fine print in a newspaper or a menu in a dark restaurant. It will automatically open your flashlight, then your screen acts as a magnifying lens for easier reading. It’s very easy to download from Google Play Store and it’s very popular. Try it out yourself. The next time you are dining out and can’t read anything on the menu, just bring your phone out and choose this application. You will have your instant magnifying glass.
Is it free or paid?
The free version contains ads. The app also has in-app purchases. Get the app on the Google Play Store by clicking the button below.
2. Kindle
Features
– Free and paid books available– Built-in dictionary, Google, Wikipedia– Sync your ebooks– Preview books before purchase– Customized reading experience I am, and always will be, a bookworm. When I am reading, I am taken to different worlds and meet different amazing characters. Reading is an awesome pastime for a lot of people, not just seniors. You can read all kinds of stories, from fantasy to romance to thrillers, to inspirational, wherever you are–at home or while waiting for the bus. And the best part is, you can enlarge the texts as big as you want for easier reading.
Is it free or paid?
Get the app on the Google Play Store by clicking the button below:
3. Evernote
Features
– Save articles for later– Variety in note-making (text, sketches, photos, audio, clips, and more)– Scan notes, documents, drawings– Attach files– Set reminders – Sync your notes Even young people forget things, especially when we are in a hurry or trying to do too much. It’s important to write things down in a systematic manner to avoid forgetting important details or events–which can have serious consequences. The Evernote app will let you type in and make notes on anything you want. From grocery lists, to when to take your medicines, to your granddaughter’s birthday, it is the only app you need to stay organized. Not only does it have the note-making feature, but you can scan documents, add attachments, sketch, record audio, add reminders, and more. It’s very easy to use and it could be a favorite.
Is it free or paid?
Evernote is available for both free and premium subscriptions at $7.99 monthly and $69.99 annually. Premium features include PDF annotation, 10 GB upload each month, use on multiple devices, offline access, and more. Get the app on the Google Play Store by clicking the button below:
4. WebMD
Features
– Symptom checker– Doctor directory– Medication reminders– Medically-reviewed information about conditions– Save information for easy access and reference– Drug interaction checker to find harmful drug combinations This application will take you to a website where you will be able to find doctors when you need them the most. Of course, it’s always best to contact your own physician if you can, but WebMD can be a great resource for general medical questions. You can open the app, put in your symptoms and a medical professional will be assigned to you. Note: “WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the WebMD mobile application.”
Is it free or paid?
This app is completely free and thus contains ads. Also, it doesn’t require any registration. Get the app on the Google Play Store by clicking the button below:
5. Skype
Features
– Video calls/conferencing – Audio calls– Group and individual chats– Share media files instantly– Annotate images When you are far from your loved ones, you need to have a way to keep in touch. This is especially true on special occasions such as birthdays, or weddings, and unfortunately, sometimes you can’t be there with your friends and family. Skype is a great way of doing video calls and messages, a much-needed feature for older adults too. With Skype’s good video clarity and its free text and calls feature, you can stay connected. And communication with our loved ones is very important, at any age.
Is it free or paid?
The Skype app is free to use, but it does contain ads. Get the app on the Google Play Store by clicking the button below:
Honorable Mentions
Big Launcher: Big Launcher is one of the best Android launchers for elderly people. This app makes the home screen on Android phones more suitable and easier to access for older adults. This makes using a mobile a lot easier without the fear of making a mistake and offers stress-free navigation. The app is free to install and offers in-app purchases. Blood pressure Companion: This Android app allows users to enter, analyze, and share blood pressure on the go. This app is paid for and is available for download at $0.99. Google Find My Device: Google’s very own Find My Device helps the users locate their Android phone and lock it until they get it back. This app can prove to be really handy for elderly and youth alike as we tend to forget where we keep our phones. The app is free to use. Hearty Seniors: It is a strength, coordination, and mobility workout app created by physical therapists. All the exercises in this Android app follow the international fall-prevention guidelines. Exercising makes one’s life easier and that’s what this app promises too. The app is available for free on the Google Play Store. Words With Friends: Words With Friends is a multiplayer word puzzle Android game. This app helps train the brain and allows users to make friends with fellow puzzle gamers on the app. The app is free to install and contains ads and in-app purchases. We all grow old and watch the world change around us. Even though it can feel uncomfortable sometimes, there is nothing we can do to stop it! These apps for seniors are just some of the applications you can make good use of to help you stay in the loop and experience new technologies–even when you are not as young as you used to be. Our elders are the ones who made us who we are today. One way we can reciprocate is to help them through the current applications and make their lives a little easier. If you know of any other helpful apps for seniors, don’t forget to leave them in the comments section below.
