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Tech Support

5 Mobile Apps for Seniors to Make Life Easier

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

There is no denying that we cannot live without technology.

And even though the seniors aren’t so easy to change with times, a study by the Pew Research Center has shown that 67% of older people above 65 years are already using the internet. The same study suggests that 42% of seniors own smartphones.

To make life easier for seniors, developers are working around the clock to create mobile apps that help this older generation undertake their daily activities effortlessly.

So currently, there are tens of thousands of mobile apps for seniors out there. This makes it more difficult to pick the best app that can address the needs of seniors. Well, we did our in-depth research and looked into a ton of mobile apps and found these to be the best ones.

These apps can be used on almost all smartphones and can help to give seniors access to medical information, music, connect them with their friends and family, etc.

So, without much ado, let’s get into the list of useful apps for senior citizens.

1. MedWatcher

For seniors, scheduling medication and exercise can be challenging. The last thing you want to see is skipping important medicines.

Fortunately, with MedWatcher you can know when it’s time to take your medicines or go for some exercise.

But the app does more than that.

It also keeps you updated with any changes to the medications and side effects that might arise.

When you download this app on your Android or iPhone, you get real-time news and updates on all your medications. You can also report any side effects of medicines to the Food and Drug Administration.

The best part?

You can download it on your device for free.

2. ShopWell

Grocery shopping for seniors can be hectic.

In fact, if you have an existing medical condition or you have certain allergies, you need to be cautious when buying your food.

Fortunately, with ShopWell you can make better food choices.

This app helps you find foods that are suitable for your existing condition. You just need to set up a food profile and the app will generate a shopping list for you.

ShopWell can be downloaded for free on iOS and Android devices.

3. My Fitness Pal

Knowing what to eat is one thing and knowing what you’re required to eat according to science is another.

If you’re looking to lose weight then perhaps you’re keen on what gets inside your mouth.

There is no better way to set realistic health goals than to use My Fitness Pal.

The app has a huge food database containing 6 million-plus.

With this app, you get access to different nutrition labels of all your food so you can keep track of the amounts of carbohydrates, fat, calories, and protein you consume.

4. Magnifying Glass with Light

Magnifying Glass with Light or Flashlight is available on iOS and Android and this app is a gem for seniors who have challenges reading small text. With this app on your mobile handset, you can read small fonts whether on restaurant menus or prescription bottles.

To use the app, you just need to position your phone’s camera above the text then move the screen slider to enlarge the text so you can read without straining your eyes.

5. WebMD

WebMD is an app developed by industry experts of the popular WebMD website that shares mountains of health and medical information.

The app doesn’t only provide you with a wealth of health information though.

It also contains a ton of support tools to help you learn more about your overall health so you can make useful health decisions.

Currently, the WebMD app is available on iOS and Android devices and has a ton of useful features such as:

Health target: This feature lets you connect wearable devices so you can monitor your daily progress health-wise.

Symptom checker: This feature lets you know possible health conditions with any part of your body.

First aid information: In case of emergency issues, this feature shares management tips to help you solve the issue by yourself. It also lets you know when you should call 911.

Conditions: This feature provides you with useful information about different medical conditions together with the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, medical terms, treatment procedures, etc.

Other Useful Apps for Seniors

1. Kindle

There is the Kindle, the electronic device you might have come across or even used then there is a mobile app for Android and iPad users that can help you gain access to e-books from the comfort of your coaches.

With this mobile app, you can read browse millions of digital books anytime, anywhere, whether you’re traveling, or in your bed.

The good thing about this app is that it’s developed with seniors in mind.

The app allows you to enlarge the text, increase or decrease the brightness of the screen, etc. It also has an in-built text-to-speech feature and dictionary, etc.

When reading in the dark, the app changes the background to black and the text white so you can read without straining your eyes.

2. Find My Car

The last thing you want to see is parking your car to buy some goods in a supermarket only to come out when you’re done shopping not remembering where you parked it.

For the younger generation, it’s easy to remember where you parked your car but for seniors, it can be challenging.

Fortunately, with Find My Car, you can locate the parking position of your car by use of GPS technology.

3. Mint

For seniors, keeping an eye on your monthly bills is a good thing. With Mint, you can organize all your bank accounts and credit cards in one simple organized place so you can know how much you’re spending on what items.

Mint also helps you to avoid unnecessary expenditure.

This app is available for free on Android and iOS devices.

4. Medisafe

Medisafe is yet another medication reminder app for seniors. If you or your senior loved ones have medications to take, you don’t want to skip any day or moment that you’re required to take pills.

With Medisafe, you’re constantly reminded when to take medications.

This app also shares useful information on certain medicines.

The app also lets you keep an eye on your prescriptions.

5. Facebook

Facebook is the largest social media platform with millions of users worldwide. Seniors aged between 50 and 64 make 68% of US adults using Facebook.

If you’re using Facebook on your desktop computers, you must admit that the social media platform has made the world a small playground.

Currently, seniors can keep in touch with their loved ones anywhere at any time.

Things have also been made easier for seniors by the development of the Facebook app that’s downloadable for free for Android and iOS users.

Today, seniors can stay updated on what’s happening around the world by just tapping the Facebook mobile app on their smartphones.

The app has everything there is in the desktop version of Facebook.

Seniors can engage with friends and family, send and receive instant messages, etc.

6. Pillboxie

As you start to grow older, your bodily processes start to slow down. Your brainpower also starts to decline. And no matter how sharp you’re, if you have to take certain medicines, it’s easier to forget some especially if you have to take many of them.

That’s where Pillboxie becomes useful.

This app lets seniors set reminders to know when it’s time to take their medication.

The app is simple to use.

You just need to enter all your medication, color-code them then set timed alerts.

When the time for taking the pills comes, the app will ring an alarm.

The good thing about this mobile app for seniors is that it comes with an intuitive interface hence it’s easy to use.

7. Skype

When it comes to keeping in touch with family members and friends, the cost of making distance calls can add up fast for seniors who want to communicate frequently.

Thankfully, with Skype, you can stay connected all time with a simple click of a button.

Skype lets you use their voice and video call functionality without breaking your brank.

8. Lyft and Uber

When Lyft and Uber made their debut, they were popular with the younger generation.

However, the apps are now useful for seniors as well.

With these apps, seniors can call a cab from the comfort of their home and go to your destination.

You can download the apps for free on iOS and Android devices.

Over to You

So there you have it- several mobile apps for seniors to make life easier. Remember that the list is not comprehensive. There are tens of thousands of handy mobile apps for seniors out there but we picked the best ones.

You also don’t need them all. Just download a few of these apps try them on your smartphone then come share your experience with us in the comment section.

If you didn’t find a suitable app for yourself in this list, let us know that in the comment section so we can add it.

 

Author Bio
Emma Coffinet is a technology expert who has an interest in making life easier for seniors. She also offers the best essay writing services to students in the subjects of psychology, health, and many others. If you’re looking for argumentative essay help then Emma is the right person to get in touch with.

 

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3 Easiest Ways to Record Phone Calls on iPhones
Aging

Health Benefits of Social Media for Seniors

by Kendall VanBlarcom
written by Kendall VanBlarcom

When you think of social media, I doubt you picture grandma tapping away on her smartphone.You would be surprised by the benefits of social media for seniors. Just three years ago the number of social media users over the age of 65 was thought to be under 10%.

Now, that number seems to be on the rise according to recent studies. The reasons for the recent rise in the popularity of social media with this generation is still up for debate. Some people speculate that it could be due to the unexpected health benefits older social media users are experiencing.

With this in mind, let’s look at 3 health benefits of social media for seniors:

Stress relief

  • As people age, relationships tend to become more distant and can often result in feelings of isolation and depression. It is a good idea to encourage the use of social media for seniors. The ability to be in close contact with family and friends has had a clear effect on senior’s stress level.
  • This is especially true when families are separated by long distances and a cross-country road trip or flight isn’t possible as often as they might like.
  • But even day to day interactions are made easier by social media.
  • Maybe your grandma hears about your new promotion on Facebook instead of finding out at Thanksgiving dinner months for now.
  • Maybe your grandpa is able to reconnect with a high school friend that he hasn’t spoken to in years.
  • Whatever it is, these interactions have a huge positive impact on how seniors feel about their relationships with friends and family.

Keeping an active mind

  • Social media keeps the mind engaged, which can, in turn, lead to better memory.
  • Social media platforms are ever-changing and fast paced. By being an active user, older people are challenging their minds to keep up with this pace.
  • And just like with physical exercise, the more you make your brain work, the stronger it is.
  • Research has found that social media for seniors likely plays a large role in mental health. This can result in less depression and more overall satisfaction with life.

Keeping an active body

  • Have you ever been scrolling through your Facebook feed and felt that little pang of jealousy? Maybe someone you know was doing something more fun than you.
  • That can actually be a huge motivating factor to get up and do something. Since staying active is one of the best ways to stay healthy as you age, this can have a huge impact on overall health.
  • During a study that was conducted in the UK and Italy, older members of the community were introduced to social media. The effects it had on them were monitored.
  • One woman reported finding a new love of life through social media. The 70-year-old claimed to have been invigorated. She lost a significant amount of weight and dyed her hair yellow.
  • Even if the changes aren’t so drastic as shedding unwanted pounds, just being motivated to go out to the flower garden in the front yard or take a walk through the park. Anything beyond your regular routine — can have great benefits for physical health.
  • Social media for seniors may seem unimportant to some, but it really does have the ability to positively affect your health and that of aging loved ones. Health Benefits of Social Media for Seniors
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Home & FamilyTech Support

Smartphone Tips for Grandparents

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

Today’s technology can be intimidating to those who grew up with rotary phones and black-and-white televisions, but that shouldn’t be a reason for seniors to steer clear of smartphones. These devices are a great way for grandparents to keep in touch with family and friends and can be excellent tools for monitoring health and preserving independence. These simple tips can help first-time users get comfortable with their new device.

Choose the right device

The type of device you choose will have a big impact on how easy your phone is to use. A common issue for seniors is dealing with tiny type on a small screen.

Choose a phone with a screen size of at least 6 inches. If you have trouble with touch screens, opt for a device like the Samsung Galaxy Note that comes with a stylus.

Select a phone that friends and family members are familiar with so they can help with set-up (often the most complicated part of using a smartphone) and troubleshooting.

Unlock these hidden features

If you have specific issues that make it difficult to use a smartphone – such as poor eyesight or hearing – both Android and iPhones have hidden accessibility features that can make your experience easier.

Android

Easy Mode: Samsung smartphones have a feature called Easy Mode in the Settings section of the phone. Turn it on and you’re left with just the phone’s three core uses phone, contacts, and tools/programs. You can customize this and turn it off and on depending on your needs.

Third Party Launcher: You can completely change the look of your Android phone to suit your needs by downloading a “Third Party Launcher” from the Google Play app store on your phone. Apps like Large Launcher, Big Launcher, Necta, and Wiser all have different features that are great for seniors, but the main affect is to make the text and icons larger.

iPhone

Zoom: Apple’s version of these “easy” features is Zoom mode under Settings. It enlarges everything on the screen to make it easier to see and use.


iPhone Zoom feature

Android and iPhone

Make your phone speak to you: Both Android and iPhones have a voice-over function under Settings (called TalkBack in Android and VoiceOver in iPhones) that allows the phone tell you what’s on the screen just by touching the screen.

Make it bigger: The Settings on your phone allow you to adjust the display size, color, and contrast, enlarge text size, and turn on a screen magnifier to help you see text more clearly. iPhones also have a magnification feature built into the camera so you can use your phone as a magnifying glass.


Larger text option

Skip the swipe: A common issue for seniors is difficulty using the touch and swipe motions needed to operate a smartphone. Apple’s Assistive Touch feature lets you perform any basic actions with just a tap, no swiping required.


iPhone’s Assistive Touch feature

Brighter notifications: If you don’t always hear the phone, the LED Flash Feature will alert you to calls and notifications. by flashing a bright LED light to notify you visually.

Get friendly with your voice assistant

Both Android and iPhone have built-in personal assistants who can do a lot for you. The Google Assistant (Android) and Siri (iPhone) can help you do most of what you need your phone to do. Ask them to make a phone call for you, play music, launch an app, give you driving directions, read your text messages – you may not even have to pick up your phone at all!

With just a few simple functions and a little time exploring, smartphones can be a great (and easy) way for seniors to use technology to stay in touch with family near and far.

Jennifer Pattison Tuohy is a freelance writer and contributor to Xfinity Mobile. She covers the intersection of sustainability and technology and writes about mobile phone technology, consumer tech, small businesses, and green living for a variety of newspapers, magazines, and online publications.

 

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Best Apps for Road Trips
Tech Support

Best Apps for Road Trips

by Carol Marak
written by Carol Marak

Summer equates to vacations. It’s the most favorable time for road trips. Kids are out of school and ready to take a trip with the grandparents. Together they prepare for their annual journey, off to discover the USA and its vistas, charming towns, and hidden gems. Best Apps for Road Trips
Traveling with the grandchildren shouldn’t break the bank. Think about your travel memories growing up. As a child, it had less to do with how much money your grandparents spent but more about the shared laughter, sight-seeing, and new places. You may have a few favorite snapshots framed and displayed around the house even today. Chances are, you still celebrate the past with warm thoughts and hope one day the grandkids will do the same. Best Apps for Road Trips
Planning a trip is half the fun. Do your homework and invite the grandchildren to join in the research. Together you can visit destination websites for value packages, discount tickets, downloadable coupons, and passes to multi-attraction offers. Once summer gets here, you have it all planned, down to the morning when you hit the road. But before getting into the car, be sure to load the smartphone with these fun apps to make your vacation less complicated and more enjoyable. The apps:

  • Flush Toilet Finder pinpoints public bathrooms in your current vicinity. It displays over 190,000 restrooms around the world. Free.
  • Tollsmart calculates toll costs on routes anywhere in the USA and Canada. $2.99 per month.
  • iExit helps plan your pit stops and tells you what’s ahead at upcoming exits from restaurants, gas stations, hotels. Free.
  • Glympse will share your location with fellow travelers. Just select contacts and give them permission to view your location for a set amount of time. Free.
  • GasBuddy locates the closest gas stations, with reviews. It’s the largest community-based fuel app. Free.
  • HotelTonight searches for last-minute hotel deals while on the road or at home. Search as early as a week ahead. Free.
  • Roadtrippers a route-planning app marks the starting and end points of the trip. It tells you what’s in between, where to eat, stay, and closest attractions. Free.
  • Waze helps you steer clear of traffic congestion and sends alerts about accidents or other snags, even shows the fastest route. Free.
  • RepairPal use the app on the road and at home for car trouble. Type in the make of the car and problem, it tells you area mechanics and estimates. Free.
  • Podcast Addict (Android) and Podcasts (Apple) offers a way to listen to stories about sports, politics, crime, dramas, and radio shows. Free.

Now you’re prepared for safe journeys. Have a fun and memorable vacation with the loved ones. Best Apps for Road Trips

Best Apps for Road Trips

Best Apps for Road Trips Best Apps for Road Trips Best Apps for Road Trips Best Apps for Road Trips

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Fun Apps for Elders
Tech Support

Fun Apps for Elders

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Not Just for Calls: Fun Apps to Get Seniors Familiar with Their Smartphones

The best thing about smartphones is that they aren’t just for making phone calls. There are tons of different things you can do on today’s mobile devices and learning how to use one can be a fun experience for seniors. Fun Apps for Elders
Oftentimes, seniors may not want to worry about learning new technologies, but smartphones are actually easy to learn and worth taking the time to do so. Not only can they help keep you in contact with your family, they can provide hours of entertainment. Here are a few apps that can help seniors learn about their smartphones. Fun Apps for Elders

Coloring Book for Me & Mandala

The main way the people interface with smartphones is through the touchscreen capabilities. Knowing where to touch and when to touch are important to know, and this coloring book app can help seniors learn the different touching techniques.
By using a coloring book, seniors can learn how to hone in on the areas they want to interact with. This will quickly teach them about the touch technology properties through trial and error while having a visible reward when they succeed.
The app has hundreds of colors and designs to choose from, so they will always have something new to color: everything from plants and animals to geometric designs like mandalas are available for free through the app. They can also share their creations with their family and friends through social media or email. A few praises from the people they care about can really go a long way in making seniors want to stay with a hobby. Fun Apps for Elders

Skype

Another prominent smartphone feature is cameras, which can be a little tricky to learn at first for some seniors. By using a face-to-face call service like Skype, seniors can quickly learn how to manipulate the cameras so they can talk to their family and friends.
Skype will show seniors how to use the forward-facing camera to have conversations over the phone as if they were in the same room as the person they are talking to. The app will show the other person on a large portion of the screen, while they will be able to see themselves in a small window at the bottom. This can help them familiarize themselves with the smartphone orientation and camera capabilities. Fun Apps for Elders

Games

There are too many games that seniors can enjoy on their smartphones to name any specific ones. If they browse the store, they will be sure to find one that appeals to them quickly.
After they learn the basics of the smartphone, they can play almost any game offered, whether it’s an old-school game like chess, checkers or even board games like Monopoly, or a new puzzle or mystery game, there are hundred — if not thousands — of games that seniors can enjoy when they want a little time alone.
Seniors may balk at the idea of having a smartphone, but these apps can really help them quickly learn how to use one.

Fun Apps for Elders

Fun Apps for Elders Fun Apps for Elders Fun Apps for Elders Fun Apps for Elders Fun Apps for Elders

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