Independent Living

2/19/2015 | By Seniors Guide Staff

While having a mobile phone has been de rigeur for several years now, regular flip phones are on their way to becoming obsolete. According to the Pew Internet Research Project, about 90 percent of American adults have a cell phone and more than half these people (about 58 percent) have a smartphone. Many seniors think they don’t need a smartphone, or they are intimidated by the complicated tools and applications that come with it. However, there are several user-friendly apps that seniors would find particularly helpful. If you’ve been thinking of upgrading to a new Apple iPhone 6 or Android smartphone, try downloading one of these easy-to-use and handy apps:

EyeReader

If you have trouble reading books, prescriptions, menus or anything else, EyeReader can help magnify words and light them up so they’re easier to see. You simply hold your phone over the text you are trying to read, and the phone acts as an illuminated magnifying glass. This app is only $1.99 at the Apple store and is great for travel or anywhere you need a little help reading.

Lumosity

Lumosity is a great tool to boost cognitive development and keep your brain sharp. This app has games and puzzles designed by neuroscientists that enhance your memory and exercise your brain. You can personalize the programs to your needs and focus on aspects like speed, memory, attention or problem-solving abilities. The best part about this app? It’s free and compatible with Android and Apple phones, tablets or any device.

WebMD

WebMD has been a trusted site for medical information for years. Now, the site offers an easy-to-use app for on-the-go medical and healthy-living advice. The app has handy first aid and treatment tabs that can give you quick and easy answers to emergency medical situations and information about medications and their side effects. You can also store your own health information and keep track of it for your doctor or your own records.

Skype

Skype is the perfect tool for keeping in touch with loved ones and family members who live in other states. Skype is a video chat application that also has an instant messaging option for quick chats. The service was originally available only on computers, but now you can take it with you anywhere on your smartphone or tablet. What’s more—this video chatting tool is completely free and easy for anyone to use.

Med Watcher

There are a lot of phone apps that remind you to take pills or keep track of medical records and progress, but MedWatcher is all of that in one simple tool. This app can help you track your medical progress. You can schedule reminders for taking your medication and even set reminders for other things like dates with friends and doctors’ appointments. According to Sunrise Senior Living, this app is self-monitoring, so it will track your information for you. This app is free on Android and Apple devices.

Seniors Guide Staff

Seniors Guide has been addressing traditional topics and upcoming trends in the senior living industry since 1999. We strive to educate seniors and their loved ones in an approachable manner, and aim to provide them with the right information to make the best decisions possible.

Seniors Guide Staff