Once you have your smartphone, there are countless apps available; some will make your life easier, some will help you pass the time. Unfortunately, this abundance can be problematic as it becomes difficult to navigate which apps are worth downloading. While you’re getting used to navigating your smartphone, here are some excellent apps to have downloaded.
Medical ID: In Case of Emergency
– Android only
This app allows you to create medical profiles that can be accessed from your phone’s lock screen. In an emergency where your phone can’t be unlocked, this app lets first responders and emergency medical technicians get quick access to information such as your allergies, blood type, or emergency contacts.
There is also a premium version that can be purchased from the Google Play store. The developer recommends using the free version first to make sure the app works well with your device.
The premium app has the following features:
- Immediate access to pertinent medical information from your lock screen
- Ability to send an emergency text with an estimated location with one click
- Emergency contact calls without having to unlock your phone.
MyID – Medical ID Profile
– Available for iOS
Another medical identification app, MyID, allows you to create a profile of your emergency information that will be accessible via a QR code on your phone’s lock screen. This app is free, but there is a paid version that has a few more features.
The following chart gives the features of each of the MyID app versions:
| Feature | Free | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Information | Yes | Yes |
| List of Medications | Yes | Yes |
| List of Allergies | Yes | Yes |
| Emergency Contacts | Yes | Yes |
| Physician Information | Yes | Yes |
| Insurance Information | Yes | Yes |
| Ability To Notify Emergency Contacts | Yes | Yes |
| Text GPS location of where Medical ID is scanned | No | Yes |
| Upload and store documents (insurance, living wills, etc.) | No | Yes |
| Pill reminder | No | Yes |
Find My Phone
– Available for Both Android and iOS
If your phone is ever lost or stolen, this app locates your phone using its GPS. However, the app must be installed on your device before it is lost or stolen to work. After installation and setup, log in to the website to locate your device. You will also have access to the device’s previous locations.
Kindle
– Available for Both Android and iOS
This app allows you to access ebooks – and magazines, newspapers, comics, mangas, and more – on your phone. While there is free content available in the Kindle store, most of the content will have to be purchased.
Libby App By OverDrive
– Available for Both Android and iOS
Honestly, this is a must-have app for all people, not just seniors. Libby connects you to your local public library to check out digital copies of ebooks and audiobooks.
Easy to Use mp3 Player for Seniors (Audiobook Devices for Elderly)
Even better, you don’t have to go to the library to check out books physically; you do it all on your device. When the book is due back, it automatically returns itself. All that’s required is that you have an active library card.
Reading Glasses – Magnifier
– Available for Android
With this app, you can use your smartphone to magnify and illuminate any fine print you may be having trouble reading. The app developers state that the image quality will depend on your phone’s camera and recommends cameras higher than 8 MP.
Glasses
– Available for iOS
Similar to Reading Glasses for the Android platform, Glasses allows you to magnify and illuminate the things you’d like to read that are too small. In addition to magnifying the world around you, this app works with your selfie camera to illuminate and magnify your face.
Words With Friends
– Available for Both Android and iOS
This is a mobile game similar to Scrabble. You can challenge friends and loved ones, no matter how much distance is between you. You can also play with strangers. This game is fun and keeps your mind sharp, which can potentially hold off age-related mental deterioration.
AARP
– Available for Both Android and iOS
The American Association of Retired Persons has a mobile app that’s free for Android and iOS platforms. The app’s features include:
- Digital Membership Card
- Access to and management of your account
- Find membership discounts, events, and offers near you.
Sources: AppGrooves; Perspectives On Psychological Science; AARP
Best Seller Smartphone Apps
Check out some more best-selling smartphone apps that may be of interest to you. Amazon maintains a bestseller list of apps & games that you can check. We’ve also created a list of Amazon’s apps and games for seniors.
- Thoughtful Designs for Mature Adults and Seniors:
- - Big-font numbers: easy to read and comfortable on the eyes.
- - Big buttons: simple to tap for speed, precision, and navigation.
- Classic Mahjong Solitaire: Staying true to the original gameplay, it presents traditional card tile...
- Special Innovations: Besides the classic, our game introduces special tiles that add a fresh twist...
- Large-Scale Design: Our mahjong games feature large, easily readable text sizes to alleviate the...
- Features:
- - EXTRA LARGE PUZZLE PIECES FOR SENIORS: The pieces of this jigsaw puzzle are extra large, making...
- - EVERYTHING IS LARGE - TAILORED FOR SENIORS: Specially designed for seniors full of care and love....
- Simple and intuitive interface
- Unlimited undos and hints
- Custom Settings: portrait or landscape mode, draw 1 or 3 card mode
- 1. Nice graphics, easy to play ♠
- 2. Very Big and Easy-to-see cards ♥
- 3. Multiple choice backgrounds and cards with different styles ♣
