At the rate new gadgets are coming out these days, it can be hard to keep up!
Just a few weeks ago, Apple released its newest iPhone – the iPhone X. This version includes features that weren’t previously thought possible. The small emojis that populate text messages can now be animated by the user’s facial expressions (see how it works here). The new iPhone also includes facial recognition for unlocking your phone and one of the most powerful cameras ever built.
Of course, new technology like this means a steeper learning curve for folks who grew up with the rotary dial.
Luckily, there are easy-to-use and helpful apps for those in their golden years.
Here are our top five applications for retirees and older folks who are technologically savvy but aren’t interested in talking emojis…
- EyeReader (iPhone): This simple app is an easy replacement for a magnifying glass, and it was created specifically with seniors in mind. The creator of the app, Gerry Lavender, told Time magazine, “Older adults are looking for apps that meet their needs. You may forget your reading glasses, but you’re never without your iPhone.”Complete with different font size and brightness options, EyeReader magnifies anything, whether it’s a menu at a dimly lit restaurant or paperwork at the office. Say goodbye to those embarrassing moments when you can’t read the check… If you have your iPhone, you’re good to go.
- Park’n’Forget (iPhone): In a recent article, Bond Strategist Steve McDonald said that “getting lucky” in your older years means remembering where you parked. This app takes that sentiment to heart…Park’n’Forget will keep you from forgetting where you parked your vehicle! This app offers two options: You can manually input the floor and space number where you parked, or you can share your location with the app, and it will display a map so you can find your way back.This app will even remind you when your parking meter is about to expire and send you a notification telling you what time you need to leave to get back to your car in time. How’s that for getting lucky?!
- Pillboxie (iPhone and Android): Remembering to take your medication can be challenging… But this new app just made it a lot easier.Pillboxie schedules your medication dosage, and it includes customizable features that make it fun. You can change the color of the pills to correspond to their real-life colors and choose the way in which you want the pills to appear: a bottle or a weekly pillbox.Once you customize it to your liking, the app will automatically remind you to take your medication.
After you take your medication, you can record extra information like how you are feeling and if you accidentally took the medication a bit late.And you never have to worry about taking your medication twice again! As soon as you take your medication and dismiss the notification, the app will record that as well.
- Red Panic Button (iPhone and Android): This app provides independence and peace of mind for elderly folks who live on their own.Red Panic Button works similarly to Life Alert, sending an emergency message to loved ones with the touch of a single button. The biggest difference is that you can customize this app. For instance, you can choose the number of contacts you would like to include in the emergency notification. Also, when you press the panic button, your location is immediately sent to your contacts as well as a voice, video or text message, depending on your preference.The best part is you don’t need to wear it around your neck… instead it fits conveniently in your pocket.
- Lumosity (iPhone, Android and desktop): As you age, it is important to stay physically and mentally fit.
Lumosity is designed to keep memory and cognitive skills strong. Lumosity transforms tasks proven to increase cognitive function into fun minigames like unscrambling words and matching shapes.
The more you play, the more feedback you receive on how your mental fitness has improved. With this app, staying mentally fit is just one tap away.
We’ve been there… technology can be frustrating. That’s why it’s comforting to know there are applications designed with seniors in mind.
Whether it’s an app that strengthens your mental fitness or one that never lets you forget where you parked, try downloading one today…
Before you know it, you might work up the bravery to animate an emoji!
Good investing,
Morgan
