Phone Apps That Make Life Easier for Seniors

It’s important for older adults to know how to use technology to their advantage, because your smartphone is one of the best tools available for staying sharp, connected, and independent. From apps that remind you when to take your medication to ones that let you video chat with grandchildren across the country, technology has come a long way in making everyday life easier for seniors. Continue reading to discover some of the best apps for seniors, and how Porters Neck Village in Wilmington, NC, helps residents make the most of the technology available to them.

How Technology Empowers Seniors

Despite some outdated stereotypes, many seniors are accustomed to using their smartphones and other technology in their daily lives. According to a 2022 study by the Pew Research Center, 61% of adults 65 and older own a smartphone, and 75% report using the internet frequently. Whether you prefer more analog habits or if you already use your smartphone throughout each day, it’s important to know the many ways the phone in your pocket can make your life easier.

Stay In Touch With Loved Ones

Catching up with friends and family can bring joy to any day, and these apps make it easy to stay connected no matter the distance. 

• FaceTime or Zoom: Video call apps allow you to talk face to face with loved ones. If you have an iPad or iPhone, FaceTime is a great option. If you don’t have an Apple device or if you want to chat with many family members at once, Zoom is another convenient option.
• Facebook: Facebook is one of the most popular senior social networking apps, making it a great starting point if you’re new to social media. Scroll through photos of grandkids, join community groups, or share updates of your own. 
• Life360: This app allows family members to share their real-time location with each other. It offers peace of mind for both seniors and their families, letting everyone know their loved ones arrived safely.

Simplify Your Routine

Many apps are designed to make the tedious parts of your day easier. Whether they provide reminders or shortcuts, these are some of the best apps for seniors.

• Medisafe: This medication reminder app alerts you when it’s time to take your pills and tracks your history so you never lose track of your prescriptions.
• LastPass: The more apps you download, the more passwords you’ll have to remember. No more forgetting where you wrote down your Netflix password; LastPass securely stores all your logins in one place.
• Uber: When you’d rather not drive or don’t have a ride available, Uber connects you with a driver in minutes, making it easy to get to appointments, run errands, or meet friends for lunch.
• Instacart: Similar to Uber, if you need groceries but don’t feel like driving to the store, Instacart provides a personal shopping service. Simply order your grocery list and wait for it to arrive on your doorstep. 

Keep Your Mind Sharp

Keeping your brain active is just as important as keeping your body active. Brain games for seniors, in particular, are incredible apps that provide a fun, mentally stimulating pastime. 

• Duolingo: Always wanted to learn a new language? Duolingo turns daily lessons into bite-sized games, making it fun to pick up some French, Spanish, or any other language of your choice.
• Words With Friends: This digital take on Scrabble lets you challenge family and friends to a game anytime, anywhere, all while building your vocabulary.
• Solitaire apps: A classic solo card game that’s just as fun on a screen, solitaire employs logic and strategic planning, keeping the mind stimulated.
• Mahjong apps: This tile-matching game challenges memory and pattern recognition, offering a fun way to give your brain a workout.
• Sudoku apps: These number puzzles are a great way to practice logic and problem-solving skills, one grid at a time.

Enjoy Your Hobbies On The Go

Your smartphone can not only keep you entertained, it can also help you expand your interests and teach you new things.

• SilverSneakers GO: Designed specifically for older adults, this fitness app for seniors offers guided workout videos and fitness tracking tailored to your ability level and goals. It also helps you find classes at local gyms and community centers so you can try something new!
• Libby: Connected to your local library, Libby lets you borrow eBooks and audiobooks for free, straight to your phone or tablet.
• Audible: Audible lets you listen to thousands of audiobooks narrated by professional voice actors, so you can enjoy a good book while on a walk, doing laundry, or simply relaxing. 
• Spotify: Spotify provides access to an extensive library of music, podcasts, and audiobooks.
• PlantSnap: Curious about that flower on your walk? Simply snap a photo, and PlantSnap will identify the plant species in seconds. If you love gardening, the app also provides watering and care tips.
• Merlin Bird ID:  A must-have for bird watchers, this app helps identify birds by sight or sound, making every walk outside a little more interesting.

Technology at Porters Neck Village

Porters Neck Village uses forward-thinking technology to enhance the lives of our residents. Our community app makes it simple to request work orders for your residence, sign up for outings, arrange transportation, and more. Plus, each week we host Technology Wednesday, an educational discussion led by a tech expert so residents can learn more about their mobile devices. We also provide fiber internet, so you can enjoy fast internet speeds and easy access to all your favorite apps, as well as easy setups for cable and streaming services in your residence.

Contact us today and explore all the ways you can pursue passions and stay engaged at Porters Neck Village with a tour of our active community.